Crime Scene Technician

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Individual state requirements may vary. Please contact your local apprenticeship office to ensure this version is suitable to your state’s requirements.

Work Process Schedule

Work Process Content

On the Job Training

Anonymous

132

Skills

SAFETY

Work safely by wearing personal protective gear such as latex gloves, reflective and ballistic vest, EM 95 respirator, pepper spray, biohazard suit, shoe covers and goggles.
Safely handle and store firearms by completing firearms safety training.
Utilize hazardous chemicals by referencing Material Safety Data
Sheets (MSDS).
Drive defensively by completing employee driver training program.
Safety operates Major Crime Scene Response Unit (MCSRU) by completing MCSRU driving course. Locate and properly operate all fire extinguishers.
Understand responsibilities for reporting fleet vehicle accidents, employee injuries and equipment damage.
Communicate effectively on radio by properly using 10 codes.
Understand requirement that a sworn officer must be present during processing of crime scene, processing prisoners and administration of chemical analysis.
Understand and conform to universal blood born pathogens standards.

ORIENTATION TO DEPARTMENT FUNCTIONS

Understand crime scene technician’s role in identification division by discussing with trainer or supervisor.
Demonstrate requirement of training process by reading, understanding and signing of training manual and daily observation reports.
Identification of chain of command by introduction to command staff.
Understand role of other divisions by observing the records, evidence management, communications, patrol division, Criminal Investigation Division (CID), Professional Standards Division (PSD), technical services, and telecom.
Understand the role and responsibilities of the internal affairs division.
Understand makeup of identification division and responsibilities of each areas role such as automated fingerprint identification system, darkroom, administration and squads.
Understand role and know location of Fire Department, Sheriff's Department, District Attorney's Office, Magistrate's Office, Detention Center, Federal Courthouse, Department of Motor Vehicles, area hospitals, impound lot, and employee health & safety.

ORIENTATION TO EQUIPMENT

Identify and understand the use of vehicle equipment by completing vehicle inspection according to vehicle inspection sheet.
Understand the use of all office equipment.
Understand the use of chemical processing lab equipment.
Understand personal appearance guidelines as set forth in General Order 1.16.
Understand use and care of equipment such as camera and finger print kit.

PISTOL (Computer Data Base)

500

Search for existing records by entering name, number or personal identifying characteristics.
Select correct record by comparing information provided to query results.
Enter/edit identification information into Police Information System (PISTOL) system such as name, dateofbirth, address, Henry Classification by entering information from arrest data sheet.
Create personal identification record by recording information from arrest sheet.
Search existing records by utilizing Police to Police (P2P) to locate records from other agencies by entering personal identification information.
Construct lineups and identification database (IDMO) utilizing PISTOL and P2P database by entering suspect descriptors.
Retrieve saved lineups from PISTOL by searching saved records.
Enter, edit and delete daily work activities into PISTOL from daily activity worksheet.
Access statistical reports through IDMO daily records.

PRISONER PROCESSING

100

Demonstrate understanding of North Carolina General Statutes (NCGS), identification division Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) and Police Department General Orders regarding finger printing and mug shots for adults and juveniles.
Search PISTOL for arrestee records by entering information from arrestee sign in log.
Retrieve existing fingerprint card from card file by utilizing Henry Classification.
Make determination of processing need by examining photo, fingerprints, charge information, existing records and special request, i.e., (voluntary photographs, fingerprints and nontestimonial identification orders).
Obtain known impressions using ink techniques when Live Scan is not available or when processing individuals with special circumstances.
Enter arrestee information in Live Scan or on inked fingerprint cards by referring to arrest sheet.
Roll known impressions and obtain palm prints on Live Scan.
Obtain arrestee photographs by using the PISTOL video capture system.
Compare and verify prints of repeat arrestees to existing known impressions.
Classify, verify and search new arrestee prints according to Henry Classification.
Submit fingerprints to State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) electronically.
Update existing or create new arrestee record files by entering information in PISTOL.
Obtain fingerprints from deceased persons and individuals with specials needs by use of post mortem finger print kit.
Obtain major case prints from individuals upon request by using ink technique.

CHEMICAL ANALYSIS PROCEDURES (Breath & Blood)

400

Demonstrate knowledge of chemical analyses by reading and understanding General Orders and identification division SOP.
Demonstrate the ability to perform a breath test by performing 3 mock tests consisting of a cooperative, uncooperative, and a refusal.
Demonstrate the ability to complete the procedure for a submission and a refusal for a blood test. Document results of chemical analysis by completing required documentation for designated test, (blood/breath).
Distribute test results to arrestee, Magistrate Office, arresting officer and DMV (when applicable).

PHOTOGRAPHY (35mm and Video)

400

Demonstrate knowledge of photography equipment by reading and understanding equipment manuals and reviewing videos.
Document crime scene by properly using video equipment.
Photograph crime scene by taking pictures to include pictures of overall views.
Photograph crime scene by taking midrange pictures to include objects in relation to the scene.
Photograph crime scene by taking specific views of evidence without and with a standard of measure and/or crime scene markers.
Photograph crime scene by using evidence markers to accurately depict location of evidence. Demonstrate the ability to properly photograph the elements of a crime scene.
Photograph nighttime fire or crime scenes by using time elapsed photography.
Photograph specific evidence by using 50 mm, 1 to 1, orange, red, and yellow filter lenses.
Photograph specific evidence for purpose of measurement/comparison by using tripod and 90 degree angle photos.
Document location of body by photographing body in original position.
Document condition of body by photographing front, back, right and left side of body as well as abnormalities.
Photograph facial view of body for identification purposes.

CRIME SCENE SKETCHING

400

Demonstrate knowledge and proper use of sketching techniques by reading and understanding General Order 4.11 and identification division SOP 3.0.
Prepare rough sketch of crime scene and obtain measurements by using electronic measuring device, rolatape, hand tape and other measuring devices.
Complete final sketch of crime scene by referring to rough sketch.

LATENT FINGER PRINT PROCESSING

400

Demonstrate knowledge of latent fingerprint processing by reading and understanding General Orders and identification division SOP’s and the SBI evidence manual.
Identify suitable items or areas in which the perpetrator came in contact by obtaining information from persons on the scene or by visual examination.
Identify items that require chemical or advance latent fingerprint processing by understanding knowledge of surface areas and available techniques.
Demonstrate ability to properly process, collect, preserve and document latent prints using all available resources.
Demonstrate the ability to determine print quality by locating points of identification.
Compare latent prints to known impressions by visual comparison.

CHEMICAL PROCESSING

300

Demonstrate knowledge of different techniques of chemical processing by reading and understanding operating instructions for chemicals such as ninhydrin, cyanoacrylate, phenolphthalein and luminol, etc.
Enhance latent prints in blood by using chemicals such as Coomassie blue.
Examine surfaces for blood evidence by using luminol.
Examine surfaces for possible blood evidence by using phenolphthalein.
Process adhesive surfaces for latent prints by using sticky side powder.
Process items or fingerprints by using fluorescent powders and alternate light source.
Process porous items such as paper and cardboard for latent prints by using ninhydrin.
Process wet surfaces for latent prints by using small particle reagent.
Processing latent prints from surfaces by using cyanoacrylate.
Visually examine surface areas for body fluids, trace evidence and fingerprints by using alternative light sources such as Ultra Violate (UV), omnichrome and blue maxx.
Collect evidence such as shoe tread patterns and tire tread patterns by using dental stone.
Collect and preserve impressions such as tool marks and fingerprints by using mikrosil.
Collect evidence such as footprints and tread patterns from surfaces by using electrostatic dust print lifter.
Receive, transport and store subject kits obtained from hospital personnel.
Perform gunshot residue test on subject.

EVIDENCE – GENERAL

200

Demonstrate knowledge of evidence search, identification, collection, preservation and documentation by reading and understanding General Order and identification division SOP and SBI evidence manual.
Search crime scene for items of evidence by visual examination, metal detector, alternate light sources, chemical processing and trace evidence taping.
Identify evidence at crime scene by establishing any article, item, object or material found in connection with an investigation that can (1) determine facts of crime (2) identify suspect (s) and (3) aid in arrest and prosecution.
Store evidence by placing items in approved evidence management storage areas with property supplement form.
Demonstrate knowledge of items that cannot be seized by identification personnel such as money, drugs, drug paraphernalia, written or taped statements, photographic lineup, motor vehicles, arson or explosive evidence.
Empty seized item of flammable liquids and properly disposes of liquids prior to storage.

EVIDENCE – FIREARMS

200

Mark cylinder of revolver at crime scene by placing mark on cylinder beside top of frame to identify position of cylinder when gun is seized.
Mark live and spent ammunition found in revolver by placing each round in separate envelope and numbering each envelope to correspond to location round found in chamber.
Diagram cylinder of revolver to illustrate location of ammunition and rotation of cylinder.
Record weapon identification information, by contacting the Police Department records division and searching the FBI database.

EVIDENCE – SEROLOGICAL

200

Collect wet blood and semen sample by swabbing surface area and swabbing a noncontaminated adjacent area for a control sample.
Collect dry blood and semen samples by rehydrating sample with a moistened swab using distilled water.
Collect DNA sample by swabbing contact areas of items with swab moistened with distilled water.
Collect objects located under water by placing in a watertight container containing water from the seizure area.
Collect cigarette butts by placing butts from a specific area in a single paper container.
Collect evidence such as chewing gum by storing in a manner to preserve bite marks and DNA.

EVIDENCE – PHYSICAL

200

Collect trace evidence such as hair and fiber by collecting individually and by using trace evidence tape.
Collect glass and soil samples by placing samples in suitable labeled container.
Collect paint samples by removing a section of paint from surface carefully ensuring that all layers of paint are captured in sample and obtain a control sample from adjacent areas.
Collect articles of clothing in a manner that will eliminate cross contamination by placing sheets of paper between articles of clothing prior to folding.
Collect evidence such as casings and projectiles in a manner that protects the integrity and condition of the evidence.

CRIME SCENE PROCESSING

300

Ensure integrity of crime scene by reviewing scene with officer in charge.
Demonstrate knowledge of crime scene processing by reading and understanding General Order 4.11 and Identification Division SOP 3.0 - 3.1.
Process crime scene according to the following check list: Capture crime scene on video camera by slowly panning from overall, midrange and closeup filming from side to side and top to bottom.
Photograph crime scene with 35mm camera.
Sketch crime scene.
Examine for latent prints.
Collect and preserve evidence.
Complete a standardized mock major crime scene.

REPORT WRITING

100

Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of report writing by reading report writing manual.
Review notes taken at the crime scene.
Complete crime scene supplement by documenting observations, activities taken, and listing photograph, evidence and finger print information.
Complete incident report when assisting other agencies.
Process officer request for services such as photographic printing services, photographic lineup request, fingerprint examination request and request for examination of physical evidence by assisting officer with completion and distribution.
Document attachments to crime scene report by maintaining a crime scene evidence log, photograph log and crime scene sketch.
Document evidence stored by completing stored property supplement, firearms supplement and SBI request for examination of physical evidence.

COURTROOM TESTIMONY

100

Respond to instruction on subpoena.
Prepare for court appearance by reviewing reports and photographs.
Prepare for submitting evidence in DWI case by participation in mock courtroom testimony.
Prepare for submitting fingerprint comparison and latent lift testimony by participating in mock courtroom testimony.
Prepare for submitting major criminal case testimony by participating in mock courtroom testimony derived from standardized mock major crime scene investigation.
Understand the requirements to qualify as an expert witness by the court.

MISC. – ADMINISTRATIVE

Complete timecards by following instructions in General Order and police Department Handbook.
Communicate with other members within the department by proper use of departmental memorandum and information technology equipment such as interdepartmental emails and internet.
Scan and email photos, fingerprint, and release of information to other law enforcement agencies and courts.
Understand schedule assignment and attendance requirements of the City of Winston-Salem. Participate in performance planning process by meeting with supervisor and developing annual performance plan.
Demonstrate knowledge of identification division and public safety center security.

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