Crime Scene Assistant

Duties

Examples of Duties
STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE AND CORE VALUES

• Keeps the mission, vision, and values of the SLCSO at the forefront of decision making and action; builds strategic and collaborative relationships; interacts with others in ways that builds confidence and trust; provides excellent customer service by taking action to accomplish objectives; maintains high levels of work and productivity by generating innovative solutions to work situations.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this position. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

• If asked to respond to a crime scene, they will assist Investigators with preparing sketches, diagrams, taking measurements, scanning and taking photographs of crime scenes.
• Will assist Investigators or at times be solely responsible for preserving, packaging, and transporting physical evidence to the Crime Scene Unit and/or Evidence Unit.
• Processes evidentiary items submitted to the Evidence Unit for DNA, latent fingerprints, and other types of trace evidence.
• Assists Investigators, as needed, with the processing of evidentiary items as deemed appropriate by the Crime Scene Supervisor.
• Processes evidentiary items for latent prints using various print powders, chemical processes, Forensic Image Capturing Systems, and Alternate Light Sources.
• Assists Investigators or at times be solely responsible for collecting and preserving “Trace Evidence” (i.e. hairs, fibers and body fluids such as blood, semen, and saliva) for forensic analysis and testing.
• Operates a camera to take photographs of evidentiary items along with photographing latent prints, trace evidence, and other types of biological evidence.
• Learns proper operation of fingerprint systems and various unit equipment.
• Assists with maintaining supplies.
• Assists Investigators on active crime scenes when needed. If needed, they will be subject to working past their normal working hours, be called to work after normal work hours, and/or be called to work during holidays and/or weekends.
• Analyzes latent prints for friction ridge detail and clarity using established scientific procedures
• Documents the analysis process and prepares detailed written reports of findings and conclusions.
• Compares latent prints against known subjects and identifies matches based on established standards.
• Prepares, enters, and compares latent fingerprints using Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
• Reviews, verifies, and maintains candidate lists generated through AFIS searches.
• Testifies in court and provides expert testimony related to evidence processing, crime scene processing, latent fingerprint examination, and latent print identifications.
• Safeguards physical and digital evidence, maintaining proper chain-of-custody and documentation procedures.
• Issues evidence collection equipment to road patrol deputies.
• Ensures compliance with applicable safety standards, laboratory procedures, and agency policies.
• Performs record keeping duties, to include accurate filing of unit records, reports, and documentation. Performs general data entry and process routine unit data as necessary.
• Communicates effectively with investigators, attorneys, and other law enforcement personnel regarding findings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Operates standard office and laboratory equipment (e.g., computers, copiers, scanners, etc.).
• Subject to random drug testing.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must pass a comprehensive background/character investigation, medical examination, drug screening, Psychological Evaluation, and polygraph examination; fingerprinting will be required.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of an acceptable equivalency diploma required.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a minimum of an Associate’s Degree in Forensic Science or related field, preferably crime scene applicable, preferred.
• Within one year of selection must successfully complete 80 hours of latent print training classes.
• A comparable amount of training, education, or four (4)+ years of experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.
• If applicant served in the military, an honorable discharge is required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Possession of valid State ID or Florida driver's license and maintenance of a clean driving record required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITY
Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of latent fingerprint identification and classification.
• Friction ridge examination as it pertains to using the ACE-V (analysis, comparison, evaluation, and verification) methodology.
• Operation of various Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems (AFIS).
• Courtroom procedures as they pertain to the requirements for expert testimony and presentation of evidence.
• Proper methods for handling, documenting, processing, and preserving evidence.
• Applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards governing forensic analysis.
• Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and practices.
• Knowledge of current scientific, technological, and court accepted methods and means of evidence identification, documentation, recovery, and processing.

Skills in:

• Scientific observation, analysis, and documentation of evidence and latent prints.
• Preparation of clear, concise, and accurate reports.
• Operation of digital cameras, forensic equipment, digital imaging software’s, and fingerprint processing systems.
• Organization, recordkeeping, and maintaining detailed documentation.
• Microsoft Office Programs (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Adobe products, specifically Photoshop

Ability to:

• Analyze and compare latent fingerprints accurately using scientific methodology.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Testify clearly and credibly as an expert witness in court proceedings.
• Follow established policies, procedures, and safety protocols.
• Maintain confidentiality and integrity of evidence and case information.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, coworkers, and other law enforcement/court personnel.
• Show a high level of initiative and the ability to self-manage
• Work effectively under pressure, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Use Adobe Photoshop as part of the analysis phase of latent print examination.
• Safely use chemicals and operate forensic equipment to obtain latent prints and other types of evidence.
• Manage multiple important tasks at once and adapt to fast changing situations and demands.
• Must be able to view, work, and function in an active crime scene where extreme physical violence has occurred.
• Attend autopsies.
• Willing to assist with covering call outs if there is an emergent need.
• Satisfactorily complete 80-hours of latent print training within one year of accepting position as the availability of training allows.
• Satisfactorily complete the Crime Scene Assistant training program within 6 months.

Supplemental Information
PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, hear, and use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to walk and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand and stoop, kneel, and crouch. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to outside weather conditions that may be adverse and extreme (heat, humidity, cold, rain, etc.). The employee is frequently exposed to noise, dust, fumes, airborne particles, uneven surfaces, heights, and stressful situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The office environment is fast paced.
• The St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Sheriff’s Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

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