Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Processes crime scenes including the identification, documentation, collection, preservation, and submission of evidence.
• Take measurements of crime scenes, process and reconstruct crime scenes including trajectory analysis, blood stain pattern analysis, and diagramming of the scene.
• Photograph, digitally record, and laser scan crime scenes and evidence.
• Process evidence for DNA and fingerprints.
• May assist in the proper removal of bodies and human remains.
• Attends autopsies to collect evidence and major case prints.
• Generates detailed investigative reports and supplement reports.
• Test fires a variety of weapons for submission to FDLE for NIBIN.
• May testify in court proceedings and depositions.
• Completes specialized classroom and on-the-job training as required.
• Maintains confidentiality in any investigation.
• Attends work on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, County, and local ordinances.
• Responds to emergency situations.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science or closely related field.
• A comparable amount of education and experience may be substituted for the minimum requirements.
• Must possess and maintain International Association for Identification (I.A.I) certification as a Crime Scene Investigator within eighteen (18) months of eligibility.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License at the time of hire.
• The preferred candidate, having met the minimum requirements, will possess a Master’s degree in Forensic Science or closely related field AND/OR possess an active International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) certification as a Crime Scene Investigator.

Background Screening:

• This position will require an extensive background investigation and drug screening.

Status:

• Civilian

Blood and Viral Pathogen Risk:

• Foreseeable Risk

Environmental Conditions:

• Inside and outside work. Must be able to tolerate inclement weather including heat, humidity, rain, cold, fog, and sleet.
• Possible exposure to hazardous materials and conditions; toxic conditions, fumes, odors, noise, vibration, dust, confined areas, animal/human waste, human remains and body fluids, and insect activity.
• Must be able to work on-call and respond to crime scenes in a short period of time.
• Must be able to work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to relocate to other county locations based upon operational needs.
• Must be able to remain available to work during an emergency/disaster/epidemic, as directed.

Skills and Abilities:

• Able to interact effectively with others, often during traumatic and stressful events.
• Able to work unsupervised or in a small group after the completion of appropriate training, completing complex tasks and procedures with minimal or no guidance.
• Able to complete detailed written reports and have excellent verbal communication skills.
• Able to effectively present information to groups and respond to questions from supervisors, command staff, prosecuting attorneys, state attorney investigators, and detectives.
• Able to act as a liaison between crime laboratories, detectives, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.
• Able to prepare exhibits for court purposes and give courtroom testimony.
• Able to testify to the chain of custody of specific items of evidence.
• Able to read and comprehend professional and technical manuals, procedures, journals, and documents, legal documents, maps and layouts, memos, reports, summaries and evaluations, data and details.
• Able to perform basic mathematical functions.
• Able to write sentences relaying information, data, and details.
• Able to speak clearly and concisely to layman.
• Able to detach emotionally from circumstances and consequences surrounding the death of a human being.

Required Knowledge:

• VSO General Orders and procedures.
• Chain of custody procedures of evidence and property.
• Evidence submission procedures for VSO Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), and other laboratories.
• Courtroom procedures and proceedings.

Physical Requirements: Heavy work.

• Ability to lift, pull, push, feel, see (color, acuity, depth perception, peripheral vision), carry, walk, stoop, kneel, sit, bend, handle, and talk.
• Manual dexterity.
• Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds.
• Ability to wear and work in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as facemask and gloves, while handling evidence, chemicals, powders, and biohazardous fluids/materials.

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