Performs advanced technical work in the detection, evaluation and preservation of crime scene evidence. Responsible for maintaining the chain of custody for the presentation of collected evidence in court. An employee in this class is responsible for gathering, classifying, preserving, and transporting varied forms of material substances using technical laboratory equipment at the scene of homicides, robberies, burglaries, and other criminal offenses committed throughout the City. Work involves photography, sketching, plaster cast construction, latent fingerprint detection, and handling ammunition, firearms, weapons and destructive devices. Responsible for the maintenance of evidence continuity for presentation during courtroom prosecution. Duties require the use of technical criminal investigative skills and legal judgment in recognizing materials which can significantly assist in solving crimes and prosecuting offenders. Contact with contaminated, corrosive or explosive materials may result from the performance of some assigned tasks. This is advanced technical work with limited supervisory responsibility; however, supervision may be exercised over trainee technicians assigned to field activities. All work is reviewed and evaluated by a law enforcement superior for admissibility as evidence and for conformance with departmental directives and policies. Essential Job Functions Assists the initial officer on the scene in determining the evidentiary value of items at the scene;Discovers and collects substances such as fibers, blood, vapors, trace evidence and paint at crime scenes;Prepares cast of tire, tool and shoe impressions;Develops, lifts and photographs latent palm and fingerprint evidence, makes positive identification and prepares exhibit for case prosecution;Takes photographs and moving pictures of crime scene including aerial exposures as well as special close-ups;Performs special types of forensic photography in both black and white and color;Produces crime scene drawings and sketches to precise scale and records location of all evidence by engineering measurements;Determines what evidence will be sent to the Crime Lab and insures the necessary forms are prepared and forwarded;Prepares written reports of crime scene investigation and submits findings to superior;Maintains continuity of evidence;Testifies in court on evidence gathered at crime scene. Minimum Requirements High school diploma or G.E.D. PLUS - Successfully completed specialized training programs in forensic science or criminal investigation. OR - Six months work experience in forensic science and criminal investigation work. OR Associate's degree in Criminal Justice or related field. OR - An equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledges, skills and abilities. Possession of a valid Florida driver's license. Skills Good knowledge of the principles and practices of scientific criminal investigation;Good knowledge of law enforcement practices and requirements for accurate evidence collection, identification, preservation and presentation;Some knowledge of general science and its application to criminal investigative work;Some knowledge of the standard fingerprint identification, classification and preservation techniques;Some knowledge of the standard techniques of still and motion photography and development procedures;Skill in the operation of basic police laboratory, photographic and measuring equipment;Manual dexterity and the ability to bend, stoop, work in small cramped areas and on uneven surfaces;Ability to perform investigative procedures in diversified assignment areas;Ability to learn the legal, administrative and procedural regulations applicable to the various areas of assignment;Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, federal, state and regional law enforcement agencies, court personnel and the public;Ability to present court testimony clearly and concisely;Ability to prepare accurate and complete reports of findings;Ability to operate a car or van.