Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To collect, preserve, package and examine physical evidence associated with investigations that fall within the mandate of the Special Investigations Unit (SIU), throughout the Province of Ontario.

Duties / Responsibilities :

1. Reporting to a Forensic Identification Supervisor and working with Investigators, the position: Conducts incident scene examinations to locate and identify relevant physical evidence by: • Planning and conducting the examination of incident scenes to maximize evidential results; • Establishing incident scene perimeters; • Conducting searches/grid searches relative to the location of evidence; • Preparing scale drawings and scene diagrams using electronic measuring devices and AutoSketch computer programs; • Documenting the scene through photographic and video technology as required. 2. Conducts examinations of evidence by: • Documenting through measurements, plan drawings, photographic and video technology all relevant evidence through accepted and proven forensic examination methods; • Gathering, processing and analyzing evidence by selecting and applying various forensic identification methods (e.g. fingerprint and footwear impressions, toolmarks, photographs) according to prescribed rules of evidence and the law; • Rendering latent marks or impressions visible by means of electrostatic detection or application of appropriate substances or developing agents; • Employing proven and accepted precautions to secure evidence, prevent contamination and maintain continuity of scenes and evidence; • Assisting in the maintenance of a Fingerprint Classification System by searching, locating, lifting, photographing, examining and identifying finger impressions; • Processing accused officers under authority of the Identification of Criminals Act; • Attending and photographing post mortem examinations. 3. Provides forensic support to SIU investigative staff by: • Working with Supervisors and Investigators in the planning and conduct of investigations including determining methodology and scope; • Consulting with the Identification Supervisor to assess the value of physical evidence and making recommendations to the Identification Supervisor regarding action to be taken; • Receiving, labeling, preserving and evaluating evidence seized by investigative staff; • Acting as a resource in regards to the capabilities of the Centre of Forensic Sciences (CFS); • Assisting the Collision Reconstructionists and Blood Spatter Analysts as required; • Determining forensically the chain of events which led to the death or injury being investigated. 4. Provides forensic support to other agencies by: • Liaising with outside agencies such as the Centre for Forensic Sciences, The Coroners Office, other provincial Ministries, Police Services; • Collecting, preserving, labeling and packaging physical evidence; analyzing such evidence and making the necessary preparation of evidence for submission to the CFS; • Preparing and submitting evidence for examination as required; • Preparing physical evidence and briefing materials for presentation before the court by the Crown Attorney's Office where charges are laid; • Testifying in support of findings and conclusions at criminal and civil proceedings and Coroner's Inquests as an expert witness when required; • Liaising and directing Identification Technicians who have been assigned to the scene by Police Services regarding scene examination; 5. Prepares required investigative reports and documents as required including; • Preparing comprehensive reports of identification functions; • Field testing and evaluating innovative techniques and equipment and preparing reports on findings; • Researching new techniques, procedures and innovations/adaptations of existing methods, testing the reliability of such development and preparing reports on studies. • Completing Submission and Follow-up Reports, maintaining notebook entries and updating the Evidence Tracking System (ETS) entries. 6. Additional duties as assigned.

Staffing and Licensing :

Staffing and Licencing : Job requires the completion of formal forensic training from a recognized program such as the Ontario Police College or Canadian Police College or University Forensic Identification degree course. Job requires current Ontario Police College Forensic Identification Certification. Re-certification must be completed every three years. Job requires a valid Ontario Class G licence. Job requires the ability to travel frequently throughout the province including remote areas. Travel may be required at short notice and/or odd hours during 24 hour on call periods.

Knowledge :

The job requires: • Knowledge and understanding of relevant Constitutional Law, the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canada Evidence Act, the Identification of Criminals Act, the Coroner's Act, the Police Services Act of Ontario and the Regulation and Orders governing the response of the Special Investigations Unit in order to work with the Investigator in planning of investigations and initiatives; to gather relevant evidence and data and to logically analyze it for its potential use; to explain both the requirements and impact of the forensic investigation or any particular part of it; and to participate in SIU outreach programs; • Knowledge and understanding of the role of the Special Investigations Unit with respect to police accountability as it relates to the exercise of police powers! • Knowledge and understanding of forensic identification theories, principles and practices (including crime scene and exhibit photography) and their application to latent impressions and fingerprint identification theory, formulae and principles; • Knowledge of techniques, procedures and equipment relevant to forensic identification to collect, preserve, package and examine physical evidence associated with incident scenes in support of the SIU Forensic Identification program; • Knowledge of laboratory testing techniques and procedures and the use of chemical substances and equipment relevant to forensic identification work, including photography; • Updating and maintaining knowledge through attending courses, seminars and related training sessions related to the Administrative and Operational duties of the SIU.

Skills :

Job requires: • Attention to detail,'checking for accuracy when: conducting incident scene examinations; conducting searches; documenting the scene; gathering, processing and analyzing evidence; preserving, labelling and packaging and securing evidence; processing accused officers; securing evidence; preparing evidence and briefing material for court proceedings; • Research skills to research, field test and evaluate innovative forensic techniques and equipment; • Analytical skills and problem-solving skills to plan and conduct the examination of incident scenes; to gather, process and analyze and evaluate evidence and data; to determine the forensic chain of events; to prepare briefing materials and to testify in support of findings; • Oral communication skills to liaise with colleagues during the course of an investigation; to make presentations and deliver instructions regarding the role of Forensic Identification Services; to liaise with outside agencies; and to testify as an expert witness in court proceedings; • Interpersonal skills to be sympathetic, tolerant, patient and sensitive to the needs of persons involved in the investigative process, to the public and its communities; • Written communication skills to prepare comprehensive reports,'studies; and briefing materials for court proceedings; • Team leadership skills to provide direction and instruction to Forensic Identification Technicians assigned to incidents; • Computer skills to perform data entry in Evidence Tracking System (ETS) and other database programs including WIN; to prepare scene diagrams using Autosketch; to use word-processing programs to create reports; to use the internet for job related searches and information; and to use email for work related communication; • Photography, digital and video technology skills to document and record evidence; • Ability to lift, carry, handle, push and pull evidence/objects of varying weights and shapes; • Ability to kneel, reach, climb, twist, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel and crawl during the examination of incident scenes in order to locate, collect and examine evidence; • Ability to work mandatory periods of on call work required; • Ability to travel frequently throughout the province including remote areas. Travel may be required at short notice andf'or odd hours during 24 hour on call periods.

Freedom of Action :

The job requires working under the general supervision of the Forensic Identification Supervisor within relevant Constitutional Law, the Criminal Code of Canada, the Canada Evidence Act, the Identification of Criminals Act, the Coroner's Act, the Police Services Act of Ontario, Regulations and Orders governing the response of the Special Investigations Unit and in accordance with OPS policies and procedures. The job exercises latitude in decision making by determining the course of the investigation; by determining the relevance of the evidence collected ; by determining the need for further examination and/or the requirement for the opinion of specialists such as the Coroner's Office, Centre of Forensic Sciences, other Ministries and outside consultants; by determining the methodology and scope to collect evidence, assessing the value of physical evidence; and by making recommendations to an Investigator, Forensic/Investigative Supervisor and/or Executive Officer. Work is monitored during the Investigation through briefings with the Forensic Supervisor, Investigative Supervisor, Lead Investigator and Investigative Team, Executive Officer and Director, in order to arrive at a mutual determination about next steps/conclusions in an investigation. Work product and reports are reviewed by both the Lead investigator and a Forensic Supervisor.