This is a technologically advanced, innovative, and skilled position in the field of law

enforcement and forensic art for the Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD).

An incumbent in this specialized classification is responsible for interviewing victims and witnesses, and interacting with investigative entities within the MDPD as well as local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. An incumbent is also responsible for interacting with the Medical Examiner Department and Forensic Anthropologists to facilitate the creation of hand-drawn, computer-assisted facial composite sketches and three-dimensional facial reconstruction of human remains. The position requires that the forensic artist possess a high degree of artistic skill and knowledge of the human body with particular emphasis on facial anatomy. The work is performed under the supervision of an administrative or professional supervisor who is responsible for reviewing work for conformity with departmental policies and efficiency of work performance.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Interacts with and interview witnesses and victims under emotionally charged conditions relative to a criminal act in order to create freehand or computer-assisted composites of criminal suspects.

Prepares freehand two-dimensional drawing or computer-assisted likeness of criminal suspects.

Interacts with Medical Examiners and Forensic Anthropologists to ascertain information central to creating an accurate two-or three-dimensional likeness of skeletal remains.

Prepares freehand two-dimensional facial composite sketches or three-dimensional clay sculpture likeness of skeletal or soft tissue human remains.

Artistically enhances photographic or sketch images of an individual for identification purposes by adding/subtracting weight, age, facial or head hair, etc.

Artistic or computer-assisted enhancements of surveillance videos and photographs to assist in the identification of individuals involved in an incident under investigation.

Artistic or computer-assisted enhancements of photographic line-ups to mitigate significant differences between the suspect's photograph and others included in the line-up. Enhancements may include the addition of glasses, headwear, etc., to the individuals featured in the filler photographs used to complete the line-up.

Conducts comparative analysis of photographic images in an effort to determine if two or more images are the same individual, as determined by identifiable features such as moles, scars, facial landmarks, anatomical measurements, etc.

Artistically prepare likeness of tattoos, jewelry, or other identifiable features that can be of assistance in identifying an individual.

Provide testimony in depositions and court relative to the use of forensic art in the identification and apprehension of a suspect.

Provide instruction at the Metropolitan Police Institute as well as other training venues as deemed appropriate.

Perform related work as required.

KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES, AND SKILLS

Competency in a variety of artistic skills such as basic drawing, proportion, perspective, facial anatomy, renderings, biological variations of race, sex, and age.

Ability to learn cognitive and other interview techniques as they relate to victim/witness recall and recognition.

Ability to utilize cognitive or other interviewing techniques to obtain descriptive information from highly emotional and traumatized victims and witnesses.

Familiarity with art materials, equipment, and computer software programs capable of enhancing artistic and photographic efforts, such as Photoshop.

Ability to transform verbal direction and description into an artistic rendering of an individual.

Familiarity with how the anatomical structure of the face is determined by bone structure, muscle, tendons, and soft tissue.

Ability to function independently, as well as exercise independent, creative judgment in the performance of assigned duties. Also, the ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials.

REV 02/07