Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Take photographs of crime scenes, evidence, 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 detailed crime scene reports
• 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

*This section of the job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of duties and responsibilities of the position. The omission of specific job functions or tasks does not absolve an employee from being required to perform additional tasks incidental to or inherent in the position.

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

Requirements

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED: Required
• Associate's Degree or better: Preferred
• Preferred Major(s):Forensics Science, Criminology, Biology, Chemistry, or any other related degree

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• General computer experience required, i.e., Word, Excel, Outlook
• Two (2) years of related experience in photography, fingerprint processing, evidence handling, and/or report writing preferred
• Any equivalent combination of education or experience which provide the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Current, valid Florida driver 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

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 scene documentation via photography and videography
• 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 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

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