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identification technician

qualifications

Knowledge of:

Comprehensive knowledge of modern laboratory and criminalistics practices for processing crime scenes and major accident scenes to preserve evidence and identify suspects or determine responsibility. This includes expertise in investigating crime scenes and accidents, such as photographing and diagramming scenes, fingerprinting suspects and victims, and collecting and preserving physical evidence. Proficiency in operating technical equipment like digital cameras, computers, printers, and specialized Crime Lab equipment is essential. Additionally, candidates should have experience in maintaining identification records systems, conducting fingerprint comparisons, and packaging evidence for submission to laboratories. Knowledge of preparing analysis reports, assisting in court presentations, and maintaining security and confidentiality of investigative matter is necessary. 

 

Ability to:

Learn and excel in specialized criminalistics operations such as photography, fingerprinting, evidence collection and preservation, crime scene diagramming, and operating 3D scanning equipment and software for detailed diagrams. They should be proficient in safely operating and maintaining police vehicles and equipment, as well as utilizing computers, office machines, and lab equipment. Additionally, they should possess strong independent work skills, sound judgment, and mathematical aptitude for making computations. The ability to prepare precise and comprehensive reports, maintain composure at crime or accident scenes, and communicate effectively with staff and the public, both verbally and in writing. Availability for varying work hours, including evenings, nights, days, weekends, holidays, and overtime, is required. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to work well with others in high-stress situations, organize and maintain records, give accurate courtroom testimony, follow verbal and written instructions, and operate motor vehicles proficiently. 

becoming a identification technician

Salary Range:

$51,974.24 – $66,334.19 dependent on experience

 

Employees in this role are responsible for the processing of crime scenes and major accident scenes utilizing modern laboratory and other criminalistics practices to preserve evidence, to identify suspects, and/or to determine responsibility.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Investigates crime scenes and major accidents for identification purposes. 
  2. Fingerprints suspects, victims, and deceased persons
  3. Searches for, collects, and preserves physical evidence of crime scenes and accident scenes
  4. Takes plaster casts and impressions
  5. Collects and preserves evidence at autopsies including photographing wounds and injuries
  6. Operates technical equipment such as digital cameras, computers, police vehicles, two-way radios, and metal detectors 
  7. Operates Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) workstation for latent print entry and verification
  8. Crime Lab equipment in the lab or at the crime scene
  9. Records, preserves, classifies, and files fingerprint identifications and ten print cards, as needed
  10. Determines persons identity through fingerprints
  11. Assists in preparing advanced diagrams, charts, and drawings for court presentations, investigative aids, and training. 
  12. Regular and predictable attendance is required 
  13. Other duties as assigned

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Law Enforcement, Physical Science, Criminal/Forensic Sciences, or a related field.

 

Other Requirements:

Two years of experience in law enforcement or experience in a Crime Lab is preferred. Any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge and skills necessary to perform the work. 

 

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

  • Valid Driver’s License
  • International Association for Identification Crime Scene Certification (Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3), preferred.
  • Must be able to obtain Level 1 – Certified Scene Investigator certification through testing approved by the International Association for Identification within twenty-four (24) months of hire.

Physical Conditions:

  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and see, talk, and hear.
  • The employee must be able to occasionally lift and work with up to seventy-five (75) pounds.
  • The employee must be able to frequently lift and work with up to fifty (50) pounds.
  • The employee must be able to continuously lift and work with up to ten (10) pounds.
  • The employee must be able to work both in and outdoors, in all weather conditions, in high places, in confined spaces, in dusty environments, and in high noise levels. A person in this position is frequently exposed to unpleasant odors and biohazard items. This position involves work at crime scenes which may be dangerous, in unsanitary locations, and involve disturbing sights such as murder victims, suicides, and motor vehicle accidents. The works requires adherence to the Universal Barrier Precautions since it involves exposure to infectious and contagious diseases, unsanitary health habits, and contact with sputum, urine, feces, sperm, blood, and vomit.

WE'RE HIRING!

Join the Council Bluffs Police Department (CBPD) and dedicate yourself to advancing the wellbeing of our community and protecting the rights of all people.

Embark on a meaningful career with multiple opportunities for professional development and advancement. The CBPD family has openings and we promise to challenge you, rely on you, and take care of you.

Frequently asked Questions

The CBPD serves and protects the community of Council Bluffs, which comprises over 62,000 residents and businesses. It operates within the greater Omaha metro area, enforcing city, state, and federal traffic and criminal laws.
Yes, candidates must live within 60 miles (according to Google Maps) of the police department located at 1 Ezra Jackson Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

Yes, officers have the opportunity to join the Fraternal Order of Police Union, specifically FOP Lodge 1

  • This phase includes a thorough background investigation covering criminal history, driving records, employment history, interviews with various individuals, and a polygraph exam to assess truthfulness.
  • Under investigation or indictment for a felony offense
  • Commission or admission of felony, aggravated misdemeanor, or crime involving moral turpitude
  • Conviction for a crime of domestic violence
  • Certain juvenile criminal behavior
  • Specific traffic violations
  • Failure to obtain a valid driver’s license upon appointment
  • Providing false information during the selection process
  • Involvement in the sale, manufacture, or transportation for sale of any scheduled drug or narcotic
  • Recent use or ingestion of scheduled drugs, narcotics, or steroids
  • Dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Any offer of employment requires the candidate to sign an agreement for reimbursement of training expenses and cost of specialized personal equipment. This agreement stipulates that if a Police Officer voluntarily terminates employment within the first five years, they must reimburse the City on a pro-rata basis for certain costs as described in City policy 211:1, Termination of Employment.
  • Juvenile criminal behavior may be considered for disqualification, particularly if the offense involved serious injury to another, sexual assault, use of a deadly weapon, or if the applicant was tried and convicted as an adult for a felony committed as a juvenile.
  • The Physical Agility Examination is the first phase of testing, developed and mandated by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. All candidates, except currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, are required to take this exam. The exam assesses candidates’ physical fitness, and only those who pass are eligible to proceed further in the testing process. The test consists of mile and half run, maximum pushups in a minute, and maximum sit-ups in a minute. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy used the Copper standards to evaluate the scores.
  • The Written Examination is the second phase of testing and is required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Candidates are given a recommended amount of time to complete the exam, typically about 2 hours. All applicants must begin testing at the same time, and late arrivals are ineligible to participate. Candidates who score 70% or above on each section of the exam are eligible to proceed in the testing process.
  • Yes, candidates who are currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy are not required to attend either the Physical Agility Examination or the Written Examination. Additionally, successful Stanard & Associates POST scores may be used in lieu of retesting for the Written Examination.
  • Traffic violations are generally excluded from disqualification, with specific exceptions such as DUI offenses within three years from the date of application and certain serious traffic violations within 24 months prior to the application.
  • Yes, bilingual officers receive an additional $25.00 per paycheck as compensation for their language skills.

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