Crime Scene Technician

Duties

• Responsible for examining major crime scenes, including collecting, identifying, photographing, videotaping, classifying, and analyzing physical evidence related to criminal investigations.
• Performs tests on weapons and substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue, to determine the significance of the investigation.
• Testifies as an expert witness on evidence or crime laboratory techniques.
• Responds to major crime scenes to photograph, videotape, diagram, investigate, collect, process, and package evidence.
• Transports evidence to the Crime Laboratory.
• Prepares accurate details reports.
• Prepare detailed diagrams of crime scenes when required.
• Testifies in trials and depositions.
• Attends autopsies and takes videotapes or photographs for the record.
• Prints digital media.
• Maintains the cleanliness and operational readiness of all assigned equipment.
• Operates a vehicle under normal and adverse conditions.
• Represents the Police Department professionally and gives guidance to citizens when necessary.
• Prepares FDLE laboratory submittals.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated as Mission Critical
• Receives and process evidence and property
• Collects evidence in a secure manner
• Testifies in court with regard to security and custody of evidence
• Processes crime scenes for evidence; identifies, processes and preserves evidence
• Photographs crime scenes
• Assists Police Officer/Technicians when required
• Locates and lifts latent fingerprints
• Performs related tasks as required

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

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Skill in reading and interpreting complex, technical information.
• Skill in using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of possible solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic and mathematical calculations.
• Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Ability to learn and apply investigative techniques for collecting, preserving, and protecting physical evidence.
• Ability to communicate with the general public and other members/appointees of the agency to provide guidance, give technical direction and/or explain or interpret policy.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, other City employees, and the general public.
• Ability to manage several tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to understand and carry out oral and written instructions and give instructions to others as required.
• General knowledge of the laws and practices governing the storage and control of evidence
• General knowledge of standard office procedures and practices
• General knowledge of the rules and regulations of the department
• Ability to follow detailed oral and written instructions
• Ability to prepare and maintain complex records and prepare reports
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with associates;
• Ability to deal courteously with the public
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form

Education and Experience:

• Must possess a high school diploma or GED from an accredited school or training facility;
• Associate degree (A.S. or A.A.) or equivalent from a regionally accredited college preferred;
• Three (3) years’ experience in a crime scene-related field;
• 250 hours of specialized training in crime scene related topics;
• -OR- an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements:

• Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of Florida.

Physical and Mental Demands:

• The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Requires the ability to sit and stand for prolonged periods
• The job risks exposure to traffic, high levels of stress, electricity, violence, extreme weather conditions, pollen, dust, pathogens, chemicals, bodily fluids, heights, and unknown chemicals.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

Mental Demands:

• Required to use written and oral communication skills.
• Requires the ability to read and interpret data, information and documents.
• Requires the ability to solve complex problems.
• Requires the ability to work under deadlines with constant interruptions

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