Crime Scene Investigator I/II

Job Description:

Crime Scene Investigator I/II

Description

About the Opportunity

THE POSITION

Crime Scene Investigator I is the entry in the Crime Scene Investigator series. Individuals in this classification are uniformed members of the Sheriff's Department and are assigned to work field operation crime scenes and work on scene under the supervision of a Supervising Crime Scene Investigator, Sergeant or other case agent. The Crime Scene Investigator I is responsible to collect and preserve evidence used in the prosecution of criminals; operate photographic equipment; identify persons through fingerprints; prepare and identify criminal identification records; and perform other duties as assigned. Incumbents will work outdoors in all kinds of weather and will work around decomposing bodies and scenes where violent crimes have occurred. This position requires ongoing training, and incumbents are expected to obtain certification through the International Association for Identification.

Crime Scene Investigator I is the entry in the Crime Scene Investigator series that is trained to collect and preserve evidence in accordance with accepted practices and procedures. Crime Scene Investigator II is the fully trained, journey level investigator that is certified and capable of providing training and guidance to Crime Scene Investigators I and taking the lead when multiple investigators are assigned to a scene.

Crime Scene Investigator II is the journey level in the Crime Scene Investigator series. Individuals in this classification are uniformed members of the Sheriff's Department and are assigned to work field operation crime scenes and work under the supervision of a Supervising Crime Scene Investigator or Sergeant or case agent. The Crime Scene Investigator II is responsible to collect and preserve evidence used in the prosecution of criminals; operate photographic equipment; identify persons through fingerprints; prepare and identify criminal identification records; and perform other duties as assigned. Additionally at the Crime Scene Investigator II level, incumbents serve as NIBIN Technicians, train and lead other staff, and are certified as Crime Scene Investigators by the International Association for Identification. Incumbents will work outdoors in all kinds of weather and will work around decomposing bodies and scenes where violent crimes have occurred.

To learn more about the Sheriff's Office, click here .

Unless otherwise provided, this position is part of the Classified Service of the County and is assigned to the Technical Services bargaining unit for labor relations purposes.

Individuals who are in a full-time classification position are required to serve a twelve-month probationary period, which may be extended an additional six months, for a total of eighteen months.

Incumbents may also be subject to overtime, standby, callback, weekend, holiday and shift assignments as identified in their MOU (Memorandum of Understanding).

The Job Task Analysis provides information detailing the physical and functional demands of the classification. For the complete job task analysis, visit the Risk Management website at http://www.stancounty.com/riskmgmt/ under the "Disability" tab.

Typical Tasks

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I

• Respond to a variety of situations including homicides, suicides, shootings, including officer involved shootings, rapes, and assaults to process the scene;
• Photograph and videotape crime scenes to meet evidentiary requirements; take entry and exit photographs, set crime scene markers; locate, tag, photograph and process evidence, blood spatters, foot/shoe prints, tire tracks, victims and suspects;
• Take impressions of tire tracks and foot/shoe prints;
• Locate and lift latent prints; examine fingerprints and upload to databases; make positive identifications, testify in court;
• Obtain samples such as possible blood, urine, tissue, semen, gunshot residue, buccal swabs or other materials; use chemicals to enhance blood or fingerprints; obtain fingernail samples and scraping; obtain DNA samples from crime scene, victim and suspect;
• Identify blood stains using UV light or Luminol; photograph and take samples;
• Collect bullet casings, noting location, and enter into National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN); serve as NIBIN Technician;
• Collects external swabs in rape cases pending Sexual Assault Rape Team response;
• Photograph autopsies as directed by pathologist;
• Perform general office work, enter information into a variety of regional and national databases; deliver sample to federal crime lab for processing;
• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Explain in understandable terms the policies and procedures of the Sheriff's Department;
• Operate special equipment designed to locate and collect evidence.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II

• All typical tasks from Crime Scene Investigator I and;
• Train and lead less experienced staff;

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education/Experience)

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I

Skills/abilities

• Learn the principles, techniques and methods used in crime scene processing, crime scene photography, and fingerprint collection and analysis;
• Learn to safely handle biological samples and chemicals;
• Speak and write clearly and effectively;
• Learn and apply departmental policies and procedures;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action;
• Develop rapport and obtain cooperation from crime victims, witnesses, and the public;
• Maintain accurate and concise records and reports;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Recognize and maintain confidential information;
• Operate a police radio and mobile digital terminal;
• Sketch charts, graphs and diagrams;
• Lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds;
• Operate a computer terminal and printer;
• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Testify in court regarding evidence collection and processing methods.

Knowledge

• Photography and techniques of photography and fingerprinting;
• Basic organization and functions of a law enforcement agency;
• General office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment and computer terminals;
• Record keeping principles;
• Correct English usage, spelling and punctuation;
• Rules of evidence;
• Basic interviewing methods and techniques;
• Geography of Stanislaus County; and
• Civil law and procedures.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Testify in court as a fingerprint expert;
• Testify in court regarding evidence collection and processing methods;
• Safely collect and process evidence;
• Speak and write clearly and effectively;
• Apply departmental policies and procedures;
• Analyze situations accurately and adopt effective courses of action;
• Develop rapport and obtain cooperation from crime victims, witnesses and the public;
• Maintain accurate and concise records and reports;
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions;
• Recognize and maintain confidential information;
• Operate a police radio and mobile digital terminal;
• Sketch charts, graphs and diagrams;
• Lift objects weighing up to 30 pounds; and
• Operate a computer and use investigative and criminal applications.

KNOWLEDGE

• Principles and techniques of crime scene photography;
• Principles and techniques of fingerprint collection and identification;
• Advanced principles and practices of crime scene processing;
• Safe practices when working with biological and chemical evidence and methods of disinfecting and cleaning person and locations;
• Organization and functions of a law enforcement agency;
• General office practices, including the operation of standard office equipment and computer terminals;
• Record keeping principles;
• Correct English usage, spelling and punctuation;
• Rules of evidence;
• Basic interviewing methods and techniques;
• Geography of Stanislaus County; and
• Civil law and procedures.

We recognize your time is valuable, please only apply if you meet the following required qualifications.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR I

PATTERN I

• High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency; AND
• Two (2) years of full-time work experience involving public contact in a law enforcement setting comparable to a Stanislaus County Community Service Officer.

PATTERN II

• High school graduate or General Educational Development (GED) equivalency; AND
• One (1) year of full-time work experience comparable to a Stanislaus County Forensic Autopsy Technician.

PATTERN Ill

• Associates degree or higher in Forensic Science, Criminology, or Criminal Justice; AND
• Six (6) months full time experience in a law enforcement setting.

CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR II

• Two (2) years of full-time work experience comparable to a Stanislaus County Crime Scene Investigator I.

License and Certification

• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License.
• Successful completion of POST certified Crime Scene Photography and Latent Print Examination courses.
• Possess and maintain Crime Scene Certification through the International Association for Identification or other certification acceptable to the department.

Special Requirement

• Physical/manipulative abilities required by the department;
• Mental/cognitive abilities required by the department;
• Possess and maintain a valid California Driver's License;
• Must be of good moral character with no felony convictions and must not have been convicted of a crime for which the punishment could have been imprisonment in a Federal penitentiary or State prison.

Proof of education is required for verification purposes after the eligible list has been established as part of the selection interview process. Proof of education (transcripts and/or degree) may be attached at the time of online application submission if available.

Application and Selection Procedures

APPLICATION PROCEDURES/FINAL FILING DATE

Applications cannot be submitted later than 5:00 p.m. on the final filing date. Make your online application as complete as possible so a full and realistic appraisal may be made of your qualifications.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Attaching your resume and cover letter are an optional feature for those who wish to do so in addition to completing the required application. Information on your resume and cover letter will not substitute for the education, work experience and required fields on the County application. The online County application is the primary tool used to evaluate your job qualifications.

EXAMINATION PROCESS

Most County recruitments consists of the steps detailed below and are governed by Merit Principles. The examination process ensures that all applicants are given the same opportunity to gain employment within Stanislaus County.

• Application Review and Screening. Applications are carefully screened based on information provided. Those who submit incomplete applications that lack relevant qualifications or do not submit all required documents will not be invited to move on.
• Written Examination. Applicants will be invited to participate in a written exam that tests knowledge for the position.
• Oral Examination. Applicants are invited to a panel interview in which they will be evaluated by County subject matter experts.
• Eligible Lists. Candidates who pass the examination will be placed on an eligible list for that classification. Eligible lists are effective for six months, but may be extended up to eighteen months.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Application Deadline: 08/06/25 at 5 p.m.

Written Examination: TBD

Oral Examination: TBD

Note: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may be used to fill future extra-help, part-time and full-time vacancies throughout Stanislaus County .

GENERAL INFORMATION

Final appointment will be conditional upon successfully passing a County paid pre-employment drug screening (if applicable for position) and a job-related background investigation.

Some positions may require possession or the ability to obtain, and maintenance of a valid California Driver’s license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job related essential functions.

Stanislaus County supports the good health of its workforce. More information is available at http://myclubwellness.org

Cell phones are typically incompatible with the online application format or browser. We recommend using a desktop or laptop computer. If you are still having technical difficulties, please call NEOGOV at 1-855-524-5627.

Benefits associated with this position can be found at Benefits Summary.

Closing Date/Time: 8/6/2025 5:00 PM Pacific

Salary:

$59,072.00 - $78,977.60 Annually