Evidence Technician

Duties:

• Photographs and videotapes major crime scenes using cameras, video cameras, and digital camera imagery and develops and prepares photographic enlargements for latent prints, shoe impressions, etc.
• Collects, packages, transports, and submits evidence within prescribed standard operating procedures, transports evidence to appropriate crime labs for scientific laboratory analysis, and ensures that the necessary forms are prepared and processed.
• Locates and recovers latent prints using fuming techniques, powders and chemicals, and photographic techniques.
• Locates, collects and enhances blood and body fluids, including blood spatter diagrams and photographs.
• Locates and recovers projectile evidence, including the determination of origin of the projectile.
• Performs routine office tasks such as typing, filing, faxing, telephoning, and photocopying.
• Maintains a variety of records, logs, and files related to criminal evidence, fingerprints, and related laboratory and chemical analysis and inputs appropriate data into computer software.
• Secures and processes articles found in evidence, assures the security of weapons, narcotics and cash seized, enters guns by make, model, and serial number, logs information concerning criminal cases.
• Performs specialized analysis on substances/items retrieved by law enforcement officials as necessary and within the scope of the department’s ability.
• On-Call for property and evidence section for after-hours response.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared or undeclared emergency.
• Performs other related job duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of local, State and Federal laws, and court decisions pertaining to the collection, preservation, and use of evidence.
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in processing and preserving physical evidence, criminal identification methods and procedures, Rules of Evidence, technical aspects of field of specialty, photographic techniques and film processing methods, record-keeping techniques, interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy, operation of a computer terminal and data entry techniques, drug analysis procedures, English usage, punctuation, spelling, and letter format.
• Knowledge of the unified crime reporting system with particular emphasis in classification specifications and various computer applications, including spreadsheet and database utilities, mapping software, and other software particular to the unit assigned.
• Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in the collection, preservation, and testing of evidence.
• Knowledge of safety precautions required when working with the chemicals commonly used in collecting, preserving and testing evidence, and effective training techniques.
• Skill in the use of a variety of office equipment and machinery such as a computer terminal, typewriter, microscope, fingerprint (ink, cards, and live-scan device), various cameras, and photo lab and related equipment.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions, communicate effectively, both orally and written, write clear and detailed reports; type at 35 words net per minute from clear copy.
• Ability to utilize judgment in recognizing materials that can significantly assist in solving crimes and prosecuting offenders.
• Ability to recognize a hazardous situation and utilize appropriate personal protective equipment when coming in contact with contaminated, corrosive or explosive materials, and exposure to infectious or communicable diseases.
• Ability to develop and maintain an effective and secure evidence facility and procedures and maintain records and files.
• Ability to receive, record, secure, and store physical evidence.
• Ability to learn to interpret, apply and explain laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Ability to work confidentially with discretion, independently in carrying out assignments to completion, understand and work within scope of authority, maintain accuracy and attention to detail, and meet schedules and timelines.
• Ability to observe legal and defensive driving practices.
• Ability to read, understands, and applies law enforcement and court procedures and relevant regulations and laws pertaining to property and evidence in the custody of the Police Department.
• Ability to research report for proper disposition of evidence.
• Ability to make decisions based on factual data, organize, communicate and present ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and written.
• Ability to interact with judicial system and States Attorney’s Office and assist in the prosecution of cases presented to the court system.
• Ability to remain calm, think clearly, and respond to emergencies under extremely stressful conditions.
• Ability to deal with the public, co-workers, and representatives of other public agencies using courtesy, tact and good judgment and work as a member of a customer service oriented team.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s degree in Crime Scene Technology, Forensic and Investigative Science, Forensic Science or equivalent field of study with two or more years of experience related to local and state laws of record keeping procedures and police operations.
• Technical experience in a moderate to large-scale law enforcement or similar institutional agency preferred.

Special Qualifications:

• For positions requiring the operation of City vehicles, must possess a valid current Florida driver's license, or be able to acquire one within 45 days of hire.
• Must reside within Brevard County, Florida.
• Must be capable of passing a comprehensive background investigation, including but not limited to a polygraph/CVSA, physical and a drug screen.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - The work is generally light and may require exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and up to 20 pounds frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects. Additionally, the following physical abilities are required:

• Crouching: Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine.
• Feeling: Ability to perceive attributes of objects by touch.
• Dexterity: Primarily with fingers, as in picking, pinching, or typing • Grasping: Ability to apply pressure with the whole hand.
• Handling: Picking, holding, or otherwise working, primarily with the whole hand.
• Hearing: Ability to hear and understand at normal speaking levels with or without correction.
• Kneeling: Ability to frequently bend legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees.
• Lifting: Ability to frequently lift and move objects.
• Mental Acuity: Ability to make rational decisions.
• Pulling / Pushing: Ability to occasionally move objects up to 50 pounds.
• Reaching: Ability to extend hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction.
• Repetitive Motion: Substantial movements (motions) of the wrist, hands, and/or fingers.
• Speaking / Talking: Ability to communicate clearly, accurately and concisely through speech.
• Standing: Particularly for sustained periods of time.
• Stooping: Ability to frequently bend the body downward and forward by bending spine at the waist.
• Visual Acuity: Ability to perform activities such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; and/or extensive reading, operating motor vehicles; including color, depth perception, and field vision.
• Walking: Ability to move on foot for long distances and for moving from one work site to another.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in a dynamic environment that requires the ability to be sensitive to change and responsive to changing goals, priorities, and needs.

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