Crime Scene Technician I

City of Ocala•Fl 34471, FL

13h

About The Position

Crime Scene Technician I is an entry-level field position assigned to the Technical Services Section. The role provides crime-scene services including photography, latent-print collection and processing, and DNA evidence collection. The position reports to the Technical Services Supervisor. The technician responds to major and minor crime scenes, safeguards and documents evidence, photographs or records scenes, takes measurements, prepares diagrams, and collects evidence from scenes and victims. The role also involves processing evidence in a laboratory, collecting digital video evidence, preparing evidence and reports for criminal cases, and providing sworn testimony in court. Work may involve handling deceased persons, biohazardous materials, firearms, chemicals, and evidence from violent crime scenes. The position works 12-hour shifts on a day, afternoon, or midnight schedule. Crime-scene duties may occur at any time, and the technician may be called out in adverse weather. The work involves substantial walking, standing, lifting, bending, carrying, climbing, working on rugged terrain, and performing precise manual tasks. Protective equipment is provided for relevant duties.

Requirements

High school diploma or G.E.D.
Ability to use computers and other office equipment.
Ability to stay organized and perform detailed, accurate work.
Ability to safely handle firearms, biohazardous materials, chemicals, and tools.
Ability to perform photography and process evidence in a laboratory.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
Ability to meet multiple deadlines and perform duties despite numerous and sometimes lengthy interruptions.
Ability to give professional, competent testimony in legal hearings.
Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise independent judgment.
Ability to communicate orally and in writing.
Florida Operator's Driver's License.

Responsibilities

Respond to major crime scenes, safeguard evidence, and preserve scenes through photography or video, including when medical personnel are providing treatment.
Measure evidence in relation to fixed objects and document measurements in crime-scene diagrams.
Collect blood and DNA swabs from victims, document and photograph injuries, and handle deceased persons when applicable to examine for injuries and evidence.
Respond to the Medical Examiner's Office to collect evidence during autopsies.
Respond to minor crime scenes, secure them for evidence, photograph and process scenes, and conduct latent-print and DNA processing.
Collect surveillance video at scenes and locate, download, and save body-camera and in-car-camera video.
Collect fingerprints and/or DNA from suspects in response to court orders.
Prepare evidence for criminal trials and process evidence for latent prints using chemicals such as ninhydrin and gun blue.
Collect touch DNA from evidence using sterilized swabs and handle biohazardous items during evidence processing.
Prepare detailed reports and diagrams documenting crime scenes and itemizing evidence by location and, when applicable, measurements.
Attend depositions, appear in court under subpoena, provide sworn testimony, bring evidence to trial, and testify about evidence chain of custody.
Report to work as scheduled and work the entire assigned shift.
Conduct evidence training, operate an evidence vehicle, communicate on a police radio, and perform other work as required.