SENIOR CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN - INTERNAL PROMOTIONAL ONLY

This is a non-exempt position which requires advanced technical police work in documenting, collecting, classifying, and identifying physical evidence and performing technical photographic work. An employee in this classification is responsible for standard Crime Scene Technician duties, performing supervisory duties in the absence of the manager, training new Crime Scene Technicians, performing latent verifications, and entering latent prints into AFIS in the absence of the Latent Print Examiner. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Crime Scene Unit Manager. Employees are hired as AT WILL employees that serve at the pleasure of the City and may be terminated at any time with or without cause. Assists at the scene of a crime, searches for and develops latent fingerprints, takes photographs of crime scenes, and searches for, collects, preserves, and identifies other physical evidence at the scene. Processes evidence for DNA and fingerprints using different methods based on applicable substrates. Packages various forms of evidence and generates descriptive property receipts. Generates detailed reports on all activities performed at crime scenes. Provides sworn testimony in court and at depositions. Photographs public relations events as requested. Maintains a comprehensive inventory of supplies. Acts as a primary FTO during the training phase of new employees. Performs latent verifications. Enters latent prints into AFIS in the absence of the Latent Print Examiner. Reviews and approves written reports from members of the Crime Scene Unit in the absence of the manager. Maintains on-call status and responds to major crime scenes to supervise the analysis of evidentiary material and laboratory examinations in the absence of the manager. Performs related work as required and as directed. Knowledge of standard fingerprint classification practices, purposes, methods, records, and equipment used in the persons identification. Knowledge of the methods used in collecting and preserving physical evidence and of the use of such evidence in establishing guilt or innocence. Knowledge of laboratory techniques in the performance of chemical and microscopic examinations. Knowledge of the use and operation of cameras and other photographic equipment and of the proper use of police radios. Knowledge of pertinent law enforcement databases. Knowledge of city and department policies and procedures. Knowledge of applicable state statutes, local ordinances, and departmental rules, regulations, policies, and procedures. Skill in written and verbal communication. Skill in investigative and analytical research. Skill in photography. Skill in the taking, classifying and identifying, and filing of fingerprints. Skill in searching for, preserving, and interpreting physical evidence and identification data. Skill in computer literacy with emphasis on Microsoft Office programs and various departmental software. Ability to analyze a variety of criminal information and intelligence received from various sources. Ability to take photographs under varying conditions and circumstances. Ability to perform necessary identification tasks on cadavers in varying states of decomposition. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision. Ability to adhere to tight schedules while maintaining work quality. Ability to work all shifts and holidays and handle rotation callouts. Ability to communicate professionally in court regarding evidence collection and crime scenes. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with other municipal employees, supervisors, city officials, and the general public.

DESIRABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

Associate's degree with major coursework in crime scene technology or equivalent; supplemented by 3 years of experience in the field of crime scene technology; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Valid State of Florida driver's license. Completion of recognized basic and advanced crime scene courses, fingerprint courses, and photography courses. Must possess or be able to obtain a crime scene certification from the International Association for Identification (IAI) within one (1) year of employment. Must complete in-house Latent Print training within one (1) year of employment. Work is performed in a law enforcement environment and requires travel from site to site.