Forensic Specialist I

Duties

Essential Duties

• Searches for, collects and preserves physical evidence from crime scenes for reconstruction.
• Processes evidence at or from crime scenes for latent prints, impression evidence, biological evidence, trace evidence, firearms, tool marks, chemistry, computer, and other physical evidence.
• Photographs crime scenes, bloodstain patterns for analysis, bullet paths for trajectory analysis and latent fingerprint evidence for comparison purposes.
• Prepares crime scene sketches and measurements for reconstructing crime scene.
• Attends autopsies to document and/or impound evidence and fingerprint the deceased.
• Prepares and files reports stating results of examination; presents testimony in criminal cases for identification and physical evidence comparison.
• Performs similar duties related to certain traffic crash scenes.
• Prepares court exhibits and preserves material significant for court presentation.
• Maintains written and computer log of all investigations.
• Maintains equipment and supplies assigned.
• Maintains crime scene vehicle.
• Assists in maintaining a clean working environment within the crime scene section.
• Attends specialized schools and short courses pertaining to new or improved methods that have been developed.
• Personnel in these positions will be required to staff “on-call” shifts and are responsible for responding to work after normal business hours which may require working nights, weekends, and holidays.
• While on-call, personnel are required to promptly respond, generally within thirty (30) minutes of the request and not travel out of town to the extent it would impede a timely response to the callback order.
• Performs related work as required.

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

Requirements

Minimum Training & Experience

• Possession of a Bachelor of Science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science.
Or
• Possession of a non-science bachelor’s degree and one year of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience. A Master of Science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science may substitute for one year of the required experience.
Or
• Possession of an associates of science degree in physical, biological, or forensic science and two years of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience.
Or
• Possession of a high school diploma and four years of experience with a recognized law enforcement agency, or an accredited forensic laboratory or institution in the areas of crime scene or forensic science that includes fingerprint classification, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, or sworn law enforcement experience.

Necessary Special Requirements

• Employees assigned in this position will be provided a take-home vehicle. The vehicle will not be allowed to be taken out of Leon County or one of its immediate surrounding counties without approval from the Chief of Police or his designee.
• Applicants should truthfully complete the Criminal History Questions on the City Employment Application. Any omissions, falsifications, misstatements, or misrepresentations of the information provided may disqualify an applicant. The top applicant chosen for this position will be required to complete and pass a Truth Verification Examination and a pre-employment psychological examination prior to an employment offer being made.

Driver's License Requirements

• Must possess a valid Class-E State driver's license at the time of appointment.

If you have any questions regarding this position or the application process, please contact the City’s Human Resources and Workforce Development Department at 850-891-8214.

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