CRIME SCENE SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2302-6350-001

Introduction

The Tucson Police Department invites applicants for the position of Crime Scene Specialist. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals with strong analytical, report-writing, photography, and investigative skill. Candidates must be flexible, team-oriented, methodical, objective, and work well in high stress situations. The crime scene investigation function is a critical element to the agency mission of protecting life and property, preventing crime and resolving problems.

Under supervision from a Crime Scene Specialist Supervisor or general guidance from a Lead Crime Scene Specialist, the Crime Scene Specialist performs forensic examinations of various crime scenes utilizing digital photography and other specialized tools and equipment. Incumbents are responsible for the identification, analysis, collection, preservation, and transport of evidence related to crime scene investigations.

The working conditions and environmental demands of this function will result in exposure to biological hazards of varying degrees such as odors, decomposing bodies, and insects. In addition, incumbents may be exposed to emotionally challenging situations and traumatic crime scenes. Ability to practice self-care and adapt to potentially hostile situations while remaining calm is critical for success.

This is a fantastic opportunity to serve in a mission-critical position while serving the Tucson community. Be a part of this growing, innovative law enforcement agency!

The City of Tucson offers a robust total rewards package to include a comprehensive benefits package (medical, dental, vision), retirement, paid-time off, tuition reimbursement, employee assistance programs, and professional development opportunities.

General Description

Conducts crime scene investigations. Identifies, photographs, collects, and preserves evidence associated with crime scenes.

Essential Functions

Conducts forensic crime scene investigations. Documents crime scenes, physical injuries, victims, suspects, and evidence through the use of forensic photography. Assesses, collects, packages and preserves evidence to include latent fingerprints, physical evidence, and biological evidence such as blood, hair, and bodily fluids. Safely contains all bio-hazardous materials for transport to evidence storage area. Photographs and obtains fingerprints at postmortem investigations. Records actions taken through the use of written reports. Provides expert courtroom testimony.

Fingerprints criminals for the purpose of identification and meeting state requirements. Conducts background checks and computer searches associated with the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Information System and state, local and national database systems. Performs known-to-known fingerprint comparisons. Provides fingerprint services to the public and City employees.

Develops and prints all photographic images associated with the department. Maintains photo processing, studio and crime scene photography equipment.

Manages and houses all department negatives, and sorts, files and distributes photographs. Operates the electronic mug shot identification and digital image management systems.

Maintains and updates all fingerprint files, background checks associated with identity thefts and photo request orders. Provides interagency and departmental assistance, monitors quality control, makes presentations at public speaking events, processes daily arrest paperwork, and provides customer service.

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Education Level & Type: Associates Degree

Minimum Experience and Qualifications: At least 1 year of experience in professional photography in a crime scene processing, law enforcement or closely related field

Special Job Requirements

Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS) Network Terminal Operator Certification (TOC) within 30 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Experience working in law enforcement, crime scene processing, criminal justice, or a related field.

Selection Plan

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications of the position will be invited to participate in the examination process that will consist of the following:

WRITTEN EXAMINATION

All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications for the position will be invited to the written examination.

Written exam is scheduled for Saturday February 25, 2023 at the Miracle Mile Police Substation. 


PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT

The top 50 scoring applicants from the written examination will be invited to the practical assessment.

Practical assessment is scheduled for the week of March 6, 2023 (one appointment slot per applicant). 


ORAL BOARD INTERVIEW

All applicants who pass the practical assessment will be invited to an oral board interview.

Oral board examination is scheduled for the week of March 20, 2023. 

 

Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on the Civil Service Employment List that will be used to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months.

An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service list will be based on their final score which will be calculated as:

25% of your written examination 

25% of your practical examination 

50% of your oral board interview

 

Candidates placed on the Employment List will be subject to the following:

  • An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks 
  • Driving History 
  • Psychological evaluation

Conclusion

Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must upload your documentation as part of the application process or email it to Jennifer.Urbina@tucsonaz.gov and Carolyn.Cruse@tucsonaz.gov. The DD 214 must be a copy that indicates characterization of service. If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act- related accommodation during the testing process, please contact Carolyn Cruse at 520-837-7755 at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.

 

CONTACTS: Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively so please ensure your browser accepts emails from jobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification. All email inquiries should be directed to Carolyn.Cruse@tucsonaz.gov. 

Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements

Basic Physical

Respirator Physical

Hep B Vaccine (follow City of Tucson protocol)

Non-NIDA Drug Test

30 lb Lift Test

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To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.