What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Scene Investigator III position at City of Palm Beach Gardens?
This position is responsible for providing advanced, specialized and highly technical work in the identification, documentation and preservation of physical evidence from crime and/or major accident scenes; and the classification, matching and filing of fingerprint identification material. This position responds to crime scene call-outs, performs crime scene and evidence processing duties and ensures the integrity of evidence/property taken into the department custody. The incumbent teaches crime scene processing to other crime scene investigators, patrol officers and citizens police academy attendees and makes presentations to community and other groups. The incumbent is responsible for all aspects of processing, photographing and diagramming crime scenes and is able to work independently, directing the activities of other crime scene investigator(s) as needed. This position also researches and obtains grants for equipment and technology in the area of responsibility.
- Responds as directed to process crime scenes, including after normal working hours and on weekends and holidays
- Performs all areas of crime scene processing
- Identifies, collects and preserves physical evidence in accordance with legal requirements
- Locates and processes latent fingerprints at crime scenes and on collected evidence
- Identifies, collects, preserves, processes and submits DNA and other biological evidence
- Collects physical evidence such as tool marks and tire impressions with molds, casting, etc.
- Performs chemical processing of evidence obtained at scenes or submitted by officers and submits to appropriate lab as needed
- Operates alternate light sources in the processing and/or documentation of crime scenes and evidence
- Takes digital photographs and videos to thoroughly document crime scenes and evidence
- Utilizes advanced technology in crime scene processing, such as laser trajectory tracking
- Diagrams and sketches crime scenes, including with the use of laser mapping equipment
- Processes firearms, bullets, casings, residue, etc. for evidence and entry into appropriate tracking/identification systems
- Processes evidence submitted by road patrol officers for latent prints and other evidence
- Researches, prepares and submits grant requests, particularly as they relate to equipment technology and related areas
- Prepares high quality written reports for all crime scenes and/or evidence processed
- Prepares accurate scale models, diagrams, photos and other graphic aides for investigative and courtroom uses
- Maintains appropriate records for the proper introduction of evidence in court
- Prepares cases for court and testifies in trials and other court proceedings
- Conducts fingerprint analysis/comparison and operates AFIS terminal
- Provides liaison between department and FDLE, FBI and PBSO labs and latent print sections
- Transports evidence to and from crime labs and latent unit as needed
- Ensures that the chain of evidence is maintained and that all the rules of evidence are strictly followed
- Maintains all work areas in a neat, clean and hazard free manner
- Maintains current knowledge of all legal changes that may have an effect on responsibilities of crime scene procedure, evidence handling, and property control
- Processes mail requests relating to crime scene and evidence
- Develops and maintains an inventory of needed crime scene supplies and equipment
- Trains officers and less experienced crime scene investigators in crime scene processing and related areas
- Makes presentations to community groups as assigned
- Performs all other related duties as assigned
- Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science or related field or equivalent training and experience, and
- Certification by IAI or equivalent organization preferred, and
- Minimum of three years of related crime scene investigation or forensics experience or equivalent, and
- Experience in all aspects of crime scene investigation, including scene processing and evidence collection, evidence processing, biological evidence processing, and firearms related evidence processing
- Experience with digital photography and video recording of crime scenes and evidence, including the use of alternate light sources, and
- Experience with the classification and comparison of fingerprints, or
- Any related combination of training, education and experience
- Valid State of Florida Driver's License with a good driving record.
Salary : $66,203
