Definition

Examples of Work

• Identifies, collects, documents, preserves, and processes latent prints and other physical evidence from crime scenes or police investigations in compliance with Division of Police policies and procedures;
• Collects, duplicates, and converts digital surveillance evidence;
• Handles evidence in a safe manner to prevent damage, loss, and/or cross-contamination; maintains proper chain of custody for evidence;
• Confers with individuals who may provide information that could be helpful in processing evidence recovered from a potential crime scene for a police investigation;
• Enters spent cartridge cases into the NIBIN database; compares images in national database to determine possible matches, and refers matches to a forensic scientist for confirmation;
  Testifies and presents physical evidence and findings in a court of law;
• Prepares summaries, reports, and other documentation related to processing evidence from a police investigation or a crime scene;
• Provides periodic training regarding the collection, preservation, and processing of physical evidence;
• Screens burglary and theft reports daily, and creates a prioritized list of crime scenes to be processed;
• Operates motor vehicle to transport equipment, supplies, and evidence to and from potential crime scenes;
• Restocks supplies and maintains equipment;
• Completes periodic training to stay current on technology and trends;
• Operates Division-supplied communication devices, computers, or other electronic equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
General knowledge of basic forensic science; some knowledge of firearms; some knowledge of microscopy; some knowledge of digital imaging; some knowledge of evidence collection, processing, and preservation techniques; some knowledge of biohazard safety; ability to identify, collect, preserve, and process physical evidence according to Division policies and procedures; ability to climb stairs and ladders and lift moderately heavy objects; ability to work independently of direct supervision; ability to prepare technical reports; ability to communicate both verbally and in writing; ability to operate a personal computer and utilize relevant software applications; ability to operate Division-supplied communication devices; ability to maintain attention to detail; ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Division personnel and the general public.

Test/Job Contact Information

The names of the applicants passing this administration of this exam will be used to create a NEW, OPEN COMPETITIVE, eligible list for this classification. If you are interested in having your name included on the new eligible list, you will need to apply for this exam within the filing period and successfully complete all phases of the testing process. Questions regarding this process can be directed to the Applicant and Employees Services Unit at (614) 645-8301.

The examination process will consist of a multiple-choice exam weighted 90% covering Information Ordering, Problem Identification, Logic and Reasoning, and Memorization; and a computer simulation exam weighted 10% assessing Microsoft Word 2013.

The exam is expected to be administered in mid-late January 2023. Approved applicants will be notified by mail/email of their scheduled test date and time.

All applicants must complete all phases of the testing process in order to receive a final score. The names of all candidates who pass this examination will remain on the eligible list for two years, unless the eligible list is replaced prior to or extended beyond the two years. If a candidate's name is certified and the candidate is to be considered for employment, the hiring process will include one or more interviews, a criminal background check, and a pre-employment drug test. For any position within the Division of Police, the hiring process will also include the completion of an extensive personal history questionnaire and a polygraph examination.

The certification process will be: Fixed Band
The City of Columbus is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Columbus seeks to promote compensation strategies that maximize the recruitment, performance, development, and retention of quality employees in support of the City's Covenant and strategic plan. In addition to a competitive pay plan, the City offers a comprehensive benefits program that includes the following:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Short-term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Tuition Reimbursement

Specifics about these benefit opportunities and eligibility can be discussed with one of the City's human resources professionals at the time of your interview or by contacting the Department of Human Resources, Labor Relations Office at (614)645-7206 for further information.