Evidence Officer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

General Description of Duties Under the direction of the Evidence Lead, this position is responsible for Identifying, collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene and accident evidence to aid in criminal and civil prosecutions. Essential Job Functions Identifies, collects, processes, and preserves crime scene and accident evidence to aid in criminal and civil prosecutions; identifies, collects, secures, and takes legal custody of fingerprints, fluids, fibers, tracks and other trace evidence; duties may vary according to job assignment. Responds to calls for service and processes crime scenes to process, photograph, collect, and preserve evidence.

Maintains storage areas, ensuring secure, proper, and orderly storage of property and evidence according to established policies, procedures and filing systems. Conducts in-service training sessions for department personnel in the handling and preservation of physical evidence. Thoroughly documents crime scene details using specific techniques and procedures and specialized technical equipment; photographs and measures the crime scene, documenting the location of all evidence, and other important objects and details.

Photographs evidence, persons, collateral areas, and secondary scenes; collects surveillance videos from ancillary sites for supporting documentation; processes and converts digital media. Collects, develops, preserves, compares, classifies, and files latent fingerprints. Writes detailed crime scene and photo log reports, activity logs, case files and technical reports.

Receives and maintains secure custody of evidence, ensuring property received matches associated records. Assists Police Officers and other officials, as necessary, to ensure proper and timely completion of paperwork pertaining to evidence processing and storage. Organizes and catalogs evidence and property and prepares and maintains related computer records; prepares back-up computer records.

Maintains written and computer records cataloging items held as evidence, confiscated property, or abandoned property, and bicycle impound lot. Prepares and submits evidence for laboratory analysis, preparing associated paperwork and transporting items to appropriate laboratories; receives evidence from laboratories. Obtains evidence destruction orders and coordinates with officers assigned to have evidence destroyed; processes items, City surplus property auctions, for re-use by Police Department, Finance Department, or property owners, as appropriate.

Conducts FCIC/NCIC warrant and Criminal History checks prior to returning firearms to owner. Assembles and organizes evidence for presentation in court; attends court and presents evidence and testimony pertaining to evidentiary process. Signs out evidence to Department personnel, attorneys, court personnel, etc., as appropriate, and ensures proper and timely return

Assists other City of Sebastian personnel, other law enforcement and multi-jurisdictional agencies to utilize forensic evidence to identify criminal activity and resolve criminal cases. Performs other related job duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Guidelines Education and Experience: Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or related field; and one (1) year of experience in evidence processes or related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Special Qualifications: Possession of NCIC/FCIC, evidence packaging, tracking and processing Certification(s) preferred. Possession of a valid, State of Florida driver's license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of evidentiary procedures. Knowledge of the use of photographic equipment in the processing of crime scenes. Knowledge of status regarding court cases and disposal or destruction dates.

Knowledge of office administration practices, concepts, and automation applications. Knowledge of municipal code, directives, and procedures and of city services and operations. Knowledge and principles of customer service and telephone etiquette.

Skill in the use of computers and software/program applications, e.g., spreadsheet and word processing applications, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. Skill in effective communication, both orally and in writing. Ability to enter evidence in RMS and tracking procedures

Ability to respond quickly and efficiently to evidence requests. Ability to use proper spelling, grammar, and format for all correspondence. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, co-workers, city personnel, and other public or outside agencies.

Ability to accomplish multiple tasks in an efficient manner. Ability to complete assignments accurately and on a timely basis. Ability to think and act quickly, calmly, and accurately in emergency situations in accordance with departmental rules and regulations.

Ability to understand and follow both oral and written instructions. Ability to work independently with multiple assignments. Supplemental Information & ADA Items ADA COMPLIANCE The work is light work which requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.

Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: Walking: Moving about on foot to accomplish tasks, particularly for long distances or moving from one work site to another. Climbing: Ascending or descending ladders, stairs, scaffolding, ramps, poles and the like, using feet and legs and/or hands and arms. Body agility is emphasized.

Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling while walking, standing, or crouching on narrow, slippery, or erratically moving surfaces. The amount of balancing exceeds that needed for ordinary locomotion and maintenance of body equilibrium. Crawling: Moving about on hands and knees or hands and feet.

Kneeling: Bending legs at knee to come to a rest on knee or knees. Pulling: Using upper extremities to exert force in order to draw, haul or tug objects in a sustained motion. Pushing: Using upper extremities to press against something with steady force in order to thrust forward, downward or outward.

Reaching: Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any direction. Lifting: Raising objects from a lower to a higher position or moving objects horizontally from position-to-position. Occurs to a considerable degree and requires substantial use of upper extremities and back muscles.

Manual Dexterity: Picking, pinching, typing, or otherwise working, primarily with fingers rather than with the whole hand as in handling. Crouching: Bending the body downward and forward by bending leg and spine. Standing or Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time.

Visual Acuity: Including color, depth perception, and field vision. WORK ENVIRONMENT Tasks are regularly performed with exposure to adverse environmental conditions, such as dirt, dust, pollen, odors, wetness humidity, rain, fumes, temperature and noise extremes, machinery, vibrations, electric currents, traffic hazards, animals/wildlife, toxic/poisonous agents, violence, disease, or pathogenic substances.