Crime Scene Technician/Property Room

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Position Description

DEPARTMENT: Police Department

REPORTS TO: A Lieutenant

CLASSIFICATION STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt

SALARY: $17.56 – $26.35 hourly

 

MAJOR FUNCTION:

To perform work in a duel role as a Crime Scene Technician by assisting in the investigation of crimes through the collection and analysis of evidence from crime scenes in order to assist in the identification of the perpetrator and to prove and sustain any charges brought in the judicial system.  In the Property Room to perform the duties of maintaining accurate files on cases involving property or evidence. This part of the position is to be responsible for the intake, cataloging and control of property and evidence. Under the direction of and responsible to the Support Services Lieutenant or designated representative. Usually no supervision exercised; may assume duties of office, including all authority and responsibility, in the absence of the Supervisor.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The intent of this class description is to provide a representative summary of the types of duties and responsibilities that would be required of classifications given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Incumbent may be required to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this job description.

  • Assists in the development photographs taken relative to both ID processing and crime scene investigations.
  • May be assigned to attend available courses in advanced crime scene procedures.
  • Testifies in court concerning scientific facts as established in the analysis of evidence.
  • Must be available for call out situations.
  • Responsible to conduct search of crime scene and to collect, package, preserve and process trace evidence, footprint casts and related items and information subject to laboratory analysis and comparison.
  • Responsible for all phases of photography work at the crime scene.
  • Responsible, to make physical analysis examinations in the identification and comparison of evidence.
  • Attempt to analyze, identify and compare evidence so as to connect that evidence with the perpetrator of a crime, which includes fingerprint processing,
  • Examine evidence with a filtered alternate light source.
  • Reconstruct situation and physical evidence of crimes in the demonstration and proof of the connection of persons, instruments, or materials with the crime.
  • Study new techniques and procedures in the field of crime scene processing.
  • Cooperate with other law enforcement agencies in crime scene and related areas.
  • Accomplishes the intake and cataloging of evidentiary and property items.
  • Maintains current records, both computerized and written, of property and evidence items as well as filing of it.
  • Establishes and maintains professional working relationship with State Attorney’s Office regarding evidentiary items in criminal cases.
  • Maintains accurate files, both written and computerized, on all items of property taken into Police Department custody (i.e., impounded vehicles, found property, bicycles, etc.).
  • Maintains custodial control and accurate Chain of Custody documentation of evidentiary items required for court testimony.
  • Testifies in the appropriate forum: court, deposition, hearings; regarding the chain of custody and identification of evidentiary items.
  • Advise the general public of the policies and procedures with regard to property and evidence items.
  • May be assigned to attend available courses in property room procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Ability to learn and execute the proper procedures and methods of collecting, packaging, preserving and processing all forms of evidence obtained from crime scenes.
  • Working knowledge of processing techniques, cameras, and various types of photographic equipment.
  • Ability to write detailed reports on facts and findings and relate these facts and findings through testimony at trial.
  • Ability to perform effectively under pressure in association with both criminal and civilian elements.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees and the general public.
  • Knowledgeable in the use of the alternate light source for crime scene searches for latent prints and other trace evidence.
  • A working knowledge of presumptive testing.
  • Ability to work independently to complete duties and essential functions of the position.
  • Working knowledge of modern office procedures, practices and equipment.
  • Ability to maintain written evidence or property files and precise detailed computer files on cases involving property or evidence.
  • Ability to maintain cooperative relationships with the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office and private attorneys as well as fellow employee. Courteous and effective communication with the general public is required.
  • Ability to handle multiple tasks on a daily basis.
  • Ability to be articulate and professional during court testimony.
  • Ability to understand legal terminology as it applies to the various forms, requests, and authorizations received from the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender’s Office or private attorneys and interpretation of criminal histories.

TRAINING, CERTIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE: 

Crime Scene; Graduation from high school or equivalent.  An Associate Degree or certificate in crime scene technology is preferred; or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Must possess the Forensic Certification.

Property/Evidence; One (1) year of general office experience; or the equivalent in education, training, and experience, which would provide the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities. Data entry background, inventory knowledge and general office computer skills are required.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License. Must have the ability to drive a full size crime scene van. Every New Port Richey employee is required to fill out a Disaster Response Survey and is subject to being required to report to work during a declared disaster.

For Property/Evidence:  Must obtain certification in operation of FCIC/NCIC computer system within six (6) months of employment and maintain certification while in position.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Physical Ability:

Work requires considerable physical activity including walking, lifting, reaching, stooping, pulling, grasping, balancing, climbing, kneeling, standing, and crouching. Incumbent is subject to inside and outside activities with no effective protection from weather changes, noise, vibrations, job hazards, and atmospheric conditions. Incumbent is also required to hear sufficiently to perceive information at normal spoken word levels. Manual dexterity is required to operate equipment in performance of duties. This position requires the exertion of 50 pounds of force occasionally and up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Manual dexterity is required to operate standard office equipment in addition to certain specialized pieces of equipment.

Sensory Requirements:

Night vision and peripheral vision are important. Visual acuity is required to operate automotive equipment and computer systems. Worker is required to hear sufficiently to perceive information at normal spoken word levels.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

May stand for extended periods of time when directing traffic and controlling crowds. Exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain and potentially dangerous environments. Exposed to putrid odors, diseases, chemicals, and excessive noise. Sits, while driving, for extended periods of time.

Applications can be emailed to HR@cityofnewportrichey.org, faxed to 727-853-1043 or sent/dropped off to 5919 Main Street, New Port Richey, FL 34652.  EOE/DFWP

The City of New Port Richey is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of New Port Richey provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.