Crime Scene Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Identifies, collects, processes, and preserves crime scene and accident evidence to aid in criminal and civil prosecutions; identifies, collects, secures, and takes legal custody of fingerprints, fluids, fibers, tracks and other trace evidence; duties may vary according to job assignment.
• Responds to calls for service and processes crime scenes to process, photograph, collect, and preserve evidence.
• Maintains storage areas, ensuring secure, proper, and orderly storage of property and evidence according to established policies, procedures and filing systems.
• Conducts in-service training sessions for department personnel in the handling and preservation of physical evidence.
• Thoroughly documents crime scene details using specific techniques and procedures and specialized technical equipment; photographs and measures the crime scene, documenting the location of all evidence, and other important objects and details.
• Photographs evidence, persons, collateral areas, and secondary scenes; collects surveillance videos from ancillary sites for supporting documentation; processes and converts digital media.
• Collects, develops, preserves, compares, classifies, and files latent fingerprints.
• Writes detailed crime scene and photo log reports, activity logs, case files and technical reports.
• Receives and maintains secure custody of evidence, ensuring property received matches associated records.
• Assists Police Officers and other officials, as necessary, to ensure proper and timely completion of paperwork pertaining to evidence processing and storage.
• Organizes and catalogs evidence and property and prepares and maintains related computer records; prepares back-up computer records.
• Maintains written and computer records cataloging items held as evidence, confiscated property, or abandoned property, and bicycle impound lot.
• Prepares and submits evidence for laboratory analysis, preparing associated paperwork and transporting items to appropriate laboratories; receives evidence from laboratories.
• Obtains evidence destruction orders and coordinates with officers assigned to have evidence destroyed; processes items, City surplus property auctions, for re-use by Police Department, Finance Department, or property owners, as appropriate.
• Conducts FCIC/NCIC warrant and Criminal History checks prior to returning firearms to owner.
• Assembles and organizes evidence for presentation in court; attends court and presents evidence and testimony pertaining to evidentiary process.
• Signs out evidence to Department personnel, attorneys, court personnel, etc., as appropriate, and ensures proper and timely return.
• Assists other City of Sebastian personnel, other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies to utilize forensic evidence to identify criminal activity and resolve criminal cases.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience:

• Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field; and one (1) year of experience in evidence processes or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications:

• Possession of NCIC/FCIC, evidence packaging, tracking and processing Certification(s) preferred.
• Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver’s license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of evidentiary procedures.
• Knowledge of the use of photographic equipment in the processing of crime scenes.
• Knowledge of status regarding court cases and disposal or destruction dates.
• Knowledge of office administration practices, concepts, and automation applications.
• Knowledge of municipal code, directives, and procedures and of city services and operations.
• Knowledge and principles of customer service and telephone etiquette.
• Skill in the use of computers and software/program applications, e.g., spreadsheet and word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to enter evidence in RMS and tracking procedures.
• Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to evidence requests.
• Ability to use proper spelling, grammar, and format for all correspondence.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, city personnel, and other public or outside agencies.
• Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner.
• Ability to complete assignments accurately and on a timely basis.
• Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.
• Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions.
• Ability to work independently with multiple assignments.

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