Forensic Technician

Duties

Key Responsibilities

• Responds to and processes crime scenes, to include photographing the scene, sketching, latent print collection, evidence collection (biological and non-biological), casting impressions, collecting surveillance video, assisting on search warrants and drug collection, and forensic lab processing of evidence.
• Collects, processes, handles and tags evidence and perishable specimens, maintaining chain of custody and scene integrity, in accordance with department policy and procedures.
• Analyzes, identifies and classifies fingerprints and palm prints.
• Analyzes photographic and digital media, to include computers, cell phones or other storage devices, video recordings, video surveillance footage, and utilizing image enhancement.
• Prepares crime scene reports and other reports as required.
• Assists in maintaining Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) database.
• Creates and maintains a filing system for retrieval of information for use in courtroom testimony.
• Maintains the filing system for mug shots, fingerprints, etc.
• Assists and/or trains officers/detectives/interns with general forensic protocols and evidence submissions.
• Provides expert court testimony, to include depositions, trial hearings, case trials and preparing court exhibits.
• Attends administrative staff meetings as directed.
• May be required to operate a motor vehicle in performance of assigned tasks and may be assigned a City take home vehicle.
• Performs other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Associate's degree from an accredited college or university.
• One (1) year of crime scene experience, including photography; or one (1) year of advanced formal education in forensic studies.
• Licenses or Certifications

• IAI Crime Scene certification, or obtain within twelve (12) months of hire or promotion.
• Must possess a valid state driver's license and obtain a valid Florida driver's license within thirty (30) days of hire or promotion.

ADDITIONAL MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED: KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Collection and preservation of physical evidence, including chain of custody procedures.
• Report and record keeping principles and practices.
• Evidence-related local and state statutes, codes and ordinances.
• Computer operation, maintenance and administration principles and practices.
• Modern office methods.
• Laboratory safety procedures and precautions.
• Science, chemistry and laboratory tests.
• Fingerprint classifications.
• Legal proceeding and court system.

Skill in:

• Oral communications for effective expression of concepts and clarity in task assignments.
• The use of various laboratory and photographic equipment.
• The use of database software and evidence-enhancing or digital forensic software.

Ability to:

• Provide 24/7 support and service when necessary. On call and standby assignments will be required.
• Learn Departmental rules, regulations, policies and procedures.
• Relate to people beyond giving and receiving instructions, to include applying consistent courtesy and tact in considerable public contact and/or confrontational situations.
• Be adaptable to performing under frequent deadlines and/or in response to emergencies.
• Apply sound judgment and interpretation based on acquired knowledge in circumstances where limited standardization exists.
• Read and interpret various technical materials, ranging from moderate to complex terminology, associated with job functions.
• Classify and compare fingerprints.
• Photograph and sketch crime scenes.
• Recognize, extrapolate and assimilate statistical information from a variety of sources into meaningful formats.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with supervisor, department personnel and outside agencies position interacts with.
• Utilize a variety of modern office equipment, i.e., computers, copiers and other electronic devices.
• Organize and review work for efficient results and accuracy.
• Handle a multitude of diverse tasks simultaneously while maintaining an attention to detail for the purpose of ensuring accuracy in task performance.
• Compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, or composite characteristics of programs, statistical information and related documentation.
• Read a variety of materials relevant to government, legal and law enforcement administration operations.
• Draw valid conclusions in task processing and prioritization.
• Apply principles of rational and influence systems.
• Recognize and extrapolate crucial information from a variety of sources.
• Add, subtract, multiply and divide, perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials and perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests and correlation techniques.
• Inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various types of information.

MINIMUM STANDARDS REQUIRED

WORK ENVIRONMENT/ CONDITIONS

• The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Tasks are performed outside, subject to weather conditions and uneven terrain, and risk of exposure to toxic agents/chemicals, pathogens, and smoke.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• The position involves medium physical demands, such as exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 lbs. of force frequently, and/or up to 10 lbs. of force constantly to move objects. Tasks require some unassisted lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects up to 50 pounds. Tasks may require prolonged periods of visual concentration and require moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
• Requires the ability to speak, hear (perceive sound) and/or signal people to convey and exchange information; differentiate between colors or shades of color; read a variety of materials, at times complex; apply principles of rational problem-solving; record and deliver information, explain procedures, issue and follow oral and written instructions; and communicate effectively and efficiently in Standard English.

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