About Our Job

The Denver Crime Laboratory actively works to aid the Denver Police Department in solving crime. The Forensics and Evidence Division employs a variety of highly trained personnel to assist in the investigation of criminal acts and make Denver a safer place to live.

The Denver Police Crime Scene Unit investigates criminal cases ranging from property crimes to crimes against persons within the City and County of Denver. Each year the unit responds to over four thousand crime scenes.

*This is a nightshift position. The incumbent must be able to work weekends and holidays. This is a seniority based position*

Job responsibilities include:

• Identify, collect, preserve, and package biological evidence, friction ridge evidence, impression evidence, and other physical evidence according to established standards and existing standard operating procedures;

• Documents crime scenes using various forensic techniques and processes including digital photography, digital video, laser scanning, and diagramming software;

• Prepares technical departmental reports;

• Maintains proper chain of custody on evidence and proper packaging to preserve and prevent contamination;

• Testifies in court regarding the details of their involvement with crime scene processing;

• Assists with training of Criminalist I’s and Crime Scene Technicians;

• Resolves problems encountered during daily operations;

• Performs work following ISO 17025 standards, including standard operating procedures and quality assurance manual guidelines;

• Performs other related duties as assigned by direct Supervisors;

About You:

Our ideal candidate will have:

• 1+ years' experience in a similar working environment (large agency)

• Flexibility

• Ability to perform shift work, which includes night shift, weekends and holidays

• Ability to effectively deal with difficult scenes/situations

• Ability to adapt to changes

• Team mentality

• Customer service mentality

All candidates selected to move forward must successfully complete a polygraph exam, drug test, physical/medical evaluation, vision exam, and criminal background check as a condition of employment.

Below are the minimum requirements used to determine eligibility for this position:

• Education Requirement: Bachelor’s Degree

• Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience in crime scene processing and/or an internship with a forensic laboratory or criminal justice organization.

• Education and Experience Equivalency: One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post- high school education. Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

• License/Certification Requirement: Requires a valid Driver's License at the time of application.  By position, ability to obtain IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator, Level 1 certification within two years of employment.  By position, ability to complete LEVA Levels 1-4 training within 4 years of employment.  It is a condition of employment that the Denver Police Forensics & Evidence Division Form for Consent for Collection of a DNA Sample be completed at the time of hire.  Licenses and certifications must be kept current as a condition of employment.

About Everything Else

Job Profile

CE2825 Criminalist I

To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.

Position Type

Unlimited

Position Salary Range

$29.56 - $45.82

Target Pay

Based on Experience and Education

Agency

Denver Police Department

Redeployment during Citywide Emergencies

City and County of Denver employees may be re-deployed to work in other capacities in their own agencies or in other city agencies to support core functions of the city during a citywide emergency declared by the Mayor.

The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationa