Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

• Document and collect evidence from crimes through photography, videography, and sketches with measurement, trajectory and blood splatter analysis, notes and written reports to assist in the investigation of crimes.
• Process evidence submitted through the Property Room for photo’s, video analysis and latent fingerprints by using various powders and chemicals to assist in the identification of suspects.
• Obtains elimination fingerprints from victims and suspects for latent fingerprint comparison, as well as identification verification.
• Evaluate the quality of latent fingerprints collected from scenes and evidence to determine if the latent fingerprints are of value for comparison.
• Photograph victims and suspects to document injuries and physical conditions resulting from violent crimes.
• Uses an Alternate Light Source to examine collected evidence for body fluid stains, trace evidence (hairs, fibers, etc.) and latent fingerprints. The Alternate Light Source is also used to photograph latent fingerprints with chemicals and fluorescent dyes.
• Prepares evidence to send to the County, State, Federal and private Crime Laboratories for analysis.
• Investigations and other responsibilities of the Crime Scene Investigations Unit.
• Inventories and maintain the necessary equipment in the Crime Scene vans and lab.
• Assists the Latent Fingerprint Examiner in submitting latent fingerprints to the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Verifies latent fingerprint identifications made by the Latent Fingerprint Examiner.
• Prepares photo line-ups to assist Detectives and Patrol Officers in their investigations.
• Performs forensic video analysis of surveillance video tapes and DVD's to obtain visual images of suspects for possible identification of suspects, vehicles, etc.
• Trains new officers during orientation, including latent fingerprint processing and submission, evidence submission, and digital media submission.
• Provides support to department members for the following systems: booking, evidence management, digital management, and rapid ID.
• Obtains DNA standards from victims and suspects for lab submission for evidentiary comparison.
• Makes plaster casts; works in the crime lab; processes evidence brought into crime lab,
• Processes evidence using powders, chemicals and alternative light source,
• Test and maintain lab equipment to ensure it is working properly;
• This position gathers, organizes, analyzes, examines, or evaluates data or information and may prescribe action based on such data or information, handles or uses machines, tools, or equipment that requires moderate instruction and experience. Performs addition and subtraction, multiplication and division and/or calculates ratios, rates and percentages. Reads technical instructions, procedures manuals, and charts to solve practical problems; composes routine and specialized reports, forms, and letters. Performs technical tasks requiring a wide range of procedures and requiring intensive understanding of a restricted field or complete familiarity with the functions of a unit or small division of an operating agency. Requires normal attention with short periods of concentration for accurate results or occasional exposure to unusual pressure,
• Depending upon the assignment, Crime Scene Investigators may work an eight (8), ten (10), or twelve-(12) hour shift.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

• Must possess an Associate's Degree or technical degree/certificate from an accredited college or university with an emphasis in crime scene / forensic science, criminalistics, or related field and/or equivalent of two (2) years of on-the-job experience as a Crime Scene Investigator. Preference given to individuals with a degree and experience.
• Knowledge of laws and ordinances governing local police work, business English and spelling, report writing skills, State Statutes, and codes used in radio communications.
• Must learn to use certain police equipment and operation of motor vehicles.
• Applicant must have the ability to work with high a degree of independence, understand and execute difficult oral and written directions, access, input and retrieve information from a computer, learn assigned patrol tasks and adhere to prescribed routines.
• Applicant must also have the skill set to meet and deal courteously with the general public in a professional manner, deal courteously with unruly or concerned parties involved in incidents, effectively and harmoniously communicate with other employees, prepare clear and comprehensive reports, react quickly and calmly in emergencies and to execute duties firmly, tactfully and impartially.
• The applicant must successfully pass a complete background investigation to the satisfaction of the employer prior to appointment.
• Requires a valid State of Florida driver license and satisfactory driving record as a condition of initial and continued employment.
• Must be eligible for Florida Department of Law Enforcement/Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC/NCIC) and Criminal Justice Information Services Certifications which the City will provide.

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