CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR

City of Sunrise; Florida; On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Sunrise seeks a dedicated Crime Scene Investigator to identify, collect, classify, and preserve evidence from crime scenes, both indoors and outdoors. You will photograph scenes, process fingerprints and DNA, prepare court-ready diagrams and reports, and testify as an expert in court as needed.

The role requires maintaining CJIS Level 4 certification and working rotating shifts, including nights and weekends, with on-call standby as scheduled. A related associate degree is preferred.

Qualifications

• Associate degree in crime scene technology or equivalent.
• Experience in a government law enforcement setting preferred.
• Proof of highest level of education must be attached with application.

Responsibilities

• Identify, collect, classify, and preserve criminal evidence at scenes.
• Photograph crime scenes and process latent fingerprints.
• Prepare diagrams/reports for court and testify as expert witness.

Skills

Fingerprint collection

Crime scene photography

Laboratory techniques

Court testimony

Communication skills

Time management

Interpersonal skills

Protective equipment use

Education

Associate degree in crime scene technology

Experience in lieu of degree

Tools

Photo and video equipment

DNA processing tools

Fingerprint dusting materials

Mobile crime laboratory

Job description

NATURE OF WORK

This classification involves identification, collection, classification, and maintenance of criminal evidence for the City’s Police Department. An employee in this position collects evidence at crime scenes both indoors and outdoors; takes crime scene photographs; views victims of accidents and violent crimes; identifies fingerprints, processes DNA samples; preserves and identifies other physical evidence at crime scenes; and collects and identifies trace material. This position also prepares sketches/documentation for court purposes and testifies as an expert in court.

Note: This employee is also required to maintain CJIS Level 4 certification.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Searches for and lifts fingerprint evidence. Submits fingerprint evidence to crime lab for analysis.
• Collects DNA and ensures processing of DNA evidence.
• Searches for, collects, preserves, and identifies other physical evidence found at the crime scene such as hair, skin, blood, fibers, and footwear and tire impressions.
• Operates assigned photo and video camera equipment;photographs and processes crime scenes for latent fingerprints; and photographs and fingerprints deceased persons.
• Documents, collects, and preserves crimescene evidence; utilizes measuring, testing and recording instruments and devices; makes silicone casts; and performs projectile trajectory analysis.
• Prepares diagrams and reports for examination and investigations; maintains logs and records as required.
• Provides testimony in court proceedings as an expert witness.
• Operates mobile crime laboratory and transports investigative equipment to crime scenes.
• Types and files reports and related investigatory information; answers inquiries; and operates radio equipment.
• Works on rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Will be responsible for maintaining a stand-by/on-call status as scheduled.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION

• Associate degree from an accredited school in crime scene technology, forensics, or a closely related field.
• Considerable experience as a Crime Scene Investigator for a law enforcement entity can be considered in lieu of a degree.
• PROOF OF HIGHEST LEVEL OF COMPLETED EDUCATION MUST BE SUBMITTED AS AN ATTACHMENT WITH APPLICATION. (Applications without attached proof of education will not be processed for consideration.)

EXPERIENCE

• Reasonable related work experience in a government setting.
• Pass pre-employment Police criminal background and pre-employment physical requirements.
• Pass Basic FBI Fingerprint course and pass approved crime scene processing court (or complete prior to end of the probationary period).
• Certification preferred: Crime Scene Technology Certificate (preferably from the International Association for Identification).
• Valid Florida driver’s license and a good driving record.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of modern scientific methods and equipment used in criminal investigation.
• Knowledge of the methods and equipment of collecting and preserving physical evidence.
• Knowledge of laboratory techniques in the performance of chemical and microscopic examinations.
• Knowledge of standard fingerprint collection and recording practices.
• Knowledge of crime scene photography techniques including digital enhancement procedures.
• Knowledge of courtroom procedures and rules of evidence including fingerprints and other personal identification data.
• Skill in operation and maintenance of photographic and fingerprint dusting material.
• Skill in operation of photographic and recording devices.
• Skill in obtaining fingerprints.
• Skill in using Office and department software.
• Ability to perform the necessary identification tasks on cadavers in varying states of decomposition.
• Ability to maintain cross index filing systems and to classify documentary material for filing purposes.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to write and provide oral testimony in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability to operate a mid-size motor vehicle/van and mobile crime laboratory.
• Ability to type accurately at a reasonable rate of speed.
• Ability to plan and organize workload to achieve stated objectives in a timely, efficient, and effective manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain professional working relationships with City officials, general employees, industry professionals, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to evaluate the impact of alternative courses of action and evaluate circumstances of an innovative, new, or unprecedented nature.
• Ability to deal with competing priorities and varied responsibilities.
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively to develop win-win solutions.
• Ability to work on rotating shifts including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Ability to maintain the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Ability to don and doff personal protective equipment and to wear same for extended periods of time.