Job Description
Duties and Requirements Click to read more
Duties
General expectations of a CSA at the SCSO:
- Conducts forensic investigations in the field and laboratory with approved methods to locate, identify, develop, preserve, and fully document (through photos, notes, and measurements) all manners of evidence.
- Prepare collected evidence to establish and maintain chain of custody, for possible submission to crime laboratories for analysis and prosecution.
- Locate, develop, preserve, and collect DNA, trace, hidden evidence, impression evidence, and friction ridge detail from evidence using sequential processing, and advanced photographic techniques using alternate light sources.
- Prepare crime scene sketches by hand and/or computer-aided diagrams.
- Safely work with, in, and around deceased individuals, biological matter, foul odors, insect activity, extreme environmental conditions, and other hazards, for long hours that include nights, weekends, holidays, and during states of emergency with little to no prior notice.
- Must be able to make correct critical decisions in intense situations.
- Attend autopsies to photograph, collect, document, and package all evidence obtained from decedents. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing in a courteous and professional manner.
- Prepare reports to document case involvement in a timely manner.
- Testify in depositions and court proceedings regarding these matters in a clear, concise, and scientifically accurate manner.
- Perform other related duties as required.
Requirements
- Associate degree or higher in crime scene technology, forensic science, or other physical or natural science -AND- four (4) years of related work experience, -OR- Bachelor’s degree or higher in crime scene technology, forensic science, or other physical or natural science -AND- two (2) years of related work experience. (The term "experience," refers to active full-time employment, either in the same position, or directly related to the position applied for. The experience must have occurred within three (3) years prior to application with the Sarasota County Sheriff's Office.)
- Be able to be trained to competency to complete administrative and technical reviews, train new hire employees, complete validation studies, assist with reviewing/revising unit SOPS, and participate in special projects and assignments as needed.
- Complete in-house training and attend required outside training.
- Be able to demonstrate competency and maintain proficiency standards in accordance with accreditation.
- Must have exceptional verbal and written communication skills demonstrating awareness for human diversity to citizens and colleagues.
- Public speaking is a requirement of this position as you will be providing testimony and participating in the training of new hires throughout the agency as well as interacting with the community.
- Be able to obtain certification from the International Association of Identification (IAI) as a Certified Crime Scene Investigator or above after the first year of employment.
- Be able to work an on-call schedule, drive an agency-issued vehicle, and complete CPR training.
- Respond to calls during off-duty hours with little to no advanced notice with willingness to work extended hours.
- Maintain casework confidentiality.
- Must be able to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods as well as the ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50lbs.
- Participate in community events.
- Must be able to work unsupervised after the completion of training to complete complex tasks and procedures with minimal or no guidance regardless of scene hazards, weather, temperature, foul smells, and insects/pests. This needs to be done while demonstrating adequate skills regarding personal and scene safety as well as evidence identification, handling, and collection techniques. Visual acuity and keen color perception are necessary.
SCSO CSU specifics:
- Our unit has now expanded to 8 CSAs and a manager. CSAs work on an on-call basis after hours. Regular business hours are 0600-1900 M-F. CSAs have the option to work 4/10's or 5/8's once out of training.
- For 2023, the CSU had 381 call-outs and worked 351 in-house cases. We had 74 times throughout the year where CSAs were called out outside of their normal assigned call day.
- Uniforms, IAI and FDIAI memberships, and IAI certifications/recertifications are paid for by the agency.
- We are a well-equipped CSU that has a FARO, FSIS II, and each CSA is assigned a full frame digital cameras and an ALS. We have a latent print processing lab with a full range of latent print and blood processing chemicals, powders, an ALS room, an on-site vehicle processing garage, and separate drying rooms, etc.
- Great training opportunities are budgeted for, and an extensive in-house training program is provided. We also take advantage of federal courses out of state.
- Our pay is $67,100.80-$89,980.80. We do pay for experience so hiring pay could be higher than $67,100.80, depending on your previous years of service in the crime scene field.
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Job Tags
Full time, Work experience placement, Work at office, Night shift,