Criminal Investigator 1/2/3

About the role

The Louisiana State Police Crime Laboratory is seeking a Criminal Investigator to serve in the Evidence Control Unit (ECU). This position is domiciled in Rapides Parish and supports the secure handling, transport, and accountability of evidence held by Louisiana State Police. Responsibilities include collecting evidence from departmental locations, transporting evidence to the Crime Laboratory in Baton Rouge once a week, and coordinating evidence transfers.

The investigator conducts evidence audits and inventories, verifies evidence records and storage locations, and maintains chain of custody. This position works with departmental personnel and laboratory staff to resolve discrepancies and protect evidence throughout its handling and storage.

The ideal candidate will understand evidence handling and chain-of-custody procedures and can review records carefully, document findings, and communicate clearly. This position requires sound judgment, attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and the ability to work independently while coordinating with personnel at multiple locations.

Regular travel is required to collect evidence and complete weekly laboratory deliveries.Two years of experience in law enforcement, investigatory work or military intelligence work; ORTwelve hours in law enforcement or a criminal justice field.NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:Applicants must be at least 18 years of age.Possession of a current Louisiana driver's license.Willingness and ability to attain a Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification.An applicant will be disqualified if he or she has been convicted of a felony or if there are any indictments or bills of information pending against him or her in which felony charges are included; or if he or she has been convicted within the past three years of hit and run or driving while intoxicated.

The official job specifications for this role, as defined by the State Civil Service, can be found here.

Job Duties

As a Criminal Investigator in ECU, this position supports evidence control operations and maintains accurate records of evidence from receipt through authorized disposition. Duties include:

• Collecting and receiving evidence from departmental locations, checking item identification, packaging, seals, and accompanying documentation, and addressing discrepancies before completing a transfer.
• Transporting evidence to the Crime Laboratory in Baton Rouge once a week and coordinating pickups, deliveries, and returns with submitting personnel and laboratory staff.
• Maintaining chain of custody by documenting evidence receipts, transfers, storage locations, and authorized releases accurately and promptly in the electronic evidence tracking system.
• Conducting evidence audits and inventories to compare physical items and storage locations with recorded information, identify discrepancies, and document findings.
• Researching evidence discrepancies, communicating findings to appropriate personnel, and assisting with corrective follow-up to maintain accurate records and accountability.
• Maintaining the security and integrity of evidence during handling, storage, and transport, including following applicable packaging, preservation, access, and safety procedures.
• Coordinating authorized evidence releases, returns, and disposal, verifying required approvals, and recording the final disposition of each item.
• Responding to inquiries from investigators, prosecutors, laboratory staff, and other authorized personnel concerning evidence location, transfer, and disposition.
• Preparing reports and maintaining records to support evidence audits, investigations, and reviews of compliance with departmental evidence procedures.
• Providing court testimony, when required, concerning evidence handling, chain of custody, storage, transport, and related records.
• Assisting departmental personnel with evidence submission and documentation procedures and promptly reporting concerns involving missing items, damaged packaging, or compromised evidence.

Position-Specific Details: Appointment Type: Classified-Probational or Job Appointment:

• Career Progression: This position does participate in a career progression and will be filled as a Criminal Investigator 1,2, or 3.
• Work Schedule: Work hours are 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday—Friday, with adjustment at the discretion of the LSP Commander.
• Location: This vacancy is located in the Criminal Investigation Division in the Office of State Police located in Rapides Parish.

Compensation

The salary offered will be determined based on qualifications and experience. This position is in the PS pay schedule, starting at PS-112 with a minimum biweely salary of $1,764.80.

Louisiana is a State As a Model Employer (SAME) that supports the recruitment, hiring, and retention of individuals with disabilities.

How To Apply

Applicants must have Civil Service test scores for the 2100-Protective Services Exam (PSE) to be considered for this vacancy unless exempted by Civil Service rules or policy. If you do not have a score prior to applying to this posting, it may result in your application not being considered. Applicants without current test scores can apply to take the test here.

To apply for this vacancy, click on the “Apply” link and complete an electronic application, which can be used for this vacancy as well as future job opportunities. Applicants are responsible for checking the status of their application to determine where they are in the recruitment process. Further status message information is located under the Information section of the Current Job Opportunities page.

*Information to support your eligibility for the position must be included in the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education). Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of completed education and experience sections. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

Contact Information: