Crime Scene Technician I

Posting number: 102801

Department: Ocala Police Department

Job classification: Crime Scene Technician I

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Forensics

Services Section. This includes photography, latent print collection, and DNA collection of evidence. The position is an entry level position assigned to a field capacity in the Technical Service Section. Reports to the Technical Services Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONSMajor Crime Scene Investigations Responds to major crime scenes and takes precautions to safeguard the evidence. Often responding to scenes while the crime is actively being worked and suspects are still be sought. Preserves the scene as it is, by taking photos or videos, at times, while medical personnel are rendering treatment in order to memorialize the scene. Processes a scene by taking measurement of evidence to fixed objects and documents those measurements to create a diagram of the crime scene. Processes the victim of major crime scenes by collecting blood swabs, DNA swabs, documenting and photographing injuries. Requires the Crime Scene Tech to handle the deceased, when applicable, to examine for injuries and evidence. Responds to the Medical Examiner Office to collect evidence during the autopsies. Handles and exposed to biohazard materials. Issued ballistic vests to wear at scenes of shootings for fear of on-going violence. Minor Crime Scenes Responds to crime scenes to secure the scene for evidence. Photographs, processes scenes, to include latent print processing and DNA processing.

• Digital Evidence Collection Responds to scenes to collect videos from surveillance equipment. Locates, downloads and saves all body and in-car camera video.
• Motion to Compel Responds to the court room by court order and collects fingerprints and/or DNA from suspects of a crime in response to a court order. Case Preparation Prepares evidence for criminal trials.
• Lab Processing Uses chemicals to process evidence for latent prints. Uses ninhydrin, gun blue, and other chemicals to complete processing of evidence. Uses sterilized swabs to collect touch DNA from items of evidence. Handles biohazard items during the evidence processing process.
• Reports Prepares detailed reports and diagrams to memorialize crime scenes as they have been found. Itemizes each item found in their reports by locations and with measurements, at times.

Court Attends depositions in preparation for criminal prosecution. Appears in court, under subpoena, and provides sworn testimony in court for criminal prosecution. Brings evidence to trial to enter it into the criminal case. Testifies to the chain of custody of evidence. Required to report to work at the appointed hour, as scheduled, and to work the entire assigned shift.NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts evidence training.
2. Operates an evidence vehicle.
3. Communicates on a police radio.
4. Performs other work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS High school diploma or G.E.D.

MINIMUM SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Ability to use computers and other office equipment. Must be organized and capable of detailed and accurate work, able to safely handle firearms, bio-hazardous materials, chemicals, and tools. Must be able to do photography and process evidence in the lab. Ability to operate a motor vehicle. Ability to meet multiple deadlines and perform duties with numerous and sometimes lengthy interruptions. Ability to give professional competent testimony in legal hearings. Ability to maintain confidential information. Ability to use independent judgment. Ability to communicate orally and in written form. PROFESSIONAL LICENSES Florida Operator's Driver's License

PHYSICAL COMPLETION OF EACH JOB FUNCTION Approximately 70% of the essential job functions require the Crime Scene Technician I to be walking, standing, lifting, bending, carrying evidence such as TVs, bikes, stereos, drug paraphernalia and weapons which vary from light to heavy. Reads small print, handwritten reports, computer printouts and screens, and to visually examine property and such items as fingerprints and serial numbers. Climbs ladder and walk on rugged terrain to search a variety of crime scenes. Manual dexterity to do precise and delicate work, such as focusing cameras, lifting latent fingerprints, recovering minute fragments of evidence, etc. Communicates clearly to use the telephone and police radio effectively. Demonstrates the ability to handle extremely unpleasant items or situations such as decomposed bodies, bloody evidence and homicide scenes. Ability to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

1. This position has a separate work area comprised of an office, evidence processing area, supply closet and evidence storage rooms located on the lower floor of the Department. Crime Scene Technicians can be assigned to the same work site.

1. Job functions are performed 24 hours a day; shifts are 12-hour shifts with a day shift, afternoon shift, and midnight shift. May be called out to process a crime scene which involves adverse weather conditions.

1. Equipment used consists of desks, telephones, computers, printer, copy machine, files, processing equipment and chemicals, cameras and related equipment, automobile and various items of office equipment.

1. The immediate supervisor is at the job site 75% of the time. Available by two-way radio, telephone or cell phone.

SAFETY EQUIPMENT Protective eye wear, protective gloves, protective mask, shoe covers and protective body suit.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, efforts, or working conditions associated with the job. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the current job, management reserves the right to revise the job or to require that other or different tasks be performed when circumstances change (e.g., emergencies, change in personnel, workload, rush jobs, or technological developments).