Forensic Video Examiner

Duties and Requirements Click to read more

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Attends crime scenes, recovers evidence from system hard drives from businesses with surveillance systems, and digitizes it into the Forensic Video Analysis system to analyze video.
• Processes poor-quality video and audio tapes through clarification and filtering techniques.
• Analyzes audio and video evidence.
• Separates or demultiplexes camera views.
• Identifies media that has been tampered with or altered.
• Identifies time indicators on videotapes, reconciling any discrepancies in the report.
• Prepares detailed reports to include observations, analysis, and results of video examination and appropriate digital image work requests.
• Provides courtroom testimony as needed for any audio/video work performed.
• Assists the Property and Evidence Section in making copies of videos.
• Provides training and guidance to colleagues/front-line officers.
• Operates and maintains a variety of video systems/video analysis equipment.
• Researches new Forensic Video procedures to maintain the best possible quality evidence.
• May be required to participate in and/or facilitate training to support departmental or City initiatives and requirements.
• May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
• Position is designated Mission Critical.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

• Performs related work as required.
• Attends specialized training specifically for video analysis to obtain or maintain certification.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS (EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE)

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four-year college or university; a major in Forensics or Information Technology is preferred.
• One year of experience collecting and analyzing digital surveillance video.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Must possess and maintain a valid contact telephone number.
• Certification in video analysis from LEVA or the IAI is preferred. If not certified at the time of appointment, either the LEVA or the IAI certification must be obtained within 18 months of meeting certification eligibility requirements. Must maintain certification thereafter.
• May be required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Lakeland Police Department upon hire.

KNOWLEDGE

• Knowledge of applicable State of Florida laws about search and seizure and evidence processing, handling, and storage.
• Knowledge of chain of custody and evidence storage procedures.
• Knowledge of video techniques, materials, and equipment used in video analysis.
• Knowledge to determine differences between class and accidental characteristics.

ABILITIES

• Ability to complete video comparisons.
• Ability to use and maintain video/photography equipment.
• Ability to research, gather, organize, and analyze data.
• Ability to modify and adapt to unusual problems.
• Ability to operate all in-car camera video systems and software applications.
• Ability to view graphic death scenes and videos, pornographic in nature.
• Ability to communicate effectively, clearly, and concisely orally and in writing.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, other City employees, outside Law enforcement agencies, and the general public.
• Ability to make sound decisions using good judgment with little to no supervision.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• The job requires some sedentary work; most work involves walking or standing often, exerting up to 10 pounds of force regularly, up to 50 pounds occasionally, and routine keyboard operations.
• The job risks exposure to laboratory chemicals, firearms, narcotics, bio-hazardous material (blood tissue, bodily excretions, etc.), contagious diseases (HIV, tuberculosis, hepatitis, etc.), volatile environments, and graphic crime scenes.
• The job requires normal visual acuity, field of vision, hearing, speaking, color perception, sense of smell, depth perception, and texture perception.

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