Tucson, AZ Police Department
Crime Scene Specialist
The Tucson Police Department is seeking competent and conscientious individuals to conduct forensic crime scene investigations. This challenging position collects, examines, preserves, photographs, and investigates all types of crime scenes.
This recruitment will establish a civil service list which will be utilized to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months. There are five vacancies and the next training cycle is scheduled to begin in October/November 2013 for selected candidates.
There will be a public information meeting for interested candidates to meet with representatives from TPD's Identification Section on July 15, 2013 from 7 - 9 PM at the Main Station located at 270 S. Stone, Tucson, AZ 85701.
Closing Date
August 4, 2013
Salary
$16.79 - $26.09 per hour
Plus shift differential pay of $1.00 per hour for time worked between 6:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m.
Duties
Examples of essential duties include:
- Documents all types of crime scenes for the recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence including latent fingerprints, body fluids, hair and fibers, weapons, and other materials in sometimes stressful and unpleasant environments
- Photographs and/or diagrams crime scenes, physical injuries, victims, evidence, and postmortem examinations
- Analyzes, collects, packages, and preserves evidence
- Provides fingerprint services to the public, subjects under arrest, and performs known-to-known fingerprint comparisons
- Works with digital images and operates various computer programs/software
- Conducts identity checks and computer searches using the Arizona Automated Fingerprint Identification System
- Testifies in court on crime scene findings
Qualifications and Requirements
- High school diploma or G.E.D.
- Six months of additional related work experience, education or vocational/technical training in photography, digital photography or photo journalism
- Less than one year of relevant experience working with photography
- Driver's License with at least two years of clean driving history
The six months of post HS education can typically be obtained through completion of 6 college-level credit hours in photography or photo journalism courses OR relevant photography work experience.
The work experience can be obtained either through relevant photography work experience OR additional education in the photography field.
While this is an exciting opportunity to work for the Tucson Police Department, please consider the following job elements before applying:
Work is fast-paced and often stressful. Successful performers in this position prefer a fast-paced energetic environment and a job that requires extreme attention to detail. They are able to prioritize assignments quickly and readily adapt to changing circumstances. They accept a shift work position knowing the schedule may be quite different from that of relatives and friends - while at the same time learning to appreciate and take advantage of what a shift work lifestyle has to offer.
The ability to photograph a variety of crime scenes and evidence is an integral part of this position. Successful performers on the Written and Practical Examinations are first and foremost knowledgeable photographers. In order to be successful throughout all examinations, you will need to have a thorough knowledge of photographic techniques and practices, including different digital formats, digital file types, exposure settings, and intermediate lighting and flash photography.
- Crime Scene Academy requires the study of written procedures as well as hands-on practicals
- Upon completion of the Crime Scene Academy, you will be assigned to one of the following shifts (days off will vary): 0600-1600; 1400-2400; 2100-0700
- Work schedule rotates every 4 months. Normal work schedule involves (4) 10-hour days per week with 3 days off, and includes evenings, weekends, holidays, and required overtime
- Work requires the ability to adjust quickly to changing job assignments and to maintain confidentiality
- No felony convictions or drug abuse history
What Happens Next?
Applicants who applied correctly, met the minimum qualifications and successfully passed the preliminary questionnaire screening will receive an email notification on August 14, 2013 with a formal invitation to the Written Examination. Only the highest scoring candidates will continue to proceed to the next step in the recruitment process:
Written Examination - Scheduled for Saturday, August 24, 2013
This exam will cover intermediate photographic techniques, digital photography, and general knowledge subjects such as spelling, math and directions.
Practical Examination - Scheduled for August 26th and 27th as needed
This exam will be conducted utilizing a Canon 30D digital camera and Sunpak 622 strobe, and involve intermediate-level digital photography practices/methods and a mock accident/crime scene.
Oral Board Interview - Scheduled August 29th and 30th as needed
Out-of-town applicants should be prepared to be in Tucson on all examination dates; arrangements will be made to complete fingerprints/polygraph during these dates. Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on the Civil Service Employment List.
An applicant's ranking on the Civil Service list will be based on their final score which will be calculated as 5% of your application rating for Training and Experience, 35% of your rating for the Written Exam, 30% of your rating for the Practical Exam and 30% of your rating for the Oral Board Interview.
Individuals on the hiring list will be subject to the following:
- An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks
- A polygraph examination to verify the information you have supplied on your pre-screen application and other background and employment documents
Finalist candidates will participate in photography/fingerprinting at a post mortem examination.
Selected candidates will receive a conditional job offer and must successfully pass pre-employment medical and psychological evaluations.
Veterans, Native American, or Disability preference points will be added to the final score for those that are placed on the Civil Service Employment List. If you qualify for preference points as outlined in the Employment Profile, you must submit your documentation at the Written Exam or Oral Board interviews. DD 214's must be a copy that indicates characterization of service.
If you are in need of Americans with Disabilities Act-related accommodation during the testing process, please call 520-791-4241 at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.
To Apply
Applicants/Employees interested in this position must complete and submit an employment application electronically through our website at https://www.tucsonaz.gov/sigma/JobDetails.aspx?Postings=4879
Contacts
All inquiries should be addressed to the below individuals. Do not send emails to jobs@tucsonaz.gov, because this is utilized only for outbound notifications.
Malena Carreon
520.837.4165
or email at Malena.Carreon@tucsonaz.gov
Shennendoah Rogers
520.837.4161
or email at Shennendoah.Rogers@tucsonaz.gov
Jocelyn D. Maez
520.837.4176
or email at Jocelyn.Maez@tucsonaz.gov