Crime Scene Investigator

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• The following duties are normally performed by this position. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. The most important and essential job function is dependability and includes the following: regular attendance, working as a team member, functioning under intense time pressure, and the ability to work dayshift, afternoon, nightshift, and possibly rotating shifts, including weekends and holidays, at any Lake County Sheriff’s Office location, according to agency needs.
• Investigates crime scenes through adhering to general orders for taking photographs, measurements, preparing sketches and diagrams, completing narratives, following collection techniques as trained during the field training phases and summarizing observations of evidence.
• Identifies and determines evidence to be collected; preserves integrity of evidence; processes evidence for latent development through the use of various powder and / or chemical means; swabs evidence for the possible presence of DNA; documents and interprets evidence; ensures security of evidence and obtains evidence disposition.
• Conducts chemical and alternate light source tests on evidentiary material such as potential latent fingerprints, trace evidence, and biological fluids. Performs follow-up duties, which may include attending autopsies, reviewing collected items for additional evidence, completing specific request (s) from law enforcement or attorneys.
• Maintains files and record keeping on all evidence submitted by certified personnel as well as outside agencies; assists other agencies as requested.
• Operates a computer to enter, retrieve, review, or modify data; verifies accuracy of entered data and makes corrections as appropriate; utilizes database, word processing, spreadsheet, criminal information database or other programs.
• Prepares, completes, and/or receives various forms, reports, diagrams, narratives, submissions, property, evidence, receipts, subpoenas, reference material or other documents, reviews, processes, forwards, distributes, completes peer to peer reviews, evidence processing worksheets, or retains as appropriate.
• Communicates with supervisor, employees, other departments, Medical Examiner’s Office, court officials, State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office, other attorneys, outside agencies, the public and other individuals as needed to coordinate work activities, review status of work, exchange information or resolve problems.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws /regulations; attends workshops and training sessions as appropriate.
• Testifies in Federal, State, and local courts present observations and technical testimony in laymen's terms, defends analytical methods and results, presents findings during the administration of a deposition to prosecutors and defense attorneys and provides discovery documents upon receipt of a formal legal request document.
• Must successfully complete a court testimony course within the first year of employment. Adheres to all best laboratory practices. This includes the use of Personal Protective Equipment and safety procedures when working with evidence and equipment.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides assistance or coverage to other employees as needed. Performs other related duties as required.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a minimum of an associate degree from an accredited college or university. In lieu of a degree, applicant may have 3 years’ experience working as a CSI within a law enforcement agency. Board certification through a recognized certification body in the discipline is recommended. Professional knowledge of theories and practices would typically be acquired through a bachelor's degree program in the sciences. Knowledge of common methods and procedures and skill in crime scene processing and photography. Practical knowledge of best practices and general safety.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have and maintain a valid Florida driver’s license. Must successfully complete a background investigation including a polygraph test. Mandatory pre-employment physical, psychological and drug screening tests required. Upon being hired, shall successfully complete the Field Training Program and a basic crime scene processing class. An entry level CSI will be hired on the current salary.

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