Crime Scene Technician I

City of Melbourne•City of Melbourne, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Associate's degree in Forensic Science or related field
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.
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.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's (B.S.) degree in Forensic Science or related discipline preferred.
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.

Responsibilities

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.