Loading...
Resolution - 2022-04RESOLUTION NO. 2022-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE FORENSIC SPECIALIST SERIES THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA HEREBY FINDS, DETERMINES, AND DECLARES AS FOLLOWS: WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department, as needed, reviews class specifications and/or pay grades to ensure position specifications and compensation are in alignment with current demands and comparable with similar classifications within the public sector labor market; and WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department reviewed the specification and compensation for the Forensic Specialist and determined updates to such specification and compensation are needed to meet current industry standards relating to minimum qualifications, duties, and responsibilities; and WHEREAS, the Human Resources Department also determined it was necessary to establish a new Senior Forensic Specialist classification and a new Forensic Specialist Supervisor classification to increase efficiency, provide consistency in supervision, and create a path for professional growth within the Police Department; and WHEREAS, on December 15, 2021, the Human Resources Commission reviewed and approved the update of the existing class specification for the Forensic Specialist as set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and incorporated herein, and establishing the new Senior Forensic Specialist and Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications and specifications as set forth in Exhibits B and C, respectively, attached hereto and incorporated herein; and WHEREAS, on December 15, 2021, the Human Resources Commission also reviewed and approved the salary grades for the new Senior Forensic Specialist and the new Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications, and adjusting the salary range for the Forensic Specialist classification; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to approve the updated Forensic Specialist specification and the establishment of the Senior Forensic Specialist and Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications and the specifications for said classifications; and WHEREAS, the City Council also desires to approve the new salary grades for the Forensic Specialist, Senior Forensic Specialist, and Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications. NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF WEST COVINA, CALIFORNIA HEREBY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council hereby approves the update to the existing class specification for the Forensic Specialist as set forth in Exhibit A and the establishment of the Senior Forensic Specialist and Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications and the specifications for said classifications as set forth in Exhibits B and C, respectively. SECTION 2. The City Council hereby approves the following new salary grades for the Forensic Specialist, Senior Forensic Specialist, and Forensic Specialist Supervisor classifications: Classification Monthl Pay Ran7$6ii2l Ste 1 Ste 3 Ste 5 Forensic Specialist $5,329 $5,609 $5,904 ,4 5 542 Senior Forensic $6,427 $6,765 $7,121 $7,496 $7,890 Specialist Forensic Specialist $7 995 $8,395 $8,815 $9,256 $9,719 Supervisor SECTION 3. The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the book of original resolutions and it shall become effective immediately. APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4th day of January, 2022. APPROVED AS TO FORM Thomas P. Nuarte City Attorney Dario Castellanos Mayor ATTEST Lisa Sherri Assistant i Clerk N I, LISA SHERRICK, ASSISTANT CITY CLERK of the City of West Covina, California, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 2022-04 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of West Covina, California, at a regular meeting thereof held on the 4th day of January, 2022, by the following vote of the City Council: AYES: Castellanos, Diaz, Lopez-Viado, Tabatabai, Wu NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Lisa Shpfrick AssistW City Clerk EXHIBIT A CLASS SPECIFICATIONS - FORENSIC SPECIALIST rr� PROPOSED CITY OF WEST COVINA CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION Class Title: FORENSIC SPECIALIST Bargaining Unit: NON -SWORN SAFETY SUPPORT Class Code: FOREN SPEC Salary Grade: NS003 Salary: $55,248 $67,164 $63,948.00 - $78,504.00 FLSA: NON-EXEMPT Date Updated: JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the department's Forensic Investigative Unit, performs non -sworn crime investigation work to include field, office, and laboratory assignments at a variety of crime scenes. Use chemical, microscopic, instrumental, and physical methods of analysis. Fingerprint comparisons and identifications. Responsible for preparing written reports on findings. Serving in Courtroom testimony and conducting research regarding new technologies, equipment, and techniques. Assist with Detective Bureau investigations. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Process complex crime scenes requiring specialized techniques in detection, recognition, documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of physical evidence associated with crime scenes to include all types of friction skin evidence, trace evidence, and biological evidence. Develops, collects, and preserves latent fingerprints by applying various powders, chemical processes and utilizing alternate light source technology. Documents crime scene investigations and accident locations by conventional and digital photography. Takes aerial photographs and video tapes of crime scenes. Diagrams (includes digital diagraming software and equipment) and measures crime scenes. Makes impressions of shoeprints, tire tracks and other objects at crime scenes. Downloads digital images and produces digital photographs using applicable software. 8. Prepares and enters latent fingerprints into the Los Angles Automated Fingerprint Identification System (LAFIS), IAFIS, and other AFIS systems. Compares AFIS results. 9. Responsible for analyzing, comparing, and evaluating developed latent prints for the purposes of identification by comparing the latent prints with known record impressions of an individual. 10. Collects evidence involving but not limited to, fingerprinting, DNA, fingernail scrapings, gunshot residue, and other evidence from witnesses, victims, and suspects in custody (If deceased, referred to Coroner's Office). 11. Collects evidence required for sexual assault investigations (Not SART Kits) in conjunction with the Sexual Assault Response Team, to including detailed photography. Forensic Specialist - PROPOSED Page 2 of 3 12. Responsible for collecting, transporting, processing, and booking evidence. 13. Responsible for the chain of custody, security, and control of evidence while it is in the possession of the Crime Lab. 14. Prepares court exhibits to depict crime scenes, including latent print comparison charts. 15. Presents results of forensic investigations in criminal cases by providing technically competent expert testimony on comparisons of friction skin evidence, photography, and evidence collection. 16. Prepares detailed reports of investigations and/or forensic examinations. 17. Performs administrative and law enforcement support activities. 18. Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner. 19. Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Required Knowledge • LAFIS/IAFIS/AFIS computer systems and operations. • Crime scene investigation procedures. • Fingerprint identification procedures and classification systems. • Forensic science as it applies to the collection and preservation of physical and biological evidence. Photographic equipment. • Photographic and video techniques. • Principles and practices of collecting and preserving crime scene evidence. • Principles and practices of lifting and preserving latent fingerprints. • Procedures, practices and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of evidence. • Protocols and procedures of courtroom testimony. • Report writing. Required Abilities • Download color digital images to the digital management system for output to storage media and printers. • Effectively testify as an expert witness in court. • Establish smooth working relationships and resolve interpersonal conflicts. • Perform complex latent fingerprint recovery and print comparison work. • Print photographs using various processing equipment. • Take photographs using conventional and/or digital cameras. • Create Power Point presentations. • Maintain forensic equipment. • Develop training materials and coordinate such training for employees. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Graduation from high school or attainment GED. Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited Forensic Specialist - PROPOSED Page 3 of 3 college or Bachelor of Arts Degree in police science, forensics or related field are desirable. Experience Five (5) years recent experience in crime scene investigation and latent print comparison may be substituted for the educational requirement. Two (2) years recent experience in crime scene investigation and latent print comparison. Licenses/ Certificates/ Special Requirements Successful completion of the state -mandated CLETS training program as required by the California State Department of Justice within six months of date of employment and ongoing maintenance of CLETS certification. Certification as a Latent Print Examiner and/or Crime Scene Technician or Analyst is highly desirable. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Moto Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, crawling, climbing ladders and incl9nes, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to independently work crime scene investigations either without supervision or without sworn police presence. Incumbents must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Work Environment Work is performed in a variety of locations to include on -site work at crime scenes, hospitals, and in the Police Department. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. When works is performed outdoors, there is full exposure to the elements. The incumbent may be exposed to related health hazards to include blood and other bodily fluids/products, infectious diseases, human borne parasites, air, water, and blood borne pathogens, and may have contact with complete and/or partial human corpses in various stages of decomposition. Other health hazards may include odors, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances. Occasionally, work is performed within confined areas or high altitudes, including photography from helicopters. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. "On -Call compensation for position subject to future meet and confer process. CLASS SPECIFICATIONS - SENIOR FORENSIC SPECIALIST EXHIBIT B PROPOSED CITY OF WEST COVINA CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION Class Title: SENIOR FORENSIC SPECIALIST Bargaining Unit: NON -SWORN SAFETY SUPPORT Class Code: SR FOREN SPEC Salary Grade: NSXXX Salary: $77,124-$94,680 FLSA: NON-EXEMPT Date Updated: JOB SUMMARY Under the supervision of the Forensic Supervisor, practices non -sworn crime investigation work to include field, office, and laboratory assignments at a variety of crime scenes. Responds to process active crime scenes and assists Detective Bureau investigations. Use chemical, microscopic, instrumental, and physical methods to analyze various items of evidence. Conducts fingerprint comparisons and identifications. Responsible for preparing written reports on findings and provides subsequent courtroom testimony. Conducts research regarding new technologies, equipment, and techniques to enhance the forensic identification unit. Acts as trainer and mentor for Forensic Specialist, which may include handling supervisory functions in the absence of the Forensic Specialist Supervisor. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 1. Train and mentor Crime Scene Assistants 2. Acts as a quazi-supervisor and participates in processing complex crime scenes requiring specialized techniques in detection, recognition, documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of physical evidence associated with crime scenes to include all types of friction skin evidence, trace evidence, and biological evidence. 3. Provides guidance to staff in resolving difficult technical problems. 4. May be assigned to reviews and evaluates completed work assignments. 5. Oversees progress of assigned case work and status backlogs. 6. Develop and/or update Section policies & procedures. 7. Makes recommendations concerning the procurement of equipment. 8. Trains personnel in collection and preservation of evidence. 9. Communicates with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and identification units. 10. Develops, collects, and preserves latent fingerprints by applying various powders, chemical processes and utilizing alternate light source technology. 11. Collects evidence involving but not limited to, fingerprinting, DNA, fingernail scrapings (if deceased refereed to Coroner's Office), gunshot residue, and other evidence from witnesses, victims, and suspects in custody. Senior Forensic Specialist - PROPOSED Page 2 of 4 12. Documents crime scene investigations and traffic collision scenes by digital photography and through the use of diagraming software and equipment. 13. Takes aerial photographs and video tapes of crime scenes. 14. Diagrams and measures crime scenes. 15. Makes impressions of shoeprints, tire tracks and other objects at crime scenes. 16. Downloads digital images and produces digital photographs using applicable software. 17. Conducts comparative analysis of latent prints to inked or digitally captured prints, which includes preparing and entering latent fingerprints in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). 18. Collects evidence required for sexual assault investigations (Not SART Exam Kits) including detailed photography. 19. Collects, transports, processes, and books evidence. 20. Maintains chain of custody, security, and control of evidence while it is in the possession of the Crime Lab. 21. May be designated to supervise the preparation and/or prepares court exhibits to depict crime scenes, including latent print comparison charts. 22. Presents results of forensic investigations in criminal cases by providing technically competent expert testimony on comparisons of friction skin evidence, photography, and evidence collection. 23. Approves and/or prepares detailed reports of investigations and/or forensic examinations. 24. Performs administrative and law enforcement support activities. 25. Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner. 26. Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of.- 1. LAFIS/IAFIS/AFIS computer systems and operations 2. Crime scene investigations procedures 3. Fingerprint identification procedures and classification systems 4. Photographic equipment 5. Photographic and video techniques 6. Principles and practices of collecting and preserving crime scene evidence. 7. Principles and practices of lifting and preserving latent fingerprints 8. Forensic science procedures, practices and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of physical and biological evidence 9. Protocols and procedures of courtroom testimony 10. Report writing 11. Basic leadership and supervisory principles Ability to: 1. Train and effectively communicate with others and establish smooth working relationships to resolve interpersonal conflicts Download color digital images to the digital management system for output to storage media and printers Senior Forensic Specialist - PROPOSED Page 3 of 4 3. Effectively testify as an expert witness in court 4. Workday/afternoon/night/split shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays and on -call 5. Perform complex latent fingerprint recovery and print comparison work 6. Print photographs using various processing equipment 7. Take photographs using digital cameras 8. Create presentations based pm forensic findings 9. Procure and maintain forensic equipment 10. Develop training materials and coordinate such training for employees MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education Training, and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience as demonstrated by their past and current employment. Graduation from high school or attainment of GED. Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in police science, forensics or related field is desirable. Two (2) years of full-time, paid experience in crime scene investigation, including identification techniques, examining latent fingerprints, latent print comparison, fingerprinting and photography of crime scenes with a law enforcement or similar agency. Licenses/ Certificates/ Special Requirements 1. A valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required. 2. Successful completion of the state -mandated CLETS training program as required by the California State Department of Justice within six months of date of employment and ongoing maintenance of CLETS certification. 3. Certification as a Latent Print Examiner and/or Crime Scene Technician or Analyst is highly desirable. 4. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, crawling, climbing ladders and inclines, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to independently work crime scene investigations. Incumbents must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have the mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Senior Forensic Specialist - PROPOSED Page 4 of 4 Work Environment Work is performed in a variety of locations to include on -site work at crime scenes, hospitals, and in the Police Department. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. When work is performed outdoors, there is a full exposure to the elements. The incumbent may be exposed to related health hazards to include blood and other bodily fluids/products, infectious diseases, human borne parasites, air, water, and blood borne pathogens. The incumbent may have contact with complete and/or partial human corpses in various stages of decomposition. Other health hazards may include odors, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances. Occasionally, work is performed within confined areas or high altitudes, including photography from helicopters. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. "On -call compensation for position subject to future meet and confer process. EXHIBIT C CLASS SPECIFICATIONS - FORENSIC SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR EXHIBIT C PROPOSED CITY OF WEST COVINA CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION Class Title: FORENSIC SPECIALIST SUPERVISOR Bargaining Unit: MID MANAGEMENT Class Code: FOREN SPEC SUP Salary Grade: MMXXX Salary: $95,940.00 - $116,628.00 FLSA: EXEMPT Date Updated: JOBSUMMARY Supervises and practices non -sworn crime investigation work to include field, office, and laboratory assignments at a variety of crime scenes. Responds to process active crime scenes and assists Detective Bureau investigations. Use chemical, microscopic, instrumental, and physical methods to analyze various items of evidence. Conducts fingerprint comparisons and identifications. Responsible for preparing written reports on findings and provides subsequent courtroom testimony. Conducts research regarding new technologies, equipment, and techniques to enhance the forensic identification unit. ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class. 1. Supervises Crime Scene Assistants 2. Supervises and participates in processing complex crime scenes requiring specialized techniques in detection, recognition, documentation, collection, interpretation, and preservation of physical evidence associated with crime scenes to include all types of friction skin evidence, trace evidence, and biological evidence. 3. Prepares employee performance evaluations. 4. Provides guidance to staff in resolving difficult technical problems. 5. Reviews and evaluates completed work assignments. 6. Oversees progress of assigned case work and status backlogs. 7. Investigate and make recommendations for disciplinary action, if necessary. 8. Develop and/or update Section policies & procedures. 9. Makes recommendations concerning the procurement of equipment. 10. Trains personnel in collection and preservation of evidence. 11. Communicates with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, and identification units. 12. Develops, collects, and preserves latent fingerprints by applying various powders, chemical processes and utilizing alternate light source technology. 13. Collects evidence involving but not limited to, fingerprinting, DNA, fingernail scrapings if deceased refer to Coroner's Office), gunshot residue, and other evidence from witnesses, victims, and suspects in custody. Forensic Specialist Supervisor - PROPOSED Page 2 of 4 14. Supervises and documents crime scene investigations and traffic collision scenes by digital photography and diagraming software and equipment. 15. Takes aerial photographs and video tapes of crime scenes. 16. Diagrams and measures crime scenes. 17. Makes impressions of shoeprints, tire tracks and other objects at crime scenes. 18. Downloads digital images and produces digital photographs using applicable software. 19. Conducts comparative analysis of latent prints to inked or digitally captured prints, which includes preparing and entering latent fingerprints in the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS). 20. Collects evidence required for sexual assault investigations (Not SART Exam Kits) including detailed photography. 21. Collects, transports, processes, and books evidence. 22. Maintains chain of custody, security, and control of evidence while it is in the possession of the Crime Lab. 23. Supervises the preparation and/or prepares court exhibits to depict crime scenes, including latent print comparison charts. 24. Presents results of forensic investigations in criminal cases by providing technically competent expert testimony on comparisons of friction skin evidence, photography, and evidence collection. 25. Approves and/or prepares detailed reports of investigations and/or forensic examinations. 26. Performs administrative and law enforcement support activities. 27. Assumes responsibility for ensuring the duties of the position are performed in a safe, efficient manner. 28. Performs other related duties as assigned or as the situation requires. GENERAL QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: 1. LAFIS/IAFIS/AFIS computer systems and operations 2. Crime scene investigations procedures 3. Fingerprint identification procedures and classification systems 4. Photographic equipment 5. Photographic and video techniques 6. Principles and practices of collecting and preserving crime scene evidence. 7. Principles and practices of lifting and preserving latent fingerprints 8. Forensic science procedures, practices and laws regarding the collection, preservation, and integrity of physical and biological evidence 9. Protocols and procedures of courtroom testimony 10. Report writing 11. Basic leadership and supervisory principles Ability to: 1. Supervise, train, and effectively communicate with others and establish smooth working relationships to resolve interpersonal conflicts 2. Download color digital images to the digital management system for output to storage media and printers Forensic Specialist Supervisor - PROPOSED Page 3 of 4 3. Effectively testify as an expert witness in court 4. Workday/afternoon/night/split shifts, weekends, overtime, holidays and on -call 5. Perform complex latent fingerprint recovery and print comparison work 6. Print photographs using various processing equipment 7. Take photographs using digital cameras 8. Create presentations based pm forensic findings 9. Procure and maintain forensic equipment 10. Develop training materials and coordinate such training for employees MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education. Traininq, and Experience Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential job duties of the position is qualifying. Incumbents will possess the most desirable combination of training, skills, and experience as demonstrated by their past and current employment. Graduation from high school or attainment of GED. Associate of Arts Degree from an accredited college or Bachelor of Arts or Science Degree in police science, forensics or related field is desirable. Four years of full-time, paid experience in crime scene investigation, including identification techniques, examining latent fingerprints, latent print comparison, fingerprinting and photography of crime scenes with a law enforcement or similar agency. Licenses/ Certificates/ Special Requirements A valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is required. Successful completion of the state -mandated CLETS training program as required by the California State Department of Justice within six months of date of employment and ongoing maintenance of CLETS certification. Certification as a Latent Print Examiner and/or Crime Scene Technician or Analyst is highly desirable. Must possess a valid California Class C driver's license and comply with the City's Motor Vehicle Safety Policy during the course of employment. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this class. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Physical demands include frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, lifting, crawling, climbing ladders and inclines, and moving objects weighing up to 50 pounds. May be required to independently work crime scene investigations. Incumbents must be able to meet the physical requirements of the class and have the mobility, vision, hearing, and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Forensic Specialist Supervisor - PROPOSED Page 4 of 4 Work Environment Work is performed in a variety of locations to include on -site work at crime scenes, hospitals, and in the Police Department. Work is performed in indoor and outdoor environments. When work is performed outdoors, there is a full exposure to the elements. The incumbent may be exposed to related health hazards to include blood and other bodily fluids/products, infectious diseases, human borne parasites, air, water, and blood borne pathogens. The incumbent may have contact with complete and/or partial human corpses in various stages of decomposition. Other health hazards may include odors, toxic chemicals, and hazardous substances. Occasionally, work is performed within confined areas or high altitudes, including photography from helicopters. SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION The City of West Covina is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the city will provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. *On -call compensation subject to future meet and confer process.