Posted Date
6/08/2025
Description
Starting hiring salary - $35.09 to $37.20 hourly
DEFINITION
Criminalists are important to the success of the Brighton Police Department’s Mission. Criminalists respond to and secure crime scenes to locate, collect, and preserve evidence used in criminal prosecution. The Criminalist will have to prepare written reports and visual presentations of their findings and communicate with Detectives, Officers, Prosecutors, and will have to testify as an expert in court. A successful Criminalist will work well independently and with teams while providing excellent customer service to both internal and external customers.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCISED
This position reports to the Professional Standards Sergeant. This position does not supervise other employees.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Locates, collects, photographs, and preserves evidence at crime scenes and in the laboratory.
Obtains physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, saliva, blood, and other bodily fluids from victims, suspects, and deceased.
Responds to the scene of field investigations to perform the technical investigations of criminal and non-criminal scenes related to the identification, documentation, collection, preservation, and utilization of physical evidence.
Obtains latent evidence such as DNA, fingerprints, tread/tire marks, and footwear impressions.
Analyzes laten prints, lifts and compares all suitable impressions for entry into AFIS.
Reconstructs crime scenes by using available physical evidence to determine actions and activities of suspects and victims through accepted forensic disciplines and scientific practices.
Prepares graphic representations, scale drawings, enlargements, and mounted photographs for court presentations.
Performs analytical examinations on digital evidence such as cellphones and tablets.
Prepares written reports of findings. Explains methodology and techniques used to support conclusions.
Prepares results to educate and inform Detectives, Prosecutors, Judges and Juries.
Attends post-mortem examinations to collect evidence.
Provides instruction and training in forensic science field for public, other law enforcement agencies and the department.
Maintains area specific certifications and attends regular training to maintain currency in area of expertise.
Keeps accurate inventory of patrol and laboratory supplies for ordering.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
Knowledge of modern digital imaging techniques and equipment.
Knowledge of current crime scene processes and reconstruction techniques.
Knowledge of Federal and State standards and procedures.
Knowledge of ancillary Laboratory protocol and available resources
Knowledge of latent fingerprint development and analysis.
Knowledge of digital forensic acquisition and analysis.
Ability to use deductive reasoning.
Ability to focus on minute detail for long periods of time.
Ability to work in unpleasant crime, accident, and mass casualty scenes under stressful conditions.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all internal and external agency customers and personnel.
Ability to conduct basic investigations.
Ability to communicate effectively with people in court and other formal settings, including public speaking engagements.
Ability to detect and collect evidence and substances related to criminal offenses, often in dangerous conditions.
Ability to read and comprehend legal and nonlegal documents, including the preparation and processing of such documents as citations, affidavits, and warrants.
Must be able to render credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
REQUIRED
Bachelor’s degree in forensic science or related field supplemented by either classroom or practical experience in the above-described abilities, or skills, or any equivalent combination of education, training, or experience. Actual experience in crime scene investigations while employed by a law enforcement agency is preferred.
Specific training in digital forensic analysis, photography, fingerprinting, latent print development, crime scene investigation, and/or other forensic applications.
PREFERRED
Advanced certifications in forensic investigation techniques such as Blood Pattern Expert, Crime Scene Reconstruction, etc.
Membership in professional Crime Scene Investigation organizations/associations such as International Crime Scene Investigators Association (ICSIA).
Must possess a valid Colorado driver's license, provide proof of a safe driving record, and maintain a safe driving record for continued employment.
Ability to successfully pass a comprehensive reference and background check including a voice stress analysis verification.
Bilingual Spanish/English preferred.
Ability to complete FEMA ICS 100 and IS 700 training within six (6) months of hire. This position may require response to after-hours callouts to crime scenes.
EQUIPMENT USED, WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:
Driving: Drives a city or personal vehicle in the normal course of business.
Office Equipment: Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell i/a). Daily use of software programs including Google programs, Microsoft Office Suite, Word, Excel, Evidence.com software, document management software, video and audio redaction/editing software, records management system software, various department software and web applications.
Other Equipment: Cameras, video, audio recorders and mobile data terminals.
Physical Activities: Sits for long periods of time; light physical activity that may include walking, running, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting & carrying.
Salary72,987.20 - 99,923.20 Annual