CITY OF MARGATE

CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN

Responsible for the collection, preservation, analysis and documentation of evidence and other forensic activities at crime scenes. Familiar with commonly accepted forensic principles in compliance with agency policy, state law and criminal procedure. Is responsible for utilizing, as well as researching and implementing established as well as emerging forensic technologies.  Responsible for production of technical reports and other documents, case preparation and courtroom testimony.  All work is performed in accordance with prescribed federal and state law, city policy, record retention procedures and departmental polices.  Work hours may vary and include 24-hour call out availability.  Minimum preferred training and requirements: This is not an entry level position. Requires a two-year college degree paired with a minimum of two years experience, or a high school diploma with a minimum of four years experience, within the crime scene investigation field or significant coursework in the crime scene investigation field.  Familiar with criminal identification, investigations, photography, DNA and latent fingerprint identification.  Computer literacy and familiarity with common office productivity applications is required (WORD, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.). Must possess and maintain a valid Florida driver license.  Must satisfactorily complete all applicable civil service requirements. Salary range $41,545 to $58,288.  To submit application and for further qualifications, stop by Margate City Hall Human Resources Department, 5790 Margate Blvd.  Position is open until filled.

-EOE-M/F/D/V-ADA

Date of posting: January 30, 2012

CITY OF MARGATE

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: CIVILIAN CRIME SCENE TECHNICIAN

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

Provide support services involving all aspects of crime scene investigations, including but not limited to, identification and processing of latent fingerprints, technical photography, identification and collection of evidence, maintain evidence, testify in court, and properly document such activities through written investigative reports.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Functions:

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such functions are a logical assignment to the position.

Investigates crime scenes. Collects and identifies physical evidence left at the crime scene. Evidence collection may include biological, trace, shoe and tire impressions, firearms and weapons, paint, tools and any other items.

Evaluates evidence and assists in determining whether a crime has been committed.

Prepare sketches and diagrams; take measurements and photographs crime scene.

Preserves, packages, and transports physical evidence to the evidence room, lab, Medical Examiner, or court.

Attends and photographs autopsies at the Medical Examiner’s Office, when needed.

Process evidence for latent fingerprint development and prepare for analysis.

Documents evidence, writes crime scene reports and maintains computer files on all evidence collected.

Completes narratives following procedural collection techniques and summarizing interpretation of evidence; testifies in court as needed.

Provides operational and tactical support utilizing available technologies to ensure officer safety and convert investigation security.

Conducts research using a variety of state-of-the-art principles, technologies, and investigative techniques.

Conducts preliminary research for other unit personnel to assist in investigative activities outside the scope of responsibility.

Prepares various materials for case support, State Attorney's prosecution and related court/judicial presentation purposes and Medical Examiner’s Office.

Drives, maintains, and keeps clean standard size marked crime scene van.

Conducts lab work consisting of chemical processing and the use of fuming tanks.

Practices personal safety and utilizes proper safety equipment or gear when processing or collecting evidence. Follows all safety protocols.

Able to respond to a crime scene after normal working hours in a call out capacity.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

Be knowledgeable in all Department standard operating procedures, general orders, directives, and applicable state statutes.  Perform related Work as required. 

Uses modern office equipment including a computer and related hardware and software programs to complete assigned work.

Attend advanced courses/seminars related to crime scene investigations and forensic technology.

Orient new personnel, tour groups, citizen’s police academy, etc. with the Crime Lab and its purpose.

Remain abreast of emerging forensic technologies.

Prepare purchase requisitions and submit budgetary proposals.

Photograph special events or personnel.

Perform related work as assigned.

MINIMUM TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE 

Requires a two-year college degree paired with a minimum of two years experience, or a high school diploma with a minimum of four years experience, within the crime scene investigation field. Familiar with criminal identification, investigations, photography, and latent fingerprint identification.

Must posses and maintain a valid Florida Drivers license.

Must satisfactorily complete all applicable civil service requirements.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Physical Requirements: Tasks involve some walking, standing, some lifting and carrying objects of light to moderate weight (5-50 pounds). Tasks may involve a combination of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and crawling. Tasks may involve extended periods at a keyboard or workstation.

Data Conception: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable, functional, or composite characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.

Interpersonal Communication: Requires the ability to speak and/or signal people to exchange or convey information. Includes giving and receiving instructions, assignments and/or directions.

Language Ability: Requires the ability to read a variety of materials relevant to government, legal and city administration operations that are moderate in nature.

Intelligence: Requires the ability to analyze and interpret problems, and draw valid conclusions in task processing and prioritization.

Verbal Aptitude: Must communicate efficiently and effectively in Standard English. Must speak with poise, confidence, and voice control.

Numerical Aptitude: Requires the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide; calculate decimals and percentages.

Form/Spatial Aptitude: Interpret and make drawings, form mental images, and visualize movement or change in those images.

Motor Coordination: Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes accurately in handling, sorting and filing documents.

Manual Dexterity: Requires the ability to utilize a variety of modem office equipment. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Color Discrimination: May require the ability to differentiate between colors or shades of color depending on department of assignment.

Interpersonal Temperament: Requires the ability to deal with people from a variety of departments in both the giving and receiving of instructions. Must be able to perform under stress of frequent deadlines.

Physical Communication: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear; (talking: expressing or exchanging information by means of spoken words, hearing, perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Environmental Requirements: Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, e.g., dirt, cold, rain, fumes, dust and fingerprint dusting powder, pollen, odors, wetness, humidity, noises, traffic conditions, animals or wildlife, toxic poisonous agents, crime scenes depicting violence or gore, disease or bio-hazardous substances.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of modern scientific methods and equipment used in criminal investigations.

Knowledge of photography.

Skills in the operation of analog and digital photographic and recording devices.

Skill in processing, and identifying fingerprints.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees and the public.

Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.

Ability to climb to, and work at heights.

Ability to lift, carry and use portable generators, ladders and other investigative equipment.

Ability to write and provide oral testimony in a clear and concise manner.

Ability to operate a standard size marked crime scene van.

Revised: January 24, 2012