Traffic Accident Investigator

The City of Fort Myers strives to be an employer of choice and most of our employees turn jobs into long term careers.  The salary shown in the job description is the full range for this position from entry to later career.  

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt        Safety Sensitive:  Yes        Level II Screening:  Yes

Under the general direction of a designated supervisor, the incumbent is responsible for conducting thorough investigations into traffic-related incidents, with a focus on both traffic homicides and hit-and-run incidents. As a primary investigator, the incumbent will respond to accident scenes, assess the incident, secure the area, and process, collect evidence and document their findings. Drawing upon their expertise in accident reconstruction, the incumbent will analyze physical evidence, such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and debris patterns, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the incident.  This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

Responsibilities and Reporting During an Emergency Situation:

Essential Employees may be required to work during a declared emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working around the clock for several days on short notice.

Non-Essential Employees will not be required to work during a declared emergency. The employee’s Department Head will determine when the employee will be required to work.

Perks and Benefits

• Free city-paid employee health coverage, additional for spouse or family
• 3 weeks Paid Time Off (sick & vacation)
• 13 paid holidays
• Pension plan & optional Deferred Compensation 
• City-paid life insurance
• Optional Vision, Dental, and Disability Insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• On-site Gym facility
• And much more!

• This classification is distinguished from a Police Officer by the fact that the employee is not a sworn officer, does not carry a firearm, and does not make arrests.
• Responds to traffic accidents with fatalities; advises drivers of their constitutional rights; takes taped statements from drivers and witnesses; notifies next of kin of deceased.
• Attends autopsies when necessary; consults with medical examiner about matters relating to or causing the traffic fatality.
• Responds to traffic accidents and requests any additional assistance such as tow-trucks, emergency medical assistance, etc.; may direct traffic.
• Photographs traffic accidents and accident vehicles; gathers principal evidence, interviews drivers, witnesses and passengers; determines conditions leading up to accident; conducts tests to estimate speed of vehicles at time of accident.
• Verifies driver license and vehicle registration via radio with Records/Teletype Division; calls for sworn officer assistance when police powers are necessary.
• Performs vehicle inspections; performs download of Event Data Recorder (black box).
• Secures crash scene and preserves evidence collected for investigation of the accident.
• Conducts interviews with accident victims in the hospital; issues traffic citations.
• Conducts follow-up on hit and run accident investigations.
• Completes written accident reports; testifies in matters brought before the court.
• Consults with and provides information and assistance regarding accidents or traffic homicide investigations to Police Officers, other Accident Investigators, other police personnel, news media, and the general public.
• Collects Latent Prints and DNA samples.
• Prepares search and arrest warrants for Judge to sign.
• Prepares Subpoena Duces Tecum to obtain medical records.
• Initiates and participates in field training programs for Hit and Run Accident and Homicide Investigators; conducts formal on-the-job training in accident investigation techniques.
• Coordinates fatal accident reports and information with various agencies. 
• Operates a city vehicle; inspects and reports equipment and vehicle for damage or loss.
• May assist Fire-Rescue personnel by ensuring injured persons received the appropriate emergency medical assistance, i.e., CPR, Advance First-Aid techniques.
• Attends meetings, conferences and workshops to convey and/or gather information required to perform job functions and meet compliance standards regarding safety regulations.
• Provides training to staff on investigative procedures, such as implementing safety controls at the scene of the accident, conducting interviews, report writing, and testifying in court.
• This position requires regular and reliable attendance and the employee’s physical presence at the workplace.
• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES 

• Proficient in accident reconstruction principles, including physics, engineering, and biomechanics related to motor vehicle collisions.
• Familiarity with forensic techniques and methodologies used in investigating traffic accidents, such as vehicle examination, skid marks analysis, and digital data retrieval from vehicles.
• Solid understanding of legal procedures and protocols related to traffic accident investigations, including evidence collection, chain of custody, and courtroom testimony.
• Basic understanding of medical terminology and injury mechanisms to assess injuries sustained in traffic accidents.
• Knowledge of traffic safety principles and strategies to prevent accidents, including road design, signage, and traffic control devices.
• Ability to manage traffic accident scenes effectively, including securing the area, documenting evidence, and ensuring the safety of personnel and bystanders.
• Proficient in conducting interviews and interrogations with witnesses, drivers, and other involved parties to gather relevant information and evidence.
• Ability to analyze data from various sources, such as witness statements, vehicle black boxes, surveillance footage, and physical evidence, to reconstruct the sequence of events leading to the accident.
• Strong attention to detail to accurately document evidence, measurements, and observations at accident scenes.
• Ability to think critically and analytically to identify causal factors, contributing circumstances, and potential violations of traffic laws related to an accident.
• Comprehensive knowledge of local, state, and federal traffic laws and regulations.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills to report findings, present evidence, and testify in court proceedings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other law enforcement personnel, forensic experts, legal professionals, and community stakeholders involved in accident investigations.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and environments during accident investigations, including adverse weather conditions, nighttime operations, and high-stress situations.
• Willingness to pursue relevant certifications, attend training seminars, and participate in professional organizations to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development to stay abreast of emerging technologies, forensic methodologies, and legal developments in the field of Traffic Accident investigations.

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or related field preferred. Experience, and/or training that provides the required knowledge and abilities may be substituted for the degree.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of sworn law enforcement experience with at least five (5) years of relevant investigative work experienced (ie: in the class of Detective, Investigator or similar title).
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant traffic accident reconstructive experience.
• Strong knowledge of investigative procedures, evidence collection techniques, and legal principles applicable to criminal investigations.
• Proficiency with traffic accident reconstruction tools and software. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and draw logical conclusions.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally and empathetically with individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• Proficiency in computer applications and software relevant to investigative work, including database management and report writing. 
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaborate effectively within a team environment.
• Willingness to work irregular hours including evenings, weekends and holidays, to accommodate the demands of investigations. 
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.
• Must submit to a complete background investigation including fingerprint check.
• Must meet restrictive drug standards.
• Must pass a polygraph examination.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, criminology, or related field preferred.
• 10 years of investigative/ detective experience with a law enforcement agency.
• At-Scene Traffic Crash/Traffic Homicide Investigation Course.
• Advanced Traffic Homicide Investigation Course.
• Certification related to hardware and/ or software used for crime scene reconstruction. 
• FAA Part 107 Certification.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams of investigators, analysts, and legal professionals.

This work typically requires the following physical activities to be performed.  

• Balancing – maintain equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching. 

• Climbing – ascending, descending ladders, stairs, ramps, requires body agility. 

• Reaching – extending hands or arms in any direction.

• Repetitive Motion – substantial movements of wrists, hands, fingers. 

• Speaking – expressing ideas with spoken word, convey detailed, important instructions accurately, concisely. 

• Standing – for sustained periods of time. 

• Stooping – bending body downward, forward at waist, with full motion of lower extremities and back. 

• Talking 1- expressing ideas by spoken word 

• Crouching – bending body forward by bending leg, spine. 

• Feeling – perceiving attributes of objects by touch with skin, fingertips. 

• Fingering – picking, pinching, typing, working with fingers rather than hand.

• Grasping – applying pressure to object with fingers, palm. 

• Handling – picking, holding, or working with whole hand.

• Hearing 1 – perceiving sounds at normal speaking levels, receive information. 

• Hearing 2 – receive detailed information, make discrimination in sound. 

• Visual Acuity 1 - prepare, analyze data, transcribing, computer terminal, extensive reading.

• Visual Acuity 2 - color, depth perception, field of vision.

• Visual Acuity 3 - determine accuracy, neatness, observe facilities/structures.

• Kneeling – bending legs at knee to come to rest at knees.

• Lifting – raising objects from lower to higher position, moving objects side to side, using upper extremities, back. 

• Mental Acuity – ability to make rational decisions through sound logic, deductive reasoning. 

• Walking - on foot to accomplish tasks, long distances, or site to site. 

Work performed is primarily: 

• Light work: Exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Potential for exposure to adverse conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, fumes and/or poor ventilation, wetness, humidity, rain, temperature, and noise extremes, machinery and/or moving 
• vehicles, vibrations, electric currents, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, gases or chemicals, oils or other cutting fluids, violence and/or disease, or pathogenic substances.
• Contact with internal and external customers, vendors, outside agencies and the general public. 
• Required to work hours other than the regular schedule including evening, weekend, holidays and during emergencies 

Salary : $30 - $36