Crime Scene Technician I

Description

The incumbent is responsible for collecting, documenting, preparing, preserving, examining, securing, and packaging physical evidence for scientific evaluation; preparing detailed, well-written reports; and testifying in court regarding the findings and methods used at the crime scene.

Examples of Duties

• Fingerprints and photographs suspects, victims, witnesses.
• Searches AFIX database to find specific prints or to make comparisons.
• Corresponds with other agencies and exchanges identification information.
• Processes all types of crime scenes (burglaries, train deaths, plane deaths, homicides).
• Attends autopsies and process deceased persons for evidence.
• Searches and develops latent prints, utilizing various methods.
• Takes photographs of crime scenes; prints photographs.
• Searches, collects, preserves, and processes physical evidence.
• Obtains casts of shoes, tires, instruments and other impressions.
• Keeps records and prepares detailed reports of findings of examinations and investigations.
• Proceeds unassisted in various investigations, including death investigations, i.e., taking fingerprint impression of cadavers.
• Provides courtroom testimony and evidence collection in trials, depositions, and hearings.
• Draws diagrams of various scenes and utilizes laser mapping equipment.
• Maintains vehicles and equipment in working order.
• Operates all types of firearms taken as evidence by loading and unloading.
• Sifts through arson debris.
• Handles situations and crime scenes of varying degrees including extreme bio-hazardous conditions (biological, chemical, and drug related).
• Gives presentations to educational institutions ranging from elementary schools to college.
• Performs other assigned duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Forensic Science or related field; Bachelor's (B.S.) degree in Forensic Science or related discipline preferred.
• Must demonstrate knowledge in the field of forensic science, crime scene investigation techniques, and familiarity with current evidence collection and chain of custody.
• Subject to call-outs during off-duty hours, including nights and/or weekends as required. Off-duty telephone service is required.

• Must possess and maintain a valid State of Florida driver's license without restrictions except corrective lenses and must reside within a 25 mile radius of the City of Melbourne.
• Must meet Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) and Melbourne Police Department background investigation requirements and maintain compliance throughout employment.
• Must be able to obtain certification through the International Association for Identification (IAI) as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator within two (2) years of employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of crime scene principles, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of applicable laws and legal precedents.
• Knowledge of applicable Federal, State, County, and City Ordinances and Laws.
• Knowledge of the basics of Fingerprint Science.
• Knowledge of technical aspects of crime scene processing.
• Knowledge of emergency medical and first aid practices.
• Skill in communication with co-workers and the community.
• Skill in operating motor vehicles in hazardous situations.
• Skill in taking, classifying, identifying, and filing fingerprints.
• Skill in the use of computers, digital cameras and other technical equipment used in crime scene investigation.
• Skill in searching for, preserving, and interpreting physical evidence and identification data.
• Skill in maintaining cross index filing systems and in classifying documentary material for filing purposes.
• Ability to make oral presentations.
• Ability to investigate situations and to prepare written reports.
• Ability to act effectively in crisis situations.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language clearly and concisely.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to perform mathematical calculations to determine bullet trajectory and blood spatter impact origination.
• Ability to visually inspect items for safety reasons.

• Ability to exert between 20 and 50 pounds of force on a recurring basis.
• Ability to climb a ladder.
• Ability to exercise manual dexterity for data entry and writing reports.
• Ability to hear conversations spoken in various tones of voice.
• Ability to read, write, and speak the English language clearly and concisely.
• Ability to grasp objects.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to bend, walk, kneel, crawl, stretch and sit while lifting heavy objects.
• Ability to identify colors and read symbols.
• Ability to read and write legal documents.
• Ability to visually inspect items for safety reasons.

The City of Melbourne offers a generous benefit package (Download PDF reader) to include:

• 100% City paid medical insurance for employee only; coverage available for family
• Health Insurance opt-out incentive for employees with other medical coverage
• Dental

• Life Insurance in the amount of 1 times your annual salary
• Additional life insurance to include coverage for your spouse and child(ren)
• Short-term disability
• Long-term disability
• Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• 457 Deferred Compensation
• Retirement Plans (FRS, local plan for Police and Fire personnel)
• Paid Holidays
• Tuition Reimbursement