Forensic Technician

DEFINITION

Under the general supervision of the Director of the Division of Gaming Enforcement, this position is

Under the direct supervision of the Chief Deputy Attorney General or designee, the Forensic Technician performs highly responsible work in assisting the Medical Examiner Office with the retrieval and transportation of cadavers throughout the territory. Handles and maintains all records of confidential documents and sensitive information. Coordinates frequently with management, attorneys, law enforcement, and other agencies in preparation for court testimonies. Accommodates a work schedule of 24 hours per day on call coverage for the office.

This position requires a confidential relationship to a policymaker.

DUTIES (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE)

•  Provides assistance in picking up and transporting the deceased throughout the Territory.
• Receives handles and returns evidence relating to criminal matters while preserving the integrity of the evidence.
• Records evidence in a manner that permits further analysis or reconstruction.
• Maintains technical records and prepares reports.
• Identifies, collects, and examines physical evidence found at crime scenes.
• Takes photographs and videos of victims at crime scenes.
• Examines crime scenes to locate and document forensic evidence to crime scenes.
• Prepares and reports proof of findings, investigative methods, and collection techniques.
• Attends autopsies for photographic documentation and evidence collection.
• Processes, packages, and transports physical evidence in a manner that preserves its integrity.
• Works closely with other law enforcement officials, management, and other stakeholders to get their work completed timely and accurately.
• Gives court room testimony as an expert witness on evidence and evidence collection techniques and procedures as required.
• Acts as a liaison between the Medical Examiner’s Office and the Department of Justice. Displays high standards of ethical conduct and exhibits honesty and integrity.
• Refrains from theft-related, dishonest, or unethical behavior at assigned location.
• Handles highly sensitive records and privy to confidential information or data.
• Provides assistance in compiling, sorting, and organizing letters for distribution.
• Provides assistance to the investigative or Medical Examiner Office staff as needed.
• Performs other related duties as required.

FACTOR 1 – KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedent government regulations, executive orders, and agency rules.
• Skill in record-keeping.
• Skill in use of photographic equipment and identify/collect trace crime scene samples.
• Skill in computer operations and application.
• Skill in the use of typical office software.
• Ability to read, interpret and apply laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to react quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Ability to deal tactfully, courteously, and impartially with the public.
• Ability to observe and record details.
• Ability to maintain highly confidential and sensitive information.
• Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to tolerate and work in hazardous environments, handle sight, sounds, and odors in a sometimes-stressful environment.
• Ability to respond appropriately to supervision and follows directions and protocol.
• Ability to accommodate a work schedule of 24-hours per-day on call coverage for the office.
• Ability to keep detailed and well-organized records.
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent the public, coworkers, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to establish and maintain favorable public relations.
• Ability to monitor and assess circumstances and determine equipment needed to complete a specific task.

FACTOR 2 – SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

Work is supervised by the Chief Deputy Attorney General or the Medical Examiner. Work is performed using standard operation procedures. It is reviewed through periodic inspections or by analysis of reports submitted.

FACTOR 3 – GUIDELINES

Guidelines include federal, local, and departmental manuals or legal procedures as outlined for the USVI (United States Virgin Islands), the Virgin Islands Code, and Standard Operating Procedures for the Agency.

FACTOR 4 – COMPLEXITY

Sound judgment and initiative must be exercised. Interprets and comprehends procedures, protocol, regulations, and procedures.

FACTOR 5 – SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of work is to assist with the retrieval and transportation of cadavers throughout the territory and provide office assistance to the Medical Examiner Office.

FACTOR 6 – PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are the Medical Examiner, first-responders, families, employees within the agency, as well as outside agencies, utilizing telephone, e-mail, fax, and/or in–person communication.

FACTOR 7 – PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are made to obtain evidence, coordinate with outside agencies, supervisors, and coworkers to obtain necessary information or documentation to assist in fulfilling duties.

FACTOR 8 – PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Work requires considerable physical effort including bending, lifting, squatting, climbing and prolonged standing. Work may be mentally and emotionally stressful. Required to work irregular hours to respond to crime scenes during off duty hours.

FACTOR 9 – WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a hazardous environment with gruesome sights, unusual sounds, and odors in a sometimes-stressful environment. Also, in an office setting to prepare and complete reports and documentation.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Associate degree in police science, crime scene investigation, forensic science, biology, chemistry, or related field supplemented by two (2) years of forensic experience.

OR

Graduation from high school or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience working in a setting that handles cadavers.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Possession of a valid U.S. Virgin Islands driver’s license.