Crime Scene Investigator I

Duties

Applies scientific principles to analyze, identify, and classify physical evidence related to crime scenes.

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

Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• At least 18 years of age.
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card.
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated.
• No illegal drug usage within the past year. Other drug usage will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
• Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Biological/Physical Anthropology, Nursing or Forensic Nursing, or related science field. Related degrees must demonstrate completed undergraduate coursework in at least two (2) of the following: Forensics, Biology, Biochemistry, Genetics, Statistics, Human Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, or Biological/Physical Anthropology; OR Associate's degree (A.A. or A.S.) in one of the concentrations/degrees listed above AND one (1) year related experience as a crime scene investigator or related job title (e.g., evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer, etc.). IF NO DEGREE, High School Diploma/GED AND minimum three (3) years’ experience as a crime scene investigator or related job title.
• Must have valid Florida driver’s license.
• Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle. Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver’s physical exam.
• Must be able to be FCIC/NCIC certified within one (1) year of employment. Must maintain certification once achieved.
• Ability to perform duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, and analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological or chemical contamination, and use chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of such evidence.
• Ability to respond to and process various crime scenes by searching for, documenting the location of, collecting, preserving, analyzing, packaging, and preparing for presentation in court, evidence such as: paint, glass, printed matter, paper, ink, fabric, dust, dirt, combustible gases, hair, skin, blood, bones, human organs, human tissue, semen, urine, feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, narcotics, firearms and related materials, fingerprints, shoe/tire tracks, and currency.
• Ability to perform a variety of analytical examinations, such as processing the crime scene and related evidence using chemicals, powders, light source enhancement and other methods.
• Ability to complete photograph referrals, photographs, and prints of dead persons at the morgue.

Above listed items have the potential to contain organic or inorganic contaminants to include carcinogens, diseases, combustibles, chemical hazards, and blood-borne pathogens.

• Based on MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) these processes may contain health-damaging properties that are corrosive, combustible, carcinogenic, and contain respiratory irritants, nervous system irritants, eye and skin irritants, and blood toxins. 70% of workload
• Ability to prepare reports and presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions; prepare court exhibits/reports. 18% of workload
• Ability to take measurements of crime scenes. Process and reconstruct crime scenes to include trajectory analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis and diagramming of the scene. 5% of workload
• Ability to take and maintain chain-of-custody of evidence/property.
• Ability to submit evidence to the Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other appropriate laboratories.
• Ability to act as a liaison between crime laboratories, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys. Confer with experts in relevant specialties as needed. 5% of workload
• Ability to testify in court hearings and depositions about work performed. 2% of workload.
• Must be able to assist in the removal of bodies and human remains.
• Must have working knowledge of federal, state, and county laws pertaining to the collection and use of physical evidence.
• Must have knowledge and skill in techniques and procedures used in crime scene investigations (e.g., evidence collection, storage, handling, analysis, and documentation to include the use of related chemicals and photography).
• Must be able to perform work under stressful conditions.
• Must be able to self-manage which includes adaptability, dependability, and initiative.
• Must have excellent analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Must possess good interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain positive, cooperative working relationships.
• Must have working knowledge of court proceedings and testimony as well as be able to testify as an expert court witness.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to effectively present information to groups and respond to questions from managers, attorneys, investigators and/or detectives.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in various forms and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Must possess basic mathematical skills including the ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
• Must have basic computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (e.g., Word; Excel, Access).
• Must have the ability to learn and use specialized applications.

PROCESSING & TRAINING

• Some positions, depending on the responsibilities, may require the candidate to successfully pass a physical or other selection processes when needed.
• Upon selection, must be able to pass a psychological evaluation.
• Must be willing and able to participate in a 17-week job training.
• Must successfully pass the Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam.
• Please upload a copy of your resume that is no longer than two (2) pages in length to your application

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, smell, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• May be exposed to a wide range of conditions, many of which are unpleasant and/or hazardous. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to health-damaging conditions, infectious or contagious diseases, carcinogenic substances, allergenic substances, insects and/or animals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and various terrains. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Must package and handle biohazardous fluids and materials. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. May be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available for twenty-four (24) hour call out. May be required to work extended shifts.

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