POLICE EVIDENCE EXAMINATION SPECIALIST

Recruitment #2206-6300-001

Introduction

The Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory invites applicants for the position of Police Evidence Examination Specialist.  Founded in 1960, the Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory is one of the oldest crime laboratories in Arizona and was one of the first municipal crime laboratories in the United States to gain national accreditation by the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors – Laboratory Accreditation Board (ASCLD-LAB). The mission of the Tucson Police Department Crime Laboratory is to provide our community with quality forensics science and excellent service.

This recruitment is for three positions, one of which is grant-funded. A grant funded employee may, subject to provisions provided for by Civil Service rules, be transferred, promoted or demoted into a non-grant funded position and become subject to the provisions of the Civil Service Rules and Regulations governing other city employment. Permanent classified employees who have previously completed a probationary period in a non-grant funded position and are serving in a grant funded position are exempt from the requirements of this section. The Police Evidence Examination Specialist position is assigned to the Crime Laboratory, which supports the Tucson Police Department by identifying, developing, photographing, documenting, evaluating and preserving latent print evidence as well as collecting and sampling DNA evidence.

General Description

  • Performs visual and microscopic examinations and chemical processes to identify, develop, and photograph latent print evidence for comparison using forensic light sources and highly skilled photographic methods. 
  • Utilizes forensic light sources to identify biological fluids for DNA analysis, as well as collection of trace DNA, hair, and fibers.  
  • Performs quality assurance measures to ensure consistency with leading industry practices and accrediting bodies.  
  • Publishes reports on findings, reviews reports, and provides expert testimony to explain and educate on procedure and findings.

Essential Functions

  • Conducts examination of evidence utilizing a combination of technical skills and procedures, as detailed below, and/or as appropriate in the Crime Laboratory.
  • Conducts examination of evidence for latent print comparison using highly technical and sequential evidence development procedures.
  • Utilizes forensic light sources, visual and chemical processes to determine latent print evidence suitable for further evaluation.
  • Conducts examination and evaluation of biological evidence by performing visual examination, as well as chemical tests and procedures, to identify the presence of biological fluids, including subsequent collection and sampling of items for DNA analysis.
  • Conducts microscopic examination of hairs to determine suitability and subsequent sampling for DNA analysis. 
  • Documents and photographs evidence using advances macro photography, complex lighting techniques and detailed note taking.
  • Reports results of their examination, conducts technical and administrative reviews, and provides courtroom testimony.
  • Performs quality assurance and quality control checks of critical equipment and reagents, to include ordering and preparation of the reagents for evidence processing and examination in the Crime Laboratory. 
  • Participates in the crime laboratory proficiency testing program.
  • Coordinated and provides training to staff. 
  • Assists with procedural changes, validations of new and novel methods and updates to the standard operating procedures and manuals. 
  • Occasionally directs helpers, assistants, seasonal employees, interns, volunteers or temporary employees and may temporarily act in a higher capacity.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Minimum Education Level & Type: Bachelor's Degree
  • Minimum Experience Qualifications:
  • An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.  

Special Job Requirements

Certification as Arizona Criminal Justice Information System (ACJIS)Network Terminal Operator within six months of hire date

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with photography
  • Experience with development and collection of latent prints
  • Experience with examination and or collecting of biological fluids
  • Experience in an accredited Laboratory

Selection Plan

Applicants who meet the minimum qualification will be evaluated on the education and work experience in their employment profile and their responses to the supplemental questionnaire.  The highest scoring applicant will then be invited to participate in the examination process that will consist of the following: 

  • Written/Practical exam scheduled for the week of 07/18/22. 
  • Oral Board examination scheduled for the week of 07/25/22.

Upon completion of all examination processes, the highest scoring applicants will be placed on the Civil Service Employment List that will be used to fill vacancies occurring within the next 6 months.

An applicants ranking on the Civil Service List will be based on their final score which will be calculated as: 

  • 5% of your rating for education and work experience
  • 25% of your written examination
  • 25% of your practical examination 
  • 45% of your oral board interview

The highest scoring candidate placed on the Civil Service Employment List may be invited to participate in a selection interview. 

  • Selection interviews are TBD.

Candidates placed on the Civil Service Eligibility List will be subject to the following:

  • An extensive background investigation, including local, state and national criminal and fingerprint checks
  • Driving History
  • A polygraph examination to verify information you have supplied in the background questionnaire
**The City of Tucson values the safety of our employees, our residents, our community, and our visitors.  In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to your initial HR representative, or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with the City of Tucson.**

Conclusion

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 upload your documentation as part of the application process or email it to chalis.ruiz@tucsonaz.gov. The DD 214 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 contact Chalis Ruiz at 520-837-4176 at least 48 hours prior to the evaluation.

CONTACTS: Communications throughout this process will be sent via email exclusively so please ensure your browser accepts emails from jobs@tucsonaz.gov and check your email account regularly. Failure to respond or follow instructions will result in disqualification.  All email inquiries should be directed to Shayna Durazo at 520-837-7768 or Michael Mulligan at 520-837-7755.

Pre-employment Medical Testing Requirements

  • Basic Physical
  • Hep B Vaccine/Titer
  • Blood Lead/ZPP
  • Non-NIDA Drug Test

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To ensure accurate payroll information for tax purposes, the successful candidate will need to provide their original Social Security Card or original letter from the Social Security Administration with their social security number prior to beginning work with the City of Tucson.

The City of Tucson hires lawful workers only - US citizens or nationals and non-citizens with valid work authorization - without discrimination. Federal immigration laws require all employers to verify both the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. In its efforts to meet the law's requirements, the City of Tucson participates in the E-Verify program established by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) to aid employers in verifying the eligibility of workers.

Retired City of Tucson employees receiving benefits from the Tucson Supplemental Retirement System who are considering reemployment with the City should be aware that pursuant to Section 22-37(g) of the Tucson City Code, retirement benefits shall be suspended during the period of reemployment with the City of Tucson unless you have been separated at least twelve consecutive months before returning to work AND you return to a non-permanent employment classification. Creditable service does not accrue during any reemployment period.