Forensic Crime Scene Technician I

Duties

75% TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR FORENSIC SCIENCE TECHNICIAN & DNA ANALYSTS – SCREENING, HANDLING & COLLECTION OF EVIDENCE

• Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics".
• The primary duties and responsibilities of a Marion County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Crime Scene Technician (75% of the time) will involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation and/or analysis of fluids, and/or bodily fluids and physical evidence having potential biological, chemical or radiological hazard contamination or the use of chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health damaging properties in the handling or analysis of evidence.
• Conducts independent scientific examinations on crime scenes to include death investigations, sexual battery, robbery, and drug laboratories and postmortem examinations. This includes the collection of DNA serological evidence, which includes chemical analysis on evidence in any criminal investigations containing suspect stains. Conducts serological analysis to identify possible body fluids and/or hairs for possible future DNA analysis. If DNA evidence is identified by the Forensic Crime Scene Technician that evidence will be secured, package, and sealed as outlined in the Forensic Science Quality Manual, Evidence Procedure Manual, Operational Directives, and a report will be generated. The material will be assigned to the MCSO Forensic Science Technician for screening and then forwarded to a Crime Laboratory Analyst for all DNA analysis and comparisons at FDLE in Jacksonville, Florida, or other Crime Laboratory Analyst from another region through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
• Responsible for scene coordination, internal security, documentation, and preservation of evidence through analytical observation of scene conditions. (NOTE: The MCSO Patrol Division is responsible for exterior scene security and the safety of Forensic Crime Scene Technicians, Forensic Science Technicians and Forensic Analyst while on scene.)
• Utilizes highly technical procedures and processes in the recognition, identification, and collection of various types of physical evidence. To include photography, latent prints, sketches, measurements, scene reconstruction, bullet trajectories, blood patterns, position of victims, weapons, and relevant evidence. Take finger, palm prints, and major case prints in the field, DNA standards, review and enhance surveillance video/digital media. Operate mobile crime scene unit and assist the Medical Examiner’s Office and/or CA Pound Human Identification Laboratory at the University of Florida, named after Cicero Addison Pound (benefactor) for the program, which is the excavation of buried bodies, aerial photography, take custody of evidence in the field, district office lockers.
• Attends autopsies in connection with criminal offenses to collect physical evidence for laboratory examination.
• Forensic Crime Scene Technicians will handle evidence submitted to the Forensic Science Technician, other agencies and to the FDLE laboratory through examination, packaging, and marking, transferring to other sections, and preparing for the return of evidence to other submitting agencies.
• All evidence will be accurately recorded through written documentation in the PS-Net Property Management and the PS-Net Records System utilizing the Evidence Internal Procedure Manual, Operational Directives and Forensic Science Quality Manual at MCSO.
• Evidence will be handled to always maintain its integrity and the chain of custody.
• Prepares written reports on scientific findings, which will be utilized in legal proceedings. The findings or conclusions are supported and within the scope of scientific knowledge as related to the crime scene disciplines.
• Generates and maintains accurate examination notes and records related to criminal investigations consistent with the Forensic Science Quality Manual (FSQM), Evidence Division Procedures and Operational Directives.
• Conducts peripheral casework including the evidence authenticity requirements of marking, cataloging and receipting exhibits being examined or transferred between the screening laboratory, to FDLE, or private laboratory.
• Forensic Science Technician will be crossed trained in crime scene examination, property room packaging, intake, security of evidence, screening laboratory and latent print analysis or any position at the discretion of the Evidence Commander.
• Incorporates the results of the work into written reports, which form the legal basis for some legal proceedings. Strives to eliminate error of any kind in these findings, judgments or written reports.
• Performs a liaison function through conferences with law enforcement officers, attorneys and others.
• Will comply with laboratory and analytical practices as required in the MCSO Evidence Policies and Procedures, Section Policies and Procedures, Operational Directives, and the Forensic Science Quality Manual.
• All information will be recorded within the laboratory case file as required.
• Reported analytical results will be error free.
• Will maintain the integrity of evidence.
• Will successfully participate in proficiency testing programs as required.
• Participates in laboratory quality assurance programs and technical audits as assigned.

5% Section Technical Support

• Provides technical and administrative support as needed for analysis of evidence involved criminal investigations while complying with laboratory analytical and evidence handling practices as required by the Science Quality Manual (FSQM), Evidence Procedure Manual and Operational Directives and the discipline procedures manuals. This may include, but is not limited to the following:
• Operates autoclave to sterilize glassware and solutions and performs all routine maintenance of the autoclave.
• Assist in monitoring the water system and assists in monitoring all routine maintenance of the water system. Maintains all logs associated with the water system.
• Monitors and cleans Serology and DNA processing work areas and maintains housekeeping logs.
• Assists with monitoring section equipment and maintains equipment logs.
• Assists Forensic Science Technicians with liquid blood processing, collection of fiber standards, mounting fibers and other technical duties.
• Processes evidence for the recovery of trace material.
• Assists section members with validation studies and implementation of new technology.
• Participates in laboratory quality assurance programs and technical audits as assigned.
• Participates in proficiency testing programs as applicable.
• Maintains inventory of supplies. The FT will promptly submit supply requests to ensure no delays occur due to supply shortage.
• Assists in the preparation of documentation for discovery orders.
• Research scientific literature. Copies reports for dissemination and scientific articles for analyst review. All research and copying reports will be completed within requested time.

5% Courtroom Testimony

• Provides expert testimony in criminal cases to the preservation, documentation, and reconstruction of scenes of a crime. Prepare court exhibits and preserves by photographic process materials significant for analysis and court preparation. Testifies in a true, accurate and professional manner. Qualifies as an expert witness based on testimony as to training and experience to render an opinion. Secures the credibility of this testimony under cross-examination, which may involve the use of opposing experts. Also, includes the related travel and court preparation (including depositions, and conferences and court related liaison).
• Will testify in a clear, accurate, truthful, professional manner.
• Will prepare and present any visual presentation as necessary.

5% Training

• Provides instruction or information to law enforcement personnel on the limitations and capabilities of the serology and microanalysis sections of the crime laboratory at FDLE and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
• Provides instruction or information to law enforcement personnel on latent print processing, taking of major case prints, preservation of physical evidence, crime scene processing, crime scene procedures and general lab services and wet and dry blood collection.
• Provides professional advice to law enforcement personnel concerning specific problems requiring immediate decisions to eliminate contamination or destruction of evidence. Will handle all inquiries in a timely courteous and professional manner.
• Will conduct lab tours, off site presentations and provide information to law enforcement personnel in an informative, courteous, and professional manner.
• Monitors conditions of existing equipment and recommends acquisition of additional or replacement Capital Outlay items in the Photography and crime scene technology. Evaluates and research new potential technology and develops bids specifications or grant possibilities.
• Training for MCSO Forensic Crime Scene Technicians and Forensic Science Technician will be conducted on-site or off-site by MCSO agency personnel and/or if necessary, with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement in Jacksonville, Florida and the National Forensic Science Technology Center in Largo, Florida. Yearly proficiency examinations and future ASCLAD accreditation requirements could be added to this position in the future.
• Forensic Crime Scene Technicians will complete Forensic Training Orientation Program to include hands on supervision by an experienced technician outlined in the Evidence Procedural Manual and the FTO program with daily observation reports, reviews, and testing. The length of training will depend on prior experience, training, academic education and adaptation of skills and level of competence from the Forensic Training Orientation Program
• Receive specialize training, and periodic refresher training, in the equipment, computer programs, and techniques used by the Agency. This training will include, but is not limited to:
• Detection and collection of latent fingerprints and palm prints.
• Detection and collection of foot, tool, and tire impressions.
• Digital and conventional photography and sketches.
• Collection, preservation, and submission of physical evidence, including biological materials.
• Use of digital equipment.

5% Professional Development

• Develops and maintains technical and professional proficiency as outlined in the MCSO Evidence Procedure Manual and the Serology Laboratory Manual and the Agency Operational Directives.
• Attend specialized schools, short courses pertaining to new or improved processing methods. Attend profession meetings, seminars, and training programs applicable to the position function.
• Will review relevant scientific literature as well as other documents designed to enhance professional and personal growth and will attend training program as appropriate.

5% Administration

• Maintains administrative compliance through review of all appropriate administrative policies and procedures and completion of all administrative paperwork by established deadlines.
• Member is responsible for the care, custody and control of all property assigned. If property is lost, or damaged through the member’s negligence or misuse, then the member may be subject to disciplinary action or be required to reimburse MCSO for the loss or damage.
• Is actively involved and participates as a team member in Detective Bureau and Evidence Division; actively contributes to the accomplishments of the Agency’s Mission Statement, Strategic Planning Goals and Objectives and Core Values.
• Attends and participates in meetings as required.
• Keeps coworkers and supervisors informed of all issues affecting effective, efficient and safe operation of the section and the laboratory as a whole.

Additional Duties:

• Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics".
• Thoroughly know, understand, and comply with Agency procedures, rules and operational directives.
• Be alert for conditions or situations, which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or of the Evidence Division and make recommendations for solutions.
• Perform any other duties that may be required by the Sheriff or through necessity of the situation by a supervisor.

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

Requirements

Forensic Crime Scene Technician I Knowledge, skills, and abilities, including utilization of equipment, required for the position:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Ability to follow instructions and organize own work.
• Ability to understand and follow English language instructions, both verbal and written.
• Ability to use general office machines such as copy machines and computers.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public and Agency personnel.
• Possess normal sight and hearing, and physical agility required for standing, walking, and climbing stairs and be able to lift fifty (50) pounds.
• Maintain a valid Florida driver’s license to operate agency vehicles.
• The candidate must maintain satisfactory performance for the time in grade in their current step for a minimum of one year before becoming eligible for promotion to the next sequential step.
• Ability to organize notes and create a clear, sequential, and orderly narrative report.

WORKING CONDITIONS – Forensic Crime Scene Technician I, II & Senior

• Includes both indoor and outdoor environments. Hours are shift work and may be irregular. Subject to being called out at any time. Work may be both physically and mentally demanding. Situations may involve distasteful contacts when dealing with deaths or with other unpleasant physical injuries. The employee may be exposed to various diseases, biological and chemical hazardous. Scheduled work hours are based on an assigned shift schedule combined with on-call status and will ensure crime scene coverage 24 hours. The Forensic Crime Scene Technologist will respond to include cases of homicide, sexual assaults, kidnappings and any high-profile crimes against person(s) or property crime investigations.

ADA:

• PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS: Requires light to medium work that involves walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending or crouching for extended periods of time. Exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis. Considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances of limits of accuracy.
• ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS: This position risks exposure to disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, violence, bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, animal/wildlife, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic, heights and radiation.
• SENSORY REQUIREMENTS: Requires normal vision acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception and texture perception.

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