Skip to content Skip to footer

qualifications

Knowledge of:

Digital photography and evidence collection and analysis. Additionally, good knowledge of stock/storeroom policies and procedures, property inventory, basic arithmetic, modern office terminology, equipment, key-entering practices, inventory control and its significance, and computer operations and applications.

 

Ability to:

Conduct specialized tests and evaluate situations; communicate effectively both orally and in writing; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the public. Furthermore, the ability to operate a motor vehicle, digital camera, latent print kits, electrostatic dust print lifter, communication radios, ladders, hand tools, shovels, casting kits, and lighting equipment. Proficiency in operating various word-processing, spreadsheet, database, and other software programs is also required. Additionally, the ability to prepare accurate, complete, and legible reports and present detailed, accurate, and objective oral presentations and responses to questions is essential. Moreover, the ability to compute, enter, and check figures; read, understand, and apply rules and regulations; and communicate effectively both orally and in writing, while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with co-workers and the general public, is critical.

 

becoming a crime scene technician

This job pays at an annual salary of $54,683.20-$76,544.00

*Position is budgeted at $31.55 hourly commensurate with related education andexperience

Under the supervision of a law enforcement agency, this position is responsible for the processing of crime scenes, including photographic and physical collection of evidence, identification, and preservation of evidence in relation to criminal investigations and in
accordance with modern investigative principles.

Position is not covered by any Collective Bargaining Agreement in Santa Fe County.

  1. Under general supervision, processes crime scenes for purposes of identifying and collecting relevant evidence for use in criminal prosecution, utilizing one or all of the following techniques: digital photography, diagrams and sketches, fingerprint collection procedures, plaster casts, and assorted physical and/or chemical tests.
  2. Documents, packages, and preserves evidence; assesses evidence for further lab testing.
  3. Composes reports documenting relevant information and testifies in criminal proceedings.
  4. Receives all evidence submitted by Deputies; properly secures evidence in compliance with established standards.
    Maintains records of property submitted
    to include location, status, and classification; logs, maintains, purges records of
    property submitted as evidence according to established procedures.
  5. Preforms other duties as assigned.

Education:

Associates Degree (minimum) in one or more of the following: Criminal Justice,
Criminology, Forensic Science, Physical Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Physics; AND three (3) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints; OR a minimum of five (5) years of experience in crime scene processing, digital photography, and latent fingerprints.

 

Other Requirements:

Must obtain and maintain at least one nationally or internationally recognized crime scene investigator certification such as: International Association for
Identification, American Board of Medical Legal Death Investigators, or International Association of Blood Spatter Analysis, within one (1) year of hire.

 

Work Conditions:

Work is performed frequently in an office environment and outdoors in varied weather conditions with exposure to dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens. Work involves high risk or potentially dangerous situations, exposure to hazardous materials, excessive noise, hostile individuals, and work near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery. Work requires the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices or materials. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand, walk, and sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands or arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel or crouch; and talk or hear. Ability to lift over 100lbs. Clarity of vision at long distance and short distance is required. Evening, holiday, and weekend work is required.

 

Selected candidate must submit to and pass a County paid pre-employment physical and drug/alcohol screening. Additionally, selected candidate must submit to and pass a county paid criminal background screening. Selected candidate may not have any felonyconvictions. Selected candidate must possess and maintain a valid New Mexico Class D Driver’s License as incumbent shall be appointed to drive a County vehicle during the performance of his/her duties. Candidate must obtain and/or maintain all certifications required.

Frequently asked Questions

  • First, start by applying for the position of Deputy Cadet here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santafecounty. Once you apply, HR will send you a background packet to complete and schedule you for a testing date. At the testing date, you will turn in your background packet, you will be administered a general knowledge written test, followed by physical assessment. If you pass both, a background check will be conducted which can take up to 3 weeks or longer depending on your background. At the completion of the background check, you will be scheduled for a physical/medical screening and a psychological evaluation. If all the aforementioned requirements are met and passed successfully, you may receive a hire date at this point.
  • First, start by applying for the position that you would qualify for based on your years of law enforcement experience here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/santafecounty. Once HR confirms your qualifications, an interview will be set up by our command staff. You will be sent a background packet which will need to be turned in at the time of your interview. The interview will include a written test of basic police knowledge. Lateral deputies do not typically need to submit to a psychological examination, but it is considered on a case by case basis. A physical/medical screening will be administered and upon completion of everything, and a job offer maybe tendered.
  • Yes. The NM DPS Training Academy is a 16-week training academy that will instruct you on everything you will need to be successful as a law enforcement officer. The Academy requires cadets to stay on campus throughout the week. A “typical” week will have you report on Sunday evening and you will live in the campus dorms until Friday afternoon, when you will be released for the weekend. You can find more information on the DPS Academy here. https://www.lea.nm.gov/basic-police-officer-training-bpot/
  • Not all criminal history is an automatic disqualifier. However, certain criminal charges such as domestic violence convictions and felony convictions may prevent you from carrying a firearm. If you have any questions or special circumstances, please reach out to a recruiter at (505) 986-2402.
  • No. The Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office provides you with all your uniforms and equipment, including firearms. Cadets are provided their duty uniform and the required uniform for the Academy. Laterals are provided their duty uniform. All deputies receive an annual uniform stipend after completion of first year of employment.
  • Santa Fe County employees are provided with various leave benefits, including annual leave, sick leave, holidays, personal holidays, Family Medical Leave (FMLA), military leave, bereavement leave, mentorship/volunteer leave, and educational leave.

TEXT A RECRUITER

ABOUT US

The mission of the Santa Fe Sheriff’s Office is to provide quality services in recruitment, employee development, employee relations, benefits, compensation, and human resources operations with integrity and responsiveness to support Santa Fe County goals.

Connect with Us

text a recruiter

Our site uses cookies. Learn more about our use of cookies: https://joinsfso.com/cookie-policy/