Crime Scene Analyst

Duties

General Description of Duties

• Conducts forensic investigations in the field and laboratory with approved methods to locate, identify, develop, preserve, and fully document (through photos, notes, and measurements) all manners of evidence.
• Prepare collected evidence to establish and maintain chain of custody, for possible submission to crime laboratories for analysis and prosecution.
• Locate, develop, preserve, and collect DNA, trace, hidden evidence, impression evidence, and friction ridge detail from evidence using sequential processing, and advanced photographic techniques using alternate light sources.
• Prepare crime scene sketches by hand and/or computer-aided diagrams.
• Safely work with, in, and around deceased individuals, biological matter, foul odors, insect activity, extreme environmental conditions, and other hazards, for long hours that include nights, weekends, holidays, and during states of emergency with little to no prior notice.
• Must be able to make correct critical decisions in intense situations.
• Attend autopsies to photograph, collect, document, and package all evidence obtained from decedents.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in a courteous and professional manner.
• Prepare reports to document case involvement in a timely manner.
• Testify in depositions and court proceedings regarding these matters in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner.
• Participate in community events.
• Perform other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Associate degree or higher in crime scene technology, forensic science, or other physical or natural science and four (4) years of related work experience, or Bachelor’s degree or higher in crime scene technology, forensic science, or other physical or natural science and two (2) years of related work experience.
• Be able to be trained to competency to complete administrative and technical reviews, train new hire employees, complete validation studies, assist with reviewing/revising unit SOPS, and participate in special projects and assignments as needed.
• Complete in-house training and attend required outside training.
• Be able to demonstrate competency and maintain proficiency standards in accordance with accreditation.
• Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills demonstrating awareness for human diversity to citizens and colleagues.
• Public speaking is a requirement of this position as you will be providing testimony and participating in the training of new hires throughout the agency as well as interacting with the community.
• Be able to obtain certification from the International Association of Identification (IAI) as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator or above after the first year of employment.
• Be able to work an on-call schedule, drive an agency-issued vehicle, and complete CPR training.
• Respond to calls during off-duty hours with little to no advanced notice with willingness to work extended hours.
• Maintain casework confidentiality.
• Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as well as the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50lbs.
• Participate in community events.
• Must be able to work unsupervised after the completion of training to complete complex tasks and procedures with minimal or no guidance regardless of scene hazards, weather, temperature, foul smells, and insects/pests. This needs to be done while demonstrating adequate skills regarding personal and scene safety as well as evidence identification, handling, and collection techniques. Visual acuity and keen color perception are necessary.
• Must successfully complete and pass an oral board interview with appropriate staff personnel.
• Must meet and adhere to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Drug Free and Tobacco Free policy.
• Must submit to a complete background investigation, polygraph, and psychological evaluation and found to be of good moral character.
• Must submit to a complete a physical examination including drug screen and other testing.

The Sarasota County Sheriff's Office requires all employees to have either an associates degree, 60 equivalent hours from an accredited college or university or the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test. The Wonderlic Basic Skills Test measures verbal and quantitative skills. Sworn *Law Enforcement and Corrections Deputies must achieve a minimum passing score of Verbal - 267 and Quantitative - 241. Civilians must achieve a minimum passing score of Verbal - 248 and Quantitative - 241.

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