CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I

Under the direction of the Forensic Division supervisor, the Crime Scene Investigator I performs forensic processing of evidence using a variety of traditional methods and documents evidence and findings in support of law enforcement activities for the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD).

Crime Scene Investigator I is a civilian position. The position is structured to provide for career advancement to Crime Scene Investigator II based on an employee’s successful attainment of job-related skills.

Crime Scene Response and Evidence Processing

·       Respond to traffic related assignments and calls for service including homicides, sexual assaults, robberies, aggravated assaults, human trafficking, burglaries, thefts, motor vehicle thefts, arson, non-fatal shootings, and car jackings.

·       Conduct crime scene investigations, properly documenting all pertinent information including evidence recovery, preservation, and chain of custody.

·       Identify, collect, and secure physical evidence including blood, body fluids, hair, fibers, and firearms for laboratory testing and use of evidence in criminal prosecutions.

·       Search for and develop latent prints at crime scenes.

·       Produce casting of footprints, tire tracks, and other impressions.

·       Use a variety of chemicals to enhance biological evidence.

·       Recover video at crime scenes and reformat if needed to provide digital evidence.

·       Process evidence submitted to the Forensics Laboratory, including visual examination and chemical processing of physical evidence, collection of DNA evidence, and use of photography to document evidence.

Specialized Duties

·       Provide photographic services for a variety of departmental needs, including crime scene representation, evidence documentation, and promotional and other public relations events; photograph and fingerprint suspects, victims (including deceased individuals), witnesses, and job applicants.

·       Assist in prisoner processing procedures and prisoner identification through fingerprint comparison, verification, and classification using the Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS) and MPD databases.

·       Provide expert testimony in court.

Administrative Support Duties

·       Provide excellent customer service by professionally and courteously responding to customer inquiries.

·       Compile data and prepare, review, and complete narrative and statistical reports and documentation of work completed, including crime scene diagrams.

·       Complete property inventory reports and ensure proper chain of custody of all evidence.

·       Maintain accurate records and upload crime scene photographs, digital evidence, and other documents into digital evidence management systems and the records management system.

·       Operate a department vehicle and stock vehicle with appropriate supplies.

We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.

The Crime Scene Investigator I must be willing and able to do the following:

·       Be flexible with shift hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and overtime to meet operational demands, often with little notice, such as in the event of an emergency or staff shortage.

·       Work in the field, responding to and investigating crime scenes.

·       Perform medium physical activity, including walking, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, and lifting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly to move objects.

·       Withstand exposure to extreme weather conditions, noise, and other hazards, including the wearing of personal protective equipment (PPE) as appropriate.

·       Complete a minimum of 40 hours of training identified by the MPD related to crime scene processing and related forensic disciplines within two years of hire or promotion date.

·       A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, forensic science, or a related field from an accredited college or university.

·       Experience in law enforcement corrections, forensic science disciplines, photography, computer science, or information technology (IT).

·       Experience using the AFIS database for fingerprint identification and related technology.

TECHNICAL

·       General knowledge of law enforcement practices.

·       Ability to read maps and learn the geography of the City of Milwaukee.

·       Ability to observe and recall details.

·       Ability to learn techniques for gathering and preserving physical evidence.

·       Ability to learn techniques for gathering, recovering, and managing digital evidence.

·       Ability to learn forensic techniques and best practices, including the use of digital equipment, lighting, filtration, infrared, and ultraviolet techniques.

·       Ability to learn to use powders and chemicals to process scenes for physical evidence and subsequent lifting/photographing as well as standard techniques for the classification, development, transfer, and chemical processing of physical evidence.

·       Ability to read and understand work-related documents.

·       Ability to learn the rules of evidence and court methods.

·       Proficiency using the Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook, Word, and Excel.

·       Ability to become proficient using various specialized databases for fingerprint analysis and identification.

·       Ability to hone photography skills to be able to photograph lineups and perform public relations assignments.

·       Ability to collect, analyze, and interpret data and statistics using quantitative and qualitative methods.

·       Ability to use both tactical and strategic crime analysis techniques when addressing crime problems.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

·       Customer service skills, empathy, and tact to be able to serve the public respectfully and represent the department positively; ability to provide services in a culturally sensitive manner.

·       Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with sworn and civilian staff, counterparts in the intelligence and law enforcement communities, representatives of City departments, elected officials, and the public.

·       Ability to work cooperatively and fairly with others whose backgrounds may differ from one’s own.

·       Data compilation and written communication skills to be able to produce charts, maps, and narrative reports to communicate findings in a concise and well-organized manner.

·       Verbal communication skills, including the ability to respond to questions, explain complex technical information, and provide testimony in court.

CRITICAL THINKING AND PROFESSIONALISM

·       Ability to work independently with minimal direct supervision.

·       Ability to plan and accomplish work, manage multiple assignments simultaneously, and meet deadlines.

·       Ability to handle sensitive information carefully.

·       Situational awareness and the ability to remain composed during stressful situations.

·       Ability to use positive coping skills to handle frequent exposure to the details of events, crimes, and tragedies.

·       Analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills as well as sound judgment.

·       Ability to perform quality control and verification work accurately.

·       Honesty and the ability to maintain the utmost confidentiality regarding all police matters.

·       Ability to adhere to City of Milwaukee, departmental, and divisional policies; applicable ordinances; the MPD Code of Conduct and Standard Operating Procedures; and forensic science standards and best practices.

·       Commitment to continuous learning and to participation in job-related training and professional organizations such as the International Association for Identification to maintain current knowledge and skills in forensics analysis.

THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. Selection process component weights will be determined by further analysis of the job.

INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the date listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the needs of the City have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.

NOTE: To be hired by the Milwaukee Police Department, candidates must pass an MPD background investigation before hire. Your application will be rejected if you have been convicted of a felony.

·       Applications and further information may be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.

·       If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.

·       The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.

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The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.