Criminalist I - Denver Police Department Crime Lab

About Our Job

Application Deadline:

This position is expected to stay open until Monday, November 23rd, 2026. Please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than Monday, November 23rd at 5:00PM.

The Denver Crime Laboratory is dedicated to supporting the Denver Police Department in solving crime. The Forensics and Evidence Division employs highly trained professionals who assist in criminal investigations and contribute to making Denver a safer place to live.

The Denver Police Crime Scene Unit investigates criminal cases ranging from property crimes to crimes against persons throughout the City and County of Denver. Each year, the unit responds to more than 4,000 crime scenes.

This is a seniority-based night-shift position. The incumbent must be available to work weekends, holidays, and on-call.

Job Responsibilities

• Identify, collect, preserve, and package biological, friction ridge, impression, and other physical evidence in accordance with established standards and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
• Document crime scenes using various forensic techniques and technologies, including digital photography, digital videography, laser scanning, and diagramming software.
• Prepare technical reports in accordance with departmental requirements.
• Maintain proper chain of custody and ensure evidence is appropriately packaged to preserve its integrity and prevent contamination.
• Provide courtroom testimony regarding involvement in crime scene processing and evidence handling.
• Assist with the training of Criminalist I and Crime Scene Technician personnel.
• Identify, troubleshoot, and resolve issues encountered during daily operations.
• Perform all duties in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 standards, including adherence to SOPs and quality assurance manual guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors.

About You

Our ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• At least one year of experience in a similar work environment, preferably within a large agency.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic operational environment.
• The ability to work shifts that include nights, weekends, and holidays.
• The ability to effectively manage difficult crime scenes and challenging situations.
• The ability to adapt to changing operational needs and priorities.
• A strong team-oriented mindset.
• A commitment to providing excellent customer service.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates selected to advance in the hiring process must successfully complete a polygraph examination, drug test, physical/medical evaluation, vision examination, and criminal background check as conditions of employment.

Required Minimum Qualifications

• Education Requirement: Bachelor's degree.

• Experience Requirement: One (1) year of experience in crime scene processing; digital multimedia editing and video enhancement; 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 and Certification Requirements:

• A valid driver's license is required at the time of application.

• Ability to obtain IAI Certified Crime Scene Investigator, Level 1 certification within two years of employment.

• 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, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.

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Applicants for employment with the City and County of Denver must have valid work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa for employment authorization in the U.S.

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