Forensic Scientist III-Crime Scene Investigator at Indiana State Police

The Forensic Scientist III-Crime Scene Investigator position at the Indiana State Police in Bloomington, IN, is a full-time role dedicated to providing essential forensic support and laboratory services at crime scenes. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining the security and quality assurance standards for evidence handling and storage at district facilities. This role requires participation in a recognized crime scene investigation training program and proficiency testing, ensuring that the investigator is well-versed in the latest methodologies and practices in forensic science. As a Crime Scene Investigator, the individual will work under the supervision of higher-level investigators, reviewing records and communicating investigation procedures and conclusions to various stakeholders in the criminal justice system, including providing expert testimony in court. The position involves coordinating forensic investigations at crime scenes, which may include autopsies, and entails the identification, documentation, collection, packaging, and preservation of evidence in accordance with the approved Crime Scene Investigation Procedures Manual. The investigator will also conduct preliminary examinations of evidence to establish probable cause, assist in maintaining crime scene investigation and safety equipment, and participate in periodic inspections of district evidence facilities. Continuous education and training in crime scene investigation are essential, as is compliance with Standard Operating Procedures and laboratory policies. The role demands effective communication with both the scientific community and law enforcement personnel, ensuring that evidence is processed and transported in a timely manner. Other duties may be assigned as necessary to support the crime scene investigation service. Responsibilities: - Provide routine laboratory services and forensic support at crime scenes. - Maintain security and quality assurance standards for evidence handling and storage. - Complete an ISP recognized crime scene investigation training/testing program. - Participate in a proficiency testing program. - Work under the direction of a higher-level crime scene investigator or supervisor. - Communicate crime scene investigation procedures and conclusions to the criminal justice system. - Coordinate forensic investigations at crime scenes, including autopsies. - Identify, document, collect, package, and preserve evidence according to established procedures. - Conduct preliminary examinations of evidence for probable cause. - Assist in maintaining crime scene investigation and safety equipment. - Participate in continuing education and training programs for crime scene investigation. - Comply with Standard Operating Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and Laboratory policies. - Perform forensic tests to enhance identification of evidence. - Assist in the security and management of the district evidence system. - Ensure timely transportation of evidence to/from a laboratory or district. - Maintain effective communication with scientific and criminal justice communities. Requirements: - Bachelor's degree or higher with natural science, forensic science, and/or criminal justice courses. - Five years experience as a certified full-time Crime Scene Investigator for an ISO/IEC 17020 or 17025 accredited laboratory may substitute for a Bachelor's degree. - Obtain and maintain certification as a Crime Scene Investigator with the Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). - Knowledge of theory and practical operation of various crime scene investigation techniques. - Ability to respond to requests for service while in an off-duty status. - Ability to perform complex scientific procedures in an unbiased manner. - Ability to comprehend and explain advanced knowledge of crime scene investigation techniques. - Ability to effectively operate various computer systems and software. - Ability to operate and maintain equipment. - Ability to adhere to established safety practices. - Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. - Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective manner. - Ability to understand search and seizure and rules of evidence as interpreted by the courts. - Must be able to differentiate colors as evidenced by medical certification. - Must pass a Department toxicology screening and background investigation. Benefits: - 401(k) - Dental insurance - Flexible spending account - Health insurance - Health savings account - Life insurance - Paid time off - Retirement plan - Vision insurance