Crime Scene Technician

Crime Scene Technician

Salary

$45,011.20 - $55,016.00 Annually

Location

Lynchburg, VA

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

03709

Department

Police

Opening Date

11/06/2026

Closing Date

11/15/2026 11:59 PM Eastern

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Description

The City of Lynchburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer

The Lynchburg Police Department is seeking a non-sworn Crime Scene Technician to perform technical work in the collection, identification, classification, packaging, preservation, transportation, and documentation of physical evidence gathered from crime scenes.

This position performs specialized technical work involving the recognition, documentation, collection, processing, packaging, preservation, and transportation of physical evidence obtained from crime scenes and other investigative activities.

The Crime Scene Technician plays a critical role in supporting criminal investigations by ensuring evidence is properly identified, documented, collected, and preserved in accordance with established forensic standards, departmental policies, and applicable laws.

This position may require working more than 40 hours per week, including nights, weekends, holidays, and extended hours based on operational needs.

Applicants must be willing and able to participate in a regularly scheduled on-call rotation and respond to crime scenes outside normal working hours. When on call, employees must be able to respond within the City of Lynchburg limits within 30 minutes of notification.

Essential Duties

• Responds to and processes a variety of crime scenes, including homicides, suspicious deaths, violent crimes, property crimes, and other incidents requiring forensic examination.
• Recognizes, identifies, documents, collects, processes, packages, preserves, and transports physical evidence in accordance with established forensic procedures and departmental policies.
• Conducts systematic examinations of crime scenes to identify potential evidence relevant to criminal investigations.
• Utilizes approved forensic techniques and specialized equipment to locate, develop, photograph, and collect physical evidence, including latent fingerprints, biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms-related evidence, and other evidentiary materials.
• Photographs crime scenes, evidence, injuries, and other relevant details using appropriate photographic techniques and equipment.
• Prepares accurate crime scene sketches, measurements, diagrams, and other documentation necessary to preserve the condition and layout of a scene.
• Identifies, documents, collects, and preserves electronic devices and digital evidence, including cellular phones, computers, surveillance video, and other electronic media, in accordance with established procedures and the scope of assigned responsibilities.
• Maintains accurate and complete records of evidence collection, processing, transfers, and chain of custody.
• Properly packages, labels, stores, and transports evidence to designated facilities, forensic laboratories, or other authorized locations.
• Prepares detailed, accurate, and timely investigative and forensic reports documenting crime scene observations, evidence collection, processing techniques, and findings.
• Provides clear, accurate, professional, and credible testimony in criminal and civil court proceedings regarding evidence collection, forensic procedures, and other work performed.
• Collaborates effectively with sworn law enforcement personnel, investigators, prosecutors, forensic laboratory personnel, medical examiners, and other criminal justice professionals.
• Maintains the cleanliness, organization, operational readiness, and proper care of assigned forensic equipment, vehicles, supplies, and workspaces.
• Maintains strict confidentiality concerning criminal investigations, sensitive information, and evidentiary materials.
• Participates in required departmental training, professional development, and continuing education to maintain proficiency in current forensic techniques, technology, and best practices.
• Exercises sound judgment when assessing crime scenes, identifying potential evidence, prioritizing responsibilities, and addressing unexpected circumstances.
• Performs assigned duties with a high degree of accuracy, professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The successful applicant should possess or demonstrate the ability to develop the following:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn, accepted principles, practices, procedures, and techniques related to crime scene investigation and forensic evidence collection.
• Understanding of evidence recognition, collection, preservation, contamination prevention, and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Working knowledge of, or the ability to learn, applicable rules of evidence, constitutional considerations, and laws governing search and seizure.
• Ability to operate specialized forensic equipment, digital cameras, computers, and other technology used in crime scene documentation and evidence processing.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare comprehensive reports and effectively articulate technical information.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and focused when responding to stressful, emotionally challenging, or rapidly evolving situations.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while recognizing when additional assistance or supervisory guidance is necessary.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple assignments and competing priorities.
• Ability to apply critical thinking, logic, and sound judgment when evaluating crime scenes and making decisions.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers, supervisors, law enforcement personnel, and members of the public.
• Willingness to work collaboratively, contribute to team objectives, and assist other personnel when necessary.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality, professional ethics, integrity, and the highest standards of evidence handling.
• Willingness to learn new techniques, adapt to evolving technology, and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Working indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions, temperatures, and lighting.
• Standing, walking, kneeling, bending, crouching, climbing, and performing repetitive movements for extended periods.
• Lifting, carrying, and transporting evidence, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the positions established physical requirements.

Minimum Education and Experience Required

Graduation from High School or a GED required. A minimum of two years related additional education or experience with a background in law enforcement preferred.

Must have a valid driver license that meets the City of Lynchburg driving policy.

Additional Requirements

The successful candidate must demonstrate a commitment to the mission and values of the Lynchburg Police Department and understand the importance of maintaining public trust through professionalism, accountability, and integrity.

Crime Scene Technicians are expected to recognize that their work directly impacts criminal investigations and judicial proceedings. Accuracy, thoroughness, impartiality, and proper evidence handling are essential to the success of this position.

Requires working in all weather conditions and often under unpleasant circumstances.

Must attend and successfully complete extensive training in forensic sciences, which will include either the University of Tennessee National Forensic Academy or the Virginia DFS Forensic Science Academy within one year of employment.

The City offers an array of benefits combined with direct salary/wages in order to establish a total compensation package that supports the Citys goals of attracting, rewarding, and retaining employees who are both representatives of the community and are also able to deliver exceptional services.

• Employees in full-time positions are eligible for the following benefits:
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Retirement through the Virginia Retirement System (VRS);

the City's contribution is based on a rate determined bi-annually by the VRS Board and employees pay 5% of base pay (pre-tax) towards their VRS benefit

• Life insurance at no cost to the employee

• Optional benefits such as 457 deferred compensation, Roth IRA, flexible spending accounts, etc.

• Eligibility for parental leave and tuition assistance

• Paid Time Off

• Employees in hourly and part-time positions may be eligible for benefits depending on the position

Employees of the City of Lynchburg may also be eligible for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program for federal student loans

Additional information about City benefits can be found on our website and in the Employment Policies & Procedures

01

DMV Release Notice - (Virginia Applicants): This position requires a valid drivers license and acceptable driving history. I hereby certify that I have read and understand the DMV Record Release Notice and give the City permission to obtain my driving record.

• Yes
• No

02

Please provide your drivers license number so that your Virginia driving record can be obtained by the Department of Human Resources.

03

(Current Out-of-State applicants and applicants who have had an Out-of-State Drivers License at any time in the last 3 years): I agree to provide, WITHIN 2 WEEKS OF MY APPLICATION, a copy of my driving record from that state where I am currently licensed or have been licensed within the past 3 years. I will contact Human Resources within 2 weeks if I am unable to obtain my out of state driving record in that time. I understand that my application may not be considered for this position until I submit my out of state driving record. You can email this information to human.resources@lynchburgva.gov, or fax to 434-845-4304 or mail this information to Human Resources, 900 Church Street, Lynchburg VA 24504. Include the name of the position for which you are applying. If you have a driving record less than 30 days old you can upload as an attachment to your application.

• Agree to provide record within 2 weeks of application date
• Do not agree (I understand I will no longer be considered for this position if I disagree.)
• Not applicable (I have not had an Out-of-State Drivers License during the past 3 years.

04

If you answered yes to the above question, please provide the name of the State where your license was issued:

05

Please provide the last four digits of your Social Security number for verification purposes.

06

Are you a citizen of the United States or a lawful permanent resident of the U.S. eligible for naturalization?

• Yes
• No

07

Do you have a High School diploma or GED?

• Yes
• No

08

Do you currently have any bills in collections (exclude debt protected in bankruptcies)? If you do please explain in detail your plan to have these bills paid in full.

09

Have you ever been convicted of a domestic assault and/or battery offense?

10

Have you ever been convicted of a misdemeanor? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.

11

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? Please explain and provide the year this occurred.

12

Are you now, or have you ever been a member of a criminal street gang, or group that furthers or promotes criminal activity? If yes please explain.

13

Have you ever purchased, manufactured, stored, sold, acted as a lookout, delivered, smuggled, sent through the mail, transported another person to illegally buy or sell drugs or unlawfully benefitted in any way from the sale of prescription or illegal drugs? If yes, please explain including dates.

14

Have you used marijuana or THC in the past 6 months? If so, when was the month and year of last usage?

15

In the last 4 years, have you ever unlawfully used any of the following: PCP, Heroin, Cocaine/Crack, Methamphetamine, Ecstasy, LSD, Psilocybin (mushrooms) or Rohypnol/Other Date Rape Drugs?

16

Have you ever had your drivers license suspended, revoked or refused in the last 3 years? Please explain.

17

Have you been charged with or convicted of a DUI related offense within the last 3 years?

• Yes
• No

18

Have you had a valid drivers license continuously for at least 3 years?

19

Have you previously applied with the City of Lynchburg Police Department? If yes when, and for what position?

20

You will be required to provide copies of your educational transcripts, birth certificate, DD 214 (if applicable) and DCJS Certification (if applicable). Please have these documents readily available to expedite the hiring process. Do you understand this requirement?

• Yes
• No

21

Have you served in the armed forces?

• Yes
• No

22

If you have served in the Armed Forces and have been discharged, was it dishonorable or for bad conduct? If so please explain in detail.

23

If you have no record of previous employment please provide detail regarding your time spent since graduation from High School or obtaining your GED.

24

Have you ever been under a protective order by the court? If yes, please explain.

25

Do you have any visible tattoos on your arms, neck, hands and/or face? If yes, please give location(s) and describe the tattoo(s). (You will be required to provide a photo of these at a later date in the hiring process.)

26

Have you ever been disciplined, suspended, terminated, asked to resign, or received punitive actions at a current or former place of employment? If yes, please explain.

27

Have you ever been disciplined or punished for any violation related to lying, cheating, stealing, or something else that would bring your integrity into question? If yes, please explain.

28

This job will require you to pass a thorough background examination, which will include a polygraph and credit investigation. Are you willing to participate in these examinations?

• Yes
• No

29

I certify that the information provided on this application is truthful and accurate to my knowledge. I understand that any intentional omission of information and dishonestly will eliminate me from further consideration of employment with the Lynchburg Police Department.

• Yes
• No

30

Primary communication during the hiring process is done through the email address lpd.training@lynchburgva.gov or allen.kittrell@lynchburgva.gov. Please check your spam/junk folders on a regular basis in addition to your inbox for communication from the Recruiting office. Do you agree to check your email?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Lynchburg

Address 900 Church Street

Lynchburg, Virginia, 24504

Phone (434) 455-4200

Website https://www.lynchburgva.gov/human-resources