Crime Scene Investigator

Duties:

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES*:

• Take photographs of crime scenes, accidents, and suspects; make casts of footprints, tire marks, and other impressions as directed
• Collect, identify, and preserve all matters of evidence
• Prepare evidence for submission to laboratories for analysis; maintain record of evidence submitted and evidence returned
• Process crime scenes and related evidence for latent fingerprints
• Fingerprint cadavers at morgue; attend autopsies; work with human remains at all levels of decomposition
• Prepare crime scene reports; maintain photographic index files
• Testify in court regarding evidence handled and act as an "expert witness" when required
• Maintain a variety of crime scene-related computer files and programs
• Operate various types of crime scene equipment and vehicles

Requirements:

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Shift work
• Must sign four (4) year training agreement
• On call for after-hours crime scene processing. May be required to work overtime with or without notice
• May be required to work or travel outside of regular office hours

WORK CONDITIONS:

• Work conditions and locations vary widely. Requires travel to off-site locations. Tasks are performed inside and outside in various weather conditions. Work may be performed in a lab or office atmosphere Work may require handling hazardous or dangerous materials.
• Periodically out of office driving in inclement weather.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence and the use of such evidence in establishing guilt
• Knowledge of modern fingerprinting and latent print processing techniques and procedures
• Knowledge of police photography (black/white and color) and processing procedures
• Knowledge of modern criminal investigation methods and identification techniques
• Knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local laws and ordinances pertaining to the collection and use of physical evidence
• Knowledge of departmental policies, procedures, rules, and regulations
• Skilled in operating computers and other types of office equipment
• Skilled in using computers for word processing and accounting purposes
• Skilled in collecting and processing various types of crime scene evidence
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to give testimony in the field of fingerprinting, latent fingerprint development, and the collection and preservation of evidence
• Ability to operate motor vehicles in a safe and efficient manner
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other agencies, the administration, co-workers, and the general public

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma/GED required
• Associate's Degree or Bachelor's Degree preferred
• Preferred Major(s): Criminal Justice, Criminology, Photography or other relate degree.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Computer literacy and experience required
• Two (2) years of related experience in photography, fingerprint processing, evidence handling, and/or report writing preferred
• Each year of higher education in Criminal Justice, Photography, or related field may substitute for a year of relevant experience towards the position
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Current, valid Florida driver's license

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Sit/stand for moderate periods
• Drive a car, van, or truck
• See/hear at a normal range/level
• Speak, read, and write English understandably
• Ambulate independently
• Lift/carry 50+ pounds
• Push/pull moderate to heavy loads
• Bend and squat
• Climb (step ladder, wall, tree, etc.)
• Manual dexterity

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