Forensic Crime Scene Technician I

Duties

The Forensic Crime Scene Technician will spend at least 75% of their time in the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, and processing/or analysis of evidence at crime scenes or evidence submitted by other agency members. The remainder of time will involve activities including writing reports, testifying in court processes, training and administrative duties.

• Abide by the "Law Enforcement Code of Ethics."
• Take photographs of crime scenes, evidence and persons.
• Take casts or lifts of shoe prints, and other impressions or transfer patterns as directed.
• Photograph and process deceased bodies.
• Identify, collect, and preserve evidence.
• Process crime scenes and related evidence for DNA and fingerprints for use in criminal proceedings.
• Process crime scenes, process in-house cases, and mix and handle chemicals while wearing proper personal protective equipment.
• Prepare crime scene reports and sketches.
• Maintain records with computer entries and written reports using appropriate terminology, sentence structure, spelling and grammar.
• Testify in criminal proceedings about completed case work in a clear, truthful and professional manner.
• Operate a crime scene vehicle to respond to service locations, to include trailers if applicable.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required as an essential function of the position.
• This position is considered essential and is required to work on holidays and in the event of an emergency or natural disaster, unless directed otherwise.
• Participates in community relations activities, to include presentations, as directed.
• Thoroughly know, understand, and comply with Agency procedures, rules and operational directives.
• Be alert for conditions or situations, which inhibit efficient operation of the Agency or of the Forensic Unit and make recommendations for solutions.
• Successfully participate in proficiency testing programs as required.
• Attend specialized training and periodic refresher training, both locally and out of town, for one or multiple days, for the equipment, processes and techniques used by the Agency.
• Perform other related duties, as assigned, including modified schedule or temporary re-assignment during declared emergency or activations, as determined by the Sheriff.

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

Requirements

JOB PREREQUISITES - Forensic Crime Scene Technician I

• High School diploma or GED. Preference is given to those with college degrees in forensics or a physical science such as biology or chemistry.
• Ability to follow instructions and organize own work.
• Ability to express oneself clearly, concisely, and effectively both orally and in writing, using proper English grammar, punctuations, and sentence structure.
• Ability to use computers and related accessories.
• Ability to work harmoniously with the public and coworkers.
• Possess normal sight and hearing, and physical agility required for standing, walking, and climbing stairs and be able to lift fifty (50) pounds.
• Possess a valid Florida driver’s license.

Supplemental Information

WORKING CONDITIONS –

• The Crime Scene Technicians provide 24-hour coverage of forensic services for the agency with 12-hour shifts that rotate regularly
• Crime Scene Technicians work both in the office and outside at locations where a crime has occurred, or evidence may be located.
• A crime scene technician may be exposed to a wide range of any of the following conditions, either temporarily or over lengths of time, which may be unpleasant and uncomfortable:
• Wetness (water) from high humidity, fog, scenes processed in wet or damp areas.
• Slippery or unstable walking surfaces.
• Debris from broken glass, fire, uneven terrain, and natural disasters.
• Frequent close contact with other forensic unit personnel, detectives, and/or medical examinerpersonnel.
• Close contact with citizens, arrestees or subjects suspected of crimes, and deceased bodies.
• Space-limited scene locations, attics, crawlspaces, inside and under vehicles requiring flexibility.
• Fire scenes.
• Exposure to chemicals used in advanced crime scene procedures.
• Fingerprint powders, dust, and dirt associated with outdoor scene locations, as well as toxic chemicals used in crime scene processing, containers formerly used to store/transport narcotics or evidence from arson scenes and the fumes of decomposing human or animal remains.
• Crime scenes or evidence contaminated with bloodborne pathogens and/or biohazardous materials.
• Hot or cold weather environments.

PHYSICAL AND DEXTERITY REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires light to medium work that involves walking, standing, sitting, kneeling, bending or crouching for extended periods of time. Exerting between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis. Considerable skill, adeptness and speed in the use of fingers, hands, or limbs in tasks involving close tolerances of limits of accuracy. Ability to climb stairs, steps or ladders while carrying necessary equipment. Be able to sit, stand and/or walk for up to 12 hours per day. Ability to operate a crime scene vehicle in a safe and efficient manner, day or night.

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS:

• This position risks exposure to disease/pathogens, toxic/caustic chemicals, violence, bright/dim light, dusts and pollen, extreme heat and/or cold, wet or humid conditions, animal/wildlife, fumes and/or noxious odors, traffic and, heights.

SENSORY REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires normal vision acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception and texture perception.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ADA requires the Sheriff's Office to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are invited to discuss accommodations.

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