City of Tampa

This is highly responsible, supervisory work involving Forensic Investigations.

An employee in this class is responsible for coordinating and directing activities and functions of the police department’s forensics investigation unit. Under general supervision, employees must exercise extensive initiative and independent judgment in scheduling and supervising subordinates and in performing varied assignments of considerable difficulty. Employees must work on rotating shifts to include nights, weekends, and holidays and deal with scenes of violence and death. Work is reviewed through observation, conferences, reports submitted, and results obtained.

Supervises all personnel, activities, and functions of the police department’s Forensic Investigation Unit on an assigned shift; assists in preparing duty schedules; enforces departmental rules and regulations; advises Unit Supervisor of problems which are of an unusual or complicated nature; maintains control over department’s criminal and non-criminal records. Assigns personnel in an effective and efficient manner; establishes and institutes an orderly rotation of assignments; promotes effective working relationships among employees through diplomatic communication and investigation of problems and complaints; instructs subordinates in performance of assigned duties in accordance with organizational procedures. Operates a mobile crime laboratory; processes crime scenes for evidence; photographs and fingerprints deceased persons. Organizes evidence and photographic prints files in order to use as evidence in court. Reviews the work of personnel; reviews and coordinates requests for leave; maintains adequate equipment and supplies; oversees the maintenance of property and equipment; maintains records and reports that are necessary for the effective and efficient operation of the unit; recommends personnel actions such as discipline, reprimands, demotions, suspensions, and dismissals; completes performance evaluations. Oversees training of new technicians and handles remedial training as necessary. Performs related work as required.

Comprehensive knowledge of: modern fingerprinting, basic fingerprint knowledge and forensic photography techniques; advanced fingerprint processing procedures of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and other law enforcement agencies. Extensive knowledge of: effective supervisory techniques. Considerable knowledge of: courtroom proceedings; office management, records keeping, report writing procedures, and effective training techniques. Ability to: operate a mobile crime laboratory; photograph crime scenes, as well as collect and preserve evidence; testify in court as to validity of evidence; maintain records and write reports; plan, assign, supervise, and review the work of others; establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the general public; perform duties requiring physical strength and endurance; work under hazardous conditions. Skill in: operation and maintenance of photographic and fingerprint processing equipment.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor’s degree in the forensic science field or a crime scene certification and one (1) year of supervisory experience; or graduation from an accredited high school with seven (7) years of TPD forensic science field experience.

Possession of a valid Florida Driver’s license required.

During periods when the Mayor issues an emergency declaration for the City of Tampa, all employees may be required to work in preparation, response or recovery activities related to the stated emergency.