Forensic Analyst

Provides and supports crime scene processing and forensic evidence collection. Performs and supports all types of crime scene processing and evidence collection but may be assigned a specialized area of focus and serve as a lead in that area., Must reside within 50 miles from the center of Salt Lake County (4748 S. 440 W) to ensure compliance with the Sheriff’s Office vehicle use policy and timely call out response.

Due to the nature of this position, the successful applicant must pass a required Sheriff’s Office pre-employment background check.

Must receive a verified negative test result on a mandatory drug test before starting in this position. Will be subject to random alcohol and drug testing., * Processes crime scenes in the search and recovery of latent finger and palm prints, shoe wear & tire tread impressions, trace evidence, DNA and other physical evidence.

• Documents crime scenes by various photography/video technologies, detailing notes of the scene, and completes sketches and 3-D diagrams as necessary.
• Manages evidence ensuring procedures are followed/completed according to SOP’s, Federal Rules of Evidence and Daubert Criteria.
• Gathers, preserves, books and/or stores evidence, maintaining integrity of evidence through appropriate collection, handling, security, and chain of custody, etc.
• Conducts latent fingerprint and palm print searches for criminal identification and elimination purposes using the ABIS (Automated Biometric Identification System) or other automated fingerprint systems.
• Administers/conducts tests or examinations and/or evaluates results of physical evidence.
• Writes reports documenting findings and conclusions of casework. Writes or drafts technical reports, articles, or related material based on research, investigation, or analysis. Prepares exhibits for court proceedings as required.

• Responds to area hospitals and the medical examiners’ office building for autopsies to document and collect evidence in criminal investigations.

• Prepares chemicals/solutions used to process latent prints and blood enhancement.

• May provide expert testimony in court on matters related to crime scene investigation techniques and photography, evidence chain of custody, etc.
• Delivers presentations, training, instruction to staff, management, clients, or the general public as assigned.
• Operates LiveScan (digital fingerprinting system) for criminal cases and the general public.
• Collects money and operates the cash register.
• Performs blood draws on subjects to determine drug and alcohol content.

• Operates, maintains, calibrates, and adjusts specialized equipment.

• Ensures laboratory, office, and photographic equipment are in good working order and work areas are kept clean.

• Drives, maintains, and keeps standard size marked crime scene vehicles clean.

• Stays abreast of trends and innovations in the fields of crime analysis, photography, fingerprint identification, and forensics, and trains in those areas., The candidate will be subject to risks found in the typical office setting, which is adequately lighted, heated and ventilated. The proper and safe use of office equipment, emergency evacuation procedures, and fire safety are provided.

The risk of exposure to blood borne pathogens, airborne pathogens and infectious diseases is prevalent in this position. Biological safety protocols and equipment are implemented, and safety training is provided.

While performing the duties of this position, the employee will be exposed to disagreeable elements, such as: heat, cold, rain, snow, offensive fumes and odors, dust, firearms, sharps, controlled substances, high intensity light including ultra-violet and lasers, hazardous chemicals, bodily fluids, deceased bodies and body parts, and other crime scene materials.

Many functions of the work pose a high degree of hazard uncertainty. Various levels of mental application are required, such as: memory for details, emotional stability, discriminating thinking, and creative problem solving.

Frequent travel in crime scene vehicles is required in the daily performance of the job duties. Travel to local courts as an expert witness is required.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

The position requires the ability to work all hours of the day and night, on weekends, holidays, on a 24-hour on-call schedule.

Willingness to assist when not on a scheduled “on-call” status to respond to major events where on-duty and on-call resources are not adequate.

Frequent travel in crime scene vehicles is required in the daily performance of the job duties. Travel to local courts as expert witness is required.

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in forensic science, Criminalistics, Biology, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, or related field; and three (3) years of experience in crime lab techniques; OR seven (7) years of experience in crime lab techniques from a recognized forensic laboratory; or a combination of education and/or experience.

Related experience would be in one or more of the following areas: Latent Print Processing/Analysis, Firearms/NIBIN, Digital Evidence Processing, FARO, and/or Blood Spatter.

Must be an IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator at the time of hire. Must obtain and maintain IAI certification for either Crime Scene Analyst or Senior Crime Scene Analyst within one (1) year of hire date.

Must have Phlebotomy License at time of hire or obtain it within one (1) year.

Must have valid Utah driver’s license, * Print characteristic/classifications.

• Utah Criminal Code Evidence Procedures
• Criminal Court “Chain of Evidence Procedures”
• Law Enforcement Bureau policy and procedure
• Law Enforcement Bureau command structure
• Office Automation Equipment
• Law enforcement Code of Ethics

Skills and Abilities to:

• Work with computer software related to job specific duties
• Efficient in time management skills relating to daily work activities, tasks, and special assignments.
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The position requires moderate physical exertion and requires the ability to stand; walk over rough surfaces; bend, crouch, stoop, stretch, reach, in a recurring manner and/or for long periods of time.

The position requires the ability to lift moderately heavy items, 50 lbs., process scenes with deceased persons and walk, climb, and crawl through confining spaces, treacherous terrain, biohazards and other factors encountered at crime scenes.

The position requires the ability to drive county vehicles without mechanical assistance in normal and inclement weather conditions safely., Analysis Skills, Automation, Autopsy, Biology, Chain of Custody, Chemistry, Communication Skills, Computer Forensics, Computer Software, Criminal Justice, DNA, Depth Perception, Documentation, Driver’s License, Emergency Procedures, Federal Rules of Evidence, Fire Safety, Firearms Experience, Forensic Science, Hospital, Housekeeping/Cleaning, Laboratory, Laboratory Techniques, Law Enforcement, Maintain Compliance, Medical Office, Office Equipment, On Call, People Management, Phlebotomy, Photography, Physical Demands, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Procedure Implementation, Reporting Skills, Safety Process, Safety Training, Staff Training, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Technical Drawing, Telephone Skills, Testing, Time Management, Training/Teaching, Vehicle Driving, Willing to Travel