Crime Scene Investigator

The Orange County Sheriff's Office in Orlando, Florida invites applicants to apply for the position of Crime Scene Investigator.

Closing Date: Until Filled

Job Summary:

Applies scientific principles to analyze, identify and classify physical evidence related to crime scenes. Performs duties that involve the collection, examination, preservation, documentation, preparation, and analysis of human tissues or fluids or physical evidence having potential biological or chemical contamination, and uses chemicals, processes, or materials that may have carcinogenic or health-damaging properties in the analysis of such evidence. Responds to and processes various crime scenes by searching for, documenting the location of, collecting, preserving, analyzing, packaging, and preparing for presentation in court, evidence such as: paint, glass, printed matter, paper, ink, fabric, dust, dirt, combustible gases, hair, skin, blood, bones, human organs, human tissue, semen, urine, feces, saliva, vaginal secretions, narcotics, firearms and related materials, fingerprints, shoe/tire tracks, and currency. Performs a variety of analytical examinations, such as processing the crime scene and related evidence using chemicals, powders, light source enhancement and other methods. Completes photograph referrals, photographs, and prints of dead persons at the morgue. Above listed items have the potential to contain organic or inorganic contaminants to include carcinogens, diseases, combustibles, chemical hazards, and blood-borne pathogens. Based on MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) these processes may contain health-damaging properties that are corrosive, combustible, carcinogenic, and contain respiratory irritants, nervous system irritants, eye and skin irritants, and blood toxins.

Qualifications:

• At least 18 years of age
• U.S. Citizen or possess a current permanent resident card
• Clean criminal history; any arrest history will be individually evaluated
• No illegal drug usage within the past two years, all other usage will be evaluated on an individual basis
• Must be able to comprehend and communicate fluently in verbal and written English.
• High school diploma or GED
• Associates degree from a two-year college or university in Forensic Science, Chemistry or biology; and one (1) year related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must successfully complete Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam.
• Must have valid Florida driver's license. Must attend and successfully complete the agency sponsored Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations (LEVO) training if assignment includes driving agency vehicle. Use of agency vehicle would require appropriate driving history and passing agency biennial driver's physical exam.
• Must be able to be FCIC/NCIC certified within one (1) year of employment. Must maintain certification once achieved.
• Ability to prepare reports and presentations of findings, methods, and techniques used to support conclusions; prepares court exhibits/reports.
• Ability to take measurements of crime scenes; ability to process and reconstruct crime scenes to include trajectory analysis, blood stain pattern analysis and diagramming of the scene. Must possess basic mathematical skills.
• Ability to take and maintain chain-of-custody of evidence/property; submit evidence to the Evidence Section, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other appropriate laboratories; act as a liaison between crime laboratories, investigators, prosecutors, and defense attorneys; and confer with experts in relevant specialties as needed.
• Must be able to assist in the removal of bodies and human remains.
• Must have working knowledge of federal, state, and county laws pertaining to the collection and use of physical evidence.
• Must have knowledge and skill in techniques and procedures used in crime scene investigations (e.g., evidence collection, storage, handling, analysis, and documentation to include the use of related chemicals and photography).
• Must be able to perform work under stressful conditions.
• Must have working knowledge of court proceedings and testimony as well as be able to testify as an expert court witness.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.
• Must have basic computer skills to include word processing, spreadsheet, and database applications (e.g., Word; Excel, Access).
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk, hear, smell, and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• May be exposed to a wide range of conditions, many which are unpleasant and/or hazardous. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be exposed to health-damaging conditions, infectious or contagious diseases, carcinogenic substances, allergenic substances, insects and/or animals. The employee is frequently exposed to outside weather conditions and various terrains. The employee is occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, high or precarious places, fumes or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. Must package and handle biohazardous fluids and materials.
• May be required to work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays. Must be available for twenty-four (24) hour call out. May be required to work extended shifts.
• Applicants with body ornamentation (tattoos) shall not have any visible body ornamentation on the head, face, and neck area, which includes the visible skin while wearing a collared uniform shirt with an unbuttoned top button.  Employees shall not have any visible body ornamentation located on the hands which is defined as the area from wrist to fingertips; however, a tattoo simulating a wedding ring on the ring finger of the left hand will not be considered excessive as described herein.  Applicants are encouraged to read the agency body ornamentation before applying.

Additional Processing:

• Crime Scene Investigator Technical Knowledge Exam
• Written Skills Exam
• Panel Interview
• Upon selection, must be able to pass a medical examination and psychological evaluation.

Salary Range: $37,044 or $38,168 annually with 3+ years of experience