Forensic Photographer & Evidence and Specimen Coordinator

Location

Kalamazoo, MI | United States

Job description

Responsible for photodocumentation of postmortem examinations, image management, and electronic filing and storage with duplication and security of all images. Responsible for photodocumentation of collected evidence and packaging of evidence in deaths which may result in criminal prosecution for transfer to law enforcement. In charge of ordering, securing, and maintaining all photography equipment. Responsible for photodocumenting, packaging, and submitting specimens for toxicology testing. Required to educate all medical examiner investigators in scene photography. Responsible for policy and procedure document content as it pertains to departmental forensic photography and specimen/evidence coordination. May be required to testify in criminal and civil proceedings regarding evidence and photography collection and processes.

• Obtains a standard and extensive set of photographs for every decedent that is admitted to the facility with accurate labelling
• Obtains select photographs on individual cases, based on findings and requests of the pathologist
• Uses special lighting, as indicated, based on case findings
• Uses backlit photography stand to obtain specimen photographs, as needed
• Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs.
• Meets the NAME accreditation requirements with regards to photography, evidence handling, and specimen handling
• Stores all photos in web-based software systems
• Maintains photography equipment
• Scans kodachromes from old cases before digital photography for educational and research projects.
• Trains all MEIs in scene photography; trains autopsy assistants to obtain photographs for times when forensic photographer is unavailable; trains WMed North autopsy assistant in photography techniques
• Provides regular constructive feedback with a structured format to MEIs and autopsy assistants
• All other duties as assigned

• Degree in photography or criminal justice with extensive coursework in photography
• 3+ years of experience in a crime lab and performing forensic photography
• Experience with identifying evidence, evidence collection and packaging methods, and chain-of-custody procedures
• Experience training others in photography, including use of PowerPoint and web-based information sharing and training modalities
• Knowledgeable and experienced using various types of equipment in forensic photography, such as infrared or ultraviolet light, to select the appropriate imaging tool to collect photographic evidence
• Knowledge of medical specimen photography
• Time management skills to manage competing priorities
• Skilled in navigating web-based image storage systems and knowledge of appropriate backup of photos
• Skilled in Microsoft office, adobe acrobat pro, and others.
• Flexibility
• Meticulous attention to detail
• High degree of integrity and to maintain absolute confidentiality in all matters
• Demonstrates the ability to recognize priorities in organization of work flow

About Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

As one of the newer US medical schools, WMed is an exciting environment to pursue an academic career. The medical school is a collaboration of Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo's two teaching hospitals, Ascension Borgess Health and Bronson Healthcare. The medical school is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation supported by private gifts, clinical revenues, research activities, tuition, and endowment income. WMed is fully accredited by the Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) and also by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). The inaugural medical student class graduated in 2018 after completing an innovative, patient-centered four-year curriculum that prepares them to be exceptional clinicians, leaders, educators, advocates, and researchers of tomorrow. There are more than 200 residents and fellows in ten residencies and three fellowships accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). WMed has Joint Accreditation for interprofessional continuing education, which incorporates accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME). The School of Medicine Clinics are housed in a modern 60,000 square foot clinical building on the Oakland Drive Campus and are accredited by The Joint Commission with recognition by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. The 350,000 square foot educational building on the W.E. Upjohn M.D. Campus located in downtown Kalamazoo underwent a $78 million renovation and expansion project including two laboratory research floors and a state-of-the-art Simulation Center that is accredited by the Society for Simulation in Healthcare. The Innovation Center on the Parkview Campus is a life science, technology, and engineering incubator serving the earliest startups to maturing companies with laboratory, office and conference space, access to core scientific equipment and expertise, and a wide range of support services.

Kalamazoo is a wonderful and vibrant city, located midway between Chicago and Detroit. It is a short distance from Lake Michigan, and home to two nationally ranked institutions of higher learning, Western Michigan University and Kalamazoo College. Kalamazoo is known for its community focus and emphasis on access to quality education at all levels. The Kalamazoo Promise is a nationally renowned program in which graduates of Kalamazoo Public Schools receive free tuition to attend public and private colleges in Michigan. Kalamazoo and Michigan provide extensive entertainment and recreational activities, including opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, unique restaurants and shops, and a strong culture supporting the arts.

Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer of females, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans, and actively strives to increase diversity within its community. We provide a drug- and tobacco-free workplace.

EEO Minorities/Women/Disabled/Protected Veterans.

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