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Forensic Video Examiner

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Forensic Video Examiner

Salary

$28.68 - $42.14 Hourly

Location

Employment Services, FL

Job Type

Full Time Regular

Job Number

3168-03

Department

Lakeland Police Department

Division

SIS Special Investigations 1404200000

Opening Date

12/03/2025

Closing Date

Continuous

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

NA

+ Description

+ Benefits

+ Questions

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF CLASS

This is a technical position specializing in analyzing videotapes and digital media for investigation and evidence purposes, court disclosure, and preparing, presenting, supporting, and defending associated findings in courts of law; provides expert witness and court testimony upon request. A high degree of initiative, independent judgment, and analytical thinking is required within established policies and procedures. Work is reviewed periodically by conferences, reports, and results achieved.

Please note this posting is "Continuous" and can close AT ANY TIME WITHOUT NOTICE.

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.

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, SKILLS, ABILITIES

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.

All City of Lakeland positions are subject to testing (e.g. written, oral, performance, computerized, interview and/or any combination). Candidates selected for testing will be notified via email or telephone. Please check your email and telephone messages regularly, including "junk" folders. Test times and locations to be announced.

Required Documents

1. Copy of DD214 – Military Discharge (if applicable).

Applicants for the position of Forensic Video Examiner are required to submit a copy of ALL required documents with the employment application. Applicants will not be eligible for employment until ALL required documents have been submitted to CIVIL SERVICE or uploaded with the application. Documents will not be accepted after the closing of the job posting.

Elements of the selection process

Our system allows you to work on your application and save the application without submitting it. This is done to allow you to save your work and come back to finish the application without having to start over. Your application is not considered “complete” until it is thoroughly filled out, without missing information, and ALL required documents are received by Civil Service. If you submit your application and do not “complete” it before 4 p.m. on the posted close date (listed on the job opportunities page), your application will be rejected from the system and you will have to start the application process over. The application WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed until it is “complete”.

After submission of the completed application (including ALL required documents) the application will be accepted. Once your application has been reviewed and accepted based on minimum qualifications for the position, applications will be reviewed for desirable qualifications.

If selected to move to the next phase, the applicant will attend an interview conducted by a panel. The panel will consist of a minimum of three police department members.

If selected to move forward, you will be invited to complete a biographical interview, conducted by a member of the G.S.S. staff. The biographical interview will consist of a full comprehensive review of the application submitted to confirm accuracy of the information provided. Applicants that are selected to continue in the process will be given information and instructions for the submission of a Personal History Questionnaire, which will be required to move forward in the process.

Those applicants that are selected for employment will be given a conditional offer of employment. The job offer is contingent upon the successful completion and approval of a Truth Verification Examination (i.e. polygraph or computer voice stress analysis), drug screen testing and completed background investigation.

A thorough background investigation will be completed on all candidates prior to employment.

The applicant will receive written notice either by mail or electronic mail at each phase of the selection process advising them that they were selected to move forward in the process or that they were not selected. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the e-mail address provided on the application is correct and to provide any updated information to Civil Service during the application process.

Once a decision has been reached to offer the applicant employment OR that the applicant will not be offered employment, applicants will be notified within 30 days. The intent of the Lakeland Police Department’s General Services Section is that the selection process, from the date of the application until the applicant is advised of a decision regarding employment, will not extend beyond 180 days.

When the applicant is selected for employment and all elements of the selection process have been passed, the applicant will begin the in-house training and familiarization of the positional duties. The new employee will be on probationary status until their one year probationary period is successfully completed.

Reapplication

Reapplication, retesting, and re-evaluation of applicants not hired is permitted after six months as long as nothing in the application history indicates an unfitness for employment. Conditions that qualify as unfitness for employment include revelations of unacceptable drug use, criminal records, or other factors discovered during the selection process.

Background Investigation

As part of the background investigation, a biographical interview will be completed. During biographical interview a member of the G.S.S. staff will conduct a full comprehensive review of the application submitted to confirm accuracy of the information provided. If selected to move forward, Information and instructions will be provided for the submission of a Personal History Questionnaire, which will be required to move forward in the process.

The G.S.S staff will also take your fingerprints to assist in the background phase of the hiring process.

A background investigation, of each candidate for all positions, is conducted prior to appointment

to probationary status. The background investigation may include, but is not limited to:

a. verification of qualifying credentials

b. a review of any criminal record

c. a review of applicants driving record

d. fingerprint check

e. warrants check

f. records check

g. verification of at least three personal references

h. a review of prior employment/military history

i. a review of applicant’s employment and academy files

j. review of social site/internet information

Be advised that sensitive or confidential aspects of the applicant's personal lives may

be explored.

Truth Verification Examination

A computer voice stress analysis (CVSA) or polygraph examination of all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status. Candidates are provided with a list of areas from which the truth verification examination questions will be drawn prior to the examination. The results of a truth verification examination shall not be used as a single determinant of employment status.

Drug Screen

A drug screen of all candidates receiving a conditional offer of employment is conducted and assessed by a qualified professional prior to appointment to probationary status. The drug screen tests for recent usage of controlled substances, either illegal or prescribed substances. Prohibited substances are defined by departmental directives and are available to candidates who have questions concerning prohibited drug usage.

The City of Lakeland is an Equal Opportunity/Equal Access Employer and a Drug Free workplace.

City of Lakeland

2024 Summary Sheet

Annual Leave

Annual leave is accumulated bi-weekly and based upon years of service as follows:

Annual leave may be taken as earned by employees hired after January 1, 1989. Employees hired prior to that date use annual leave within the calendar year following the year the leave is earned. All employees may carry over up to a maximum of twenty (20) days at the end of the calendar year. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue annual leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.*

Sick Leave

Sick rate is accrued biweekly based upon years of service and standard hour classification. Eligible for use as soon as earned. Regular part-time employees who work at least twenty (20) hours per week accrue sick leave at the rate of four (4) hours per month.

*NOTE: REGULAR employees with a working day other than eight (8) hours, please contact your supervisor regarding these policies.

Sick Leave Pool

Allows employees to receive sick leave benefits in cases involving catastrophic or long-term illnesses or injuries after all personal leave time has been depleted. Regular full-time employees contribute eight (8) hours and Regular part-time employees contribute four (4) hours on an annual basis. Employees must have completed one full year of service on or before December 31st of the calendar year enrollment; and have accumulated at least forty (40) hours of sick time (twenty (20) hours for Regular part-time employees). Participation in this program is voluntary.

For more information contact Amanda Kaiser at 834-8768

Family & Medical Leave

Federal legislation guarantees up to twelve (12) weeks per year off work under certain circumstances outlined in the policy manual. The employees must have been employed by the City for at least twelve (12) months and have at least 1,250 hours of service during the 12-month period before the requested leave. The City will continue its group life and health insurance for an employee on leave at the same level and under the same conditions that existed while the employee was working.

For more information contact Dawn Justice at 834-6038.

Pension Plan

Provision for retirement income requiring mandatory participation for full-time regular employees.

Defined Benefit Plan:

Plan C Employee 4.16%

Employer 15.66%

OR

Defined Contribution Plan:

Executives, New Hires aged 52 and older, and Fire/Police Recruits

Employee 8.5% or 11% per election upon hire

Employer 15.39%

Deferred Compensation 457 Plan:

A voluntary plan that is invested in mutual funds. The Employees' Pension Board performs the due diligence on the mutual funds. Employees may reallocate their account at any time.

Maximum contribution for 2025 is $23,500; employees age 50 or older can also add a "catch-up" amount of $7,500; employees age 60-63 can also add a "catch-up" amount of $11,250.

Additionally, a match of up to 5% of salary is offered by the City in Plan C.

Holidays

Twelve (12) holidays, includes one (1) personal floating holiday to be used at any time after three (3) months of employment and prior to the end of the calendar year.

Funeral Leave

Up to three (3) days off with pay due to death of an immediate family member (as defined in the policy manual). Up to four (4) hours off with pay may be obtained through supervisor approval to attend local funeral services of persons other than immediate family.

Jury/Witness Duty

Employees required to serve on jury duty will be relieved of responsibility for their regular work shift or portion thereof and receive full pay while serving. All fees received for such service may be retained by the employee. Employees subpoenaed to any civil or criminal court proceeding, which employee is not personally or monetarily interested, shall be paid as if engaged in regular work activities.

Military Leave

Allows for up to 240 hours in any one calendar year for annual military training without loss of pay or benefits for any employee in some type of reserve status for the United States Armed Forces. (see policy manual for additional information).

Maternity Leave

Refer to Family & Medical Leave for those employees who qualify. Others may take up to three (3) months leave of absence available upon approval of the Department Head. Employees may opt to utilize any combination of paid (sick or annual leave) or unpaid leave.

Leave of Absence Without Pay

Written requests are subject to approval by Department Head and City Manager or designee for less than ninety (90) days. Requests for more than ninety (90) days also require Civil Service Board approval for employees in a Civil Service classification.

Longevity Pay

Tuition Reimbursement

Program provides employees up to $2,500 per fiscal year (October 1 through September 30) for reimbursement of tuition of approved college, university, vocational, or correspondence classes upon completion with a grade of "C" or better in credit courses only. Full reimbursement is given for courses and fees, upon approval. The program does not include reimbursement for cost of books, supplies or other related expenses.

For more information, contact Melissa Yelnick at 834-6844.

Suggestion Awards

A program designed to provide a consistent and organized method for employees to submit and be rewarded for constructive ideas for improvement. Maximum award is $1000.

For additional information, contact Employee Engagement and Development at 834-6837.

Direct Deposit of Paycheck (refer to handout in new employee folder)

An account must be established with the institution of your choice prior to signing up for direct deposit.

Uniforms/Equipment

Uniforms issued at no cost to employees for those job classifications which require them. Equipment is issued to employees at either no cost or discounted cost depending upon job classification.

Parking

Free while at work.

Break Periods

Employees may be permitted two (2), fifteen (15) minute breaks during the workday. The time shall be at the discretion of the supervisor.

For Information on Health Insurance, Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance please contact Benefits at 834-6797.

For Information on Retirement Benefits, contact the Retirement Services Department at 834-8765 or 834-8797.

For Information on Firefighter and Police Officer Retirement Benefits, contact Foster & Foster at 239-333-4872.

01

Are you a citizen of the United States?

+ Yes

+ No

02

Have you ever received a dishonorable discharge from any of the Armed Forces of the United States?

+ Yes

+ No

03

Any person who, after July 1, 1981, pleads guilty or nolo contendere to, or is found guilty of a felony, or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or a false statement, shall not be eligible for employment or appointment as an officer, not-withstanding suspension of sentence or withholding of adjudication. Have you been convicted of any felony or of a misdemeanor involving perjury or false statement?

+ Yes

+ No

04

Do you have a High School diploma from an accredited school or its equivalent (GED)?

+ Yes

+ No

05

Have you ever, by word of mouth, or in writing advocated, advised, or taught the doctrine that the government of the United States of America, or of any political subdivision thereof, should be overthrown by force, violence, or any unlawful means?

+ Yes

+ No

06

Are you willing to take a Truth Verification Examination (i.e. polygraph or computer voice stress analysis) to verify all information supplied in this application?

+ Yes

+ No

07

Have you illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed marijuana, or any of its derivatives within the past 2 years?

+ Yes

+ No

08

If you have illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed marijuana, or any of its derivatives within the past 2 years, please provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) and provide the month/year of last use. Otherwise, enter N/A.

09

Other than marijuana, within the past 5 years, have you illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed any controlled substance listed under Florida Statute 893, including synthetic drugs and the use of prescription medications that were not prescribed to you.

+ Yes

+ No

10

If you have, within the past 5 years, illegally used, experimented, or otherwise possessed any controlled substance listed under Florida Statute 893, including synthetic drugs and the use of prescription medications that were not prescribed to you, please provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) and include the name of the illegal drug used and the month/year of last use. Otherwise, enter N/A.

11

Have you ever illegally cultivated, manufactured, sold, or delivered a controlled substance at any time?

+ Yes

+ No

12

If you have illegally cultivated, manufactured, sold, or delivered a controlled substance, explain and enter the date of the occurrence(s). Otherwise enter N/A.

13

If you have ever been convicted of a criminal offense list each offense and explain. Otherwise enter N/A.

14

Have you ever been arrested, charged, or received a notice to appear or summons for any criminal violation? If yes, please explain. Otherwise enter No.

15

List all traffic tickets other than parking, explain why received, when received, and final disposition. Enter N/A if you have never received a traffic ticket other than parking.

16

If your license has ever been suspended or revoked, explain in detail. Otherwise enter N/A.

17

Have you had a DUI conviction within sixty months of this application?

+ Yes

+ No

18

List what illegal drug(s), if any, you have used. List the number of times you used the illegal drug(s) and the time frame in which the use(s) occurred. This includes any prescription medication you have taken that was not prescribed to you. The format for answering this question is: TYPE of illegal drug(s), NUMBER OF TIMES the drug(s) was used, PERIOD OF TIME in which the drug(s) was used. LIST EACH ILLEGAL DRUG(S) USED IN THE ABOVE FORMAT SEPARATELY. If you have never used any illegal drug(s), please state I have never used any illegal drug (s).

19

List any honors, awards, or scholarships received from an educator or employer. Indicate none if you have none.

20

Do you understand that if you HAVE SERVED in the Armed Forces, you must supply a copy of your DD214 Form-4 to the City of Lakeland Department of Civil Service?

+ Yes

+ No

21

If you have served in the Armed Forces, list the branch(es) of service and the corresponding highest rank achieved. Otherwise enter N/A.

22

If you have served in the military, list the type and date of each discharge. Otherwise enter N/A.

23

If any type of disciplinary action was taken against you in the service, please provide the Date, Place, Nature of the offense, and Action taken. Otherwise enter N/A.

24

If you are a naturalized citizen, please provide: Date, Place, Court, and Naturalization Number. Otherwise, enter N/A.

25

If you have any tattoos describe the design and location. Otherwise enter N/A.

26

With or without reasonable accommodation(s), can you perform the essential functions of the job as described in the job description? Please answer Yes or No. If you require any reasonable accommodation(s) to perform the essential functions of the job as described in the job description, please provide a narrative statement that describes reasonable accommodation(s) needed below:

27

Can you operate a motor vehicle?

+ Yes

+ No

28

Have you ever been terminated from employment? If yes, list the name of the employer. Otherwise enter "No, I have never been terminated from employment."

29

Have you ever been disciplined in anyway, dismissed from or asked to resign by any employer? If yes, please include all verbal and written counseling's, warnings, reprimands, suspensions, or involuntary resignations. Otherwise enter No.

30

List names of relatives or friends employed by the Lakeland Police Department. Format is: Name, Relationship. Otherwise enter N/A.

31

If you have ever applied to another law enforcement agency, list the name of the agency and the date(s) and status of each application. Otherwise enter N/A.

32

I have read and understand that the required documentation is to be submitted with my employment application for Forensic Video Examiner with the Lakeland Police Department. I further understand that if I submit an application and do not "complete" it before 4 p.m. on the posted closing date (listed on the posting), my application will be rejected from the system and I will have to start the application process over. I understand that my application WILL NOT be accepted or reviewed until it is "complete".

+ Yes

+ No

33

Please indicate your highest level of education.

+ Less than a High School Diploma or GED

+ High School Diploma or GED

+ Some College - less than 30 credit hours

+ Some College - 30 credit hours, but less than 60 credit hours

+ Associate's Degree or 60 credit hours

+ 90 Credit Hours

+ Bachelor's Degree or 120 credit hours

+ Master's Degree

+ Doctorate Degree

34

If you have a college degree, please indicate the area of study for your degree. If not, please type N/A.

35

Please indicate your years of experience collecting and analyzing digital surveillance video.

+ No experience

+ Some experience, but less than 1 year

+ At least 1 year, but less than 7 years

+ At least 7 years, but less than 10 years

+ At least 10 years, but less than 13 years

+ 13 years or more

36

Please provide a narrative supporting your answer to the above question. Be sure to include specific job title(s), job duties, organization(s) and the dates where the work was performed. Note: The employers and dates of employment you list here must also be included in the "Work Experience" section of this job application.

37

Please indicate which type of valid driver's license you possess.

+ Florida driver's license

+ I have an out-of-state driver's license

+ I do not have a valid driver's license

38

By clicking "Yes" below, I understand that all relevant work experience MUST be entered in the "Work Experience" section on my application. In addition, all current City of Lakeland employees must list all previous City of Lakeland work experience in the "Work Experience" section of the application. Failure to complete the "Work Experience" section will disqualify you from the application process.

+ Yes

+ No

Required Question

Employer

City of Lakeland, Civil Service

Address

500 N Lake Parker Avenue Lakeland, Florida, 33801

Phone

(863)834-8790

Website

http://www.lakelandgov.net/employmentservices