Property & Evidence Program

The release of firearms is governed by how the weapon is classified: Evidence, Safekeeping or Court Ordered Domestic Injunction. If you’re uncertain as to the classification assigned to your property, check with the detective or officer who is handling the case.

Release of a Firearm

Before the return of any firearm the following must be completed:

1. Person claiming a firearm are subject to a background check to ensure they are not a convicted felon, are not wanted, or have an outstanding domestic violence injunction.
2. A check of Winter Park Police Department records must be completed to determine the background information on the case. If there is any question about the adjudication of a charge(s), the weapon will not be released until the issue is resolved.
3. The officer or detective who seized the weapon must authorize the release.

Ammunition is not returned due to safety concerns, unless a court order specifies otherwise.

Evidence Firearms

Evidence firearms will not be returned without instructions from the State Attorney’s Office or a Court Order, unless the case was “Nol Prosse” or results in a judgment of acquittal. Proper photo identification must be presented and pursuant F.S.S. 790.08, the charges in the case must be concluded.

Safekeeping Firearms

Firearms on non-evidentiary nature (safekeeping, death investigations, suicidal incidents, etc.) shall not be released without direction from the designated case agent or their supervisor.

Firearms Subject to Court Ordered Domestic Injunctions

Release requires a certified copy of the court order lifting the injunction prepared by the judge who issued the injunction. There are no exceptions.

The Forensics Unit is offering an Internship Program. The internship provides an opportunity for college students to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of crime scene processing and evidence preservation. Hours are flexible, Monday to Friday, 0700 hours to 1700 hours and can be arranged according to a student’s academic/work schedule as well as the Forensic personnel. Students are able to gain valuable work experience, on-the-job training, and have an opportunity to develop a professional networking base for future positions in government service.

Internships may be available during Spring and Fall semesters only, 16 weeks each semester. Please apply/inquire a minimum of 3 months prior to the start of the semester you are requesting.

The program is a non-paid internship non-sworn position.

Functions:

• Respond to crime scenes for observation/shadowing, which can result on Holidays, weekends and after hours of regularly scheduled shifts.
• Learn how to process evidence
• Learn how to organize and run an Evidence Vault
• Through ride-alongs and tours, interns may also be exposed to more aspects of the Agency and its operations. Interns are expected to keep a journal of hours and activities to aid in the evaluation process. Participates in training with openness to learning and receiving feedback.

Qualifications

Potential candidates must:

1. Be classified as a senior undergraduate student -enrolled in school during the semester of potential internship in a degree program related to physical, chemical, or biological forensic science;
2. Not be on academic probation or warning
3. Must be pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science
4. Must obtain a letter of eligibility – Please request your school’s Internship Coordinator to complete a letter regarding your eligibility for an internship (Must be available prior to your interview if you meet the requirement).

Include the following information: (1) duration of the internship; (2) your classification in school; and (3) the fact that you are not on any type of academic warning or probation. (Contact your University Internship Coordinator/or personnel handling your internship.)

Requirements

1. Be 19 Years of age
2. Be a U.S. Citizen
3. Possess a valid Florida driver’s license
4. Pass a fingerprint check
5. Pass a background check
6. Winter Park Police Department is a drug and tobacco free workplace. The candidate must not have used marijuana or tobacco within the last year from the date of application nor used or possessed any controlled substance as defined in Chapter 893 F.S.S. within their lifetime.
7. Candidates must participate in an interview and be selected by the Forensic Unit for the internship. (Only 1 candidate per semester will be selected)
8. A copy of your unofficial transcripts
   Minimum 3.0 GPA in their major, and minimum 2.7 GPA overall
9. Students are expected to intern for the required semester credit hours as dictated by the college or university. This is left up to the student’s responsibility to obtain those hours and to be able to provide documentation to their college.
10. Must obtain a letter of eligibility – Please request your school’s Internship Coordinator to complete a letter regarding your eligibility for an internship (Must be available prior to your interview if you meet the requirement).
11. Be able to respond to crime scenes after hours – some exceptions made (i.e. class time, work)

Physical Requirement

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time.
• See and hear at a normal range.
• Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently.
• Occasional lifting: 10-50 pounds.
• Bend and squat.
• Manual dexterity

Working conditions

• This position may require some moderate to heavy lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying moderate to heavy loads.
• This position may require work in all types of weather conditions.
• Be able to handle exposure to adverse odors, sights, and environmental conditions

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of the procedures for packaging, handling, and preserving evidence;
• Knowledge of what constitutes physical evidence;
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used in the analysis of physical evidence
• Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Applicant Disqualifiers

listed but not limited to

• Any felony arrest or a misdemeanor arrest involving a violation of good moral character as defined by FSS 943.13 and Florida Administrative Rule 11B-27.0011
• Significant omission of information where it is later discovered the candidate could have made the information available.
• Dishonorable discharge from the military

Personal Appearance

to ensure that the appearance of members contributes to the Department’s image of professionalism.

• Visible tattoos on the face, neck, hands (except the ring tattoo on one finger), or on the wrists below the wrist bone are prohibited. Tattoos that extend past the elbow must be approved by the Chief to be visible or the individual must be willing to cover with a long sleeve uniform shirt to be considered for internship.
• Visible display of tongue bifurcation (Splitting), ear gauging, mutilation, scarification or dental ornamentation is prohibited
• Hair colors that are not in a natural shade (i.e, lime green, blue, pink etc.)
• Fingernails longer than ½ inch from the end of the finger
• Wearing cosmetics shall be conservative. Exaggerated or faddish cosmetic styles are prohibited.

Additional Information

Depending on demand, we may not be able to accommodate every request made for placement.

Winter Park Police Department reserves the right to accept or reject any internship requests. 

How to Apply

Applicants interested in the internship program are required to email evidencerequest@cityofwinterpark.org  and must include in the title of the subject line of the email “Forensic Internship – Full Legal Name”. In the body of the email provide their expected date of graduation, major or field of study, and their desired semester. Upon receipt of your email, a Forensic Unit member will advise of your eligibility, and provide you with the application instructions if you meet the qualifications.

Integrity is of the utmost importance at the Winter Park Police Department; therefore, if it is determined that at any time during your processing with us, you made false statements on any of your answers on the pre-qualification application or you provided false information on any portion of your application, you will be disqualified.