Crime Scene Investigator

This position is responsible for documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence, which are crucial steps in criminal investigation and often provide the basis for effective identification, documentation, prosecution, and conviction of perpetrators, as well as the reconstruction of the events that surround the crime. Crime scene investigators shall take all care reasonably possible to ensure the integrity of evidence collected at crime scenes by adherence to policy, by on-the-job training, and by associated department training.

65 percent will be conducted in an office setting.
35 percent will consist of being out in the field.

Assist law enforcement personnel to investigate crime scenes.
Document suspects, victims and subjects of crimes for potential evidence.
Locate, process and preserve evidence.
Latent evidence.
Biological evidence.
Trace evidence.
Fingerprint evidence.
Protect evidence from contamination.
Maintain proper chain of custody.
Establish working relationships with assisting agencies.
Comply with DPS policies and procedures to include New Mexico Laws.
Diagram scenes to be used in criminal and civil court.
Diagramming using tape measure, roll-a-tape and survey instruments like total stations, laser scanners and drones.
Photograph scenes, people evidence.
Appear in court when requested to testify.
Maintain a clean and stocked assigned team vehicle.
Successfully complete crime scene training and proficiency tests.

The Citizens of New Mexico.

Preferred experience in the following fields: Photography, Law Enforcement, Evidence handling, Blood Stain Pattern Analysis Training, Trajectory Training, Crime Scene Reconstructive experience.
Preferred Education: Forensic Science, Chemistry, Criminal Justice, Anthropology, Entomology, Photography, Biology or Physics.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminology, Criminal Justice, Police Science, Computer Science, Business or Public Administration, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or other related field and 2 years of experience in law enforcement, criminal, white collar or economic/financial fraud investigations. Substitutions Apply. See Substitution Table below.

This position is considered safety sensitive. Candidates are subject to a national fingerprint-based record check, within 30 days of assignment. Continued employment is contingent upon remaining felony free, per Section 5.12.1.1 of the Criminal Justice Information Systems Security Policy. In addition, employment is subject to pre-employment and post-employment random drug/alcohol testing, in accordance with all terms and conditions of federal and state law, rules and regulations in relation to alcohol and/or drug testing and is conditional pending results.

Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid driver's license, and a current Defensive Driving Certificate from the State of New Mexico; or pass and receive the Defensive Driving Course Certification within six (6) months of date of hire.

Executive Order 2021-066 requires all employees with the State of New Mexico to provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination (including proof of a booster dose of vaccine by January 17, 2022, or within four weeks of becoming eligible for a booster dose) or proof of a COVID-19 viral test every week.

The Public Health Order (on Vaccination) dated December 2, 2021, requires Congregate Care Facility Workers and Hospital Workers to have received a primary series of vaccination by October 6, 2021, and a booster dose of vaccine by January 17, 2022, or within four weeks of becoming eligible for a booster.

Links to the referenced Executive Order and Public Health Order can be found on the State Personnel Office website homepage: www.spo.state.nm.us

Work is conducted both indoors and outdoors.
Inclement weather including rain, snow, wind, dust, and heat may be present.
Must be willing to work in hazardous environments which include being around and handling: Biological materials like blood and bodily fluids. Tear gas or other artificial biological materials.
Processing and searching crime scenes require a lot of standing, walking, kneeling, reaching, lifting, bending and climbing. Carrying materials of up to 50lbs. and occasionally 100lbs. or more is required.
The ability to navigate over rough terrain to access crime scene locations on foot in also required.
Sensory requirements include good corrected or uncorrected vision including color, distance, peripheral and depth perception.
Must be able to operate computers and other equipment.

This position is not covered by a collective bargaining agreement.