Crime Scene Investigator I

Orange County Sheriff's Office•Orlando, FL

2d•Onsite

About The Position

This position applies scientific principles to analyze, identify, and classify physical evidence related to crime scenes. The role involves responding to and processing various crime scenes by searching for, documenting, collecting, preserving, analyzing, packaging, and preparing evidence for court presentation. This includes a wide range of evidence types such as paint, glass, fingerprints, firearms, biological samples, and more. The investigator performs analytical examinations using various methods and prepares detailed reports and presentations of findings. They also take measurements, reconstruct crime scenes, and maintain the chain-of-custody for evidence. This role acts as a liaison between crime laboratories, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, and may be required to testify in court. The job requires knowledge of relevant laws, crime scene investigation techniques, and the ability to work under stressful conditions with a high degree of self-management, analytical skill, and attention to detail. Basic computer skills and the ability to learn specialized applications are necessary. Upon selection, candidates must pass a psychological evaluation and a 17-week job training program, including a technical knowledge exam.

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 (B.A or B.S.) 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 OR High School Diploma/GED AND three (3) years’ related experience.
Related experience to include: crime scene investigator, evidence technician, crime scene technician, forensic investigator, crime scene analyst, criminalistics officer, etc.
If this posting indicates a degree is required, the following experience will apply in lieu of any degree as follows: Two (2) years of direct experience for an Associate Degree Four (4) years of direct experience for a Bachelor's Degree
Must have valid Florida driver’s license.
Must be able to be FCIC/NCIC certified within one (1) year of employment.
Must maintain certification once achieved.
Must have 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 advanced analytical skills, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
Must possess interpersonal skills and be able to establish and maintain working relationships.
Must have working knowledge of court proceedings and testimony as well as be able to testify as an expert court witness.
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 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.
Upon selection, must be able to pass a psychological evaluation.
Must be willing and able to participate in a 17-week job training and must successfully pass the Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Applies scientific principles to analyze, identify, and classify physical evidence related to crime scenes.
Responds to and processes 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.
Performs a variety of analytical examinations, such as processing the crime scene and related evidence using chemicals, powders, light source enhancement and other methods.
Completes photograph referrals, photographs, and prints of dead persons at the morgue.
Prepares reports and presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions; prepares court exhibits/reports.
Takes measurements of crime scenes.
Processes and reconstructs crime scenes to include trajectory analysis, bloodstain pattern analysis and diagramming of the scene.
Takes and maintains chain-of-custody of evidence/property.
Submits evidence to the Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other appropriate laboratories.
Acts as a liaison between crime laboratories, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys.
Confers with experts in relevant specialties as needed.
Testifies in court hearings and depositions about work performed.
Assists in the removal of bodies and human remains.
Maintains confidentiality.