Description

Who We Are
In response to deaths resulting from encounters with law enforcement and the community’s demand for change, the Washington State Legislature created a new, first-of-its-kind agency: the Office of Independent Investigations (OII). This new agency was formed in 2021 and operates under the requirements of the law in which investigations involving the use of deadly force must be truly independent of the involved law enforcement agency.
Our mission is to conduct fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations of incidents involving use of deadly force. This innovative approach to investigations will remove conflicts of interest, improve accountability and transparency, and renew the public’s confidence. Through these efforts, we hope to strengthen the relationships between police and the community, build public trust, and promote effective policing. To help us carry out this mission, we are looking for Investigators of all levels to join our growing team.
As an Evidence Technician on our diverse team, you will play an integral role supporting OII by maintaining the security of a wide variety of property and evidence including receiving, packaging, storing, and releasing sensitive investigative materials. This position will be responsible for documenting the receipt, storage, movement and disposition of all items brought into our secure facility as well as ensuring proper chain of custody is maintained and all items are preserved and safeguarded from contamination, degradation, and/or theft.

Duties

What You’ll Do
Your responsibilities will include but are not limited to…
Secure Storage:

• Maintain physical security and control of all evidence and property entered in the system. Preserve all property or evidence from cross-contamination, theft, or loss.
• Store property and evidence in the designated storage areas.
• Limit access to the Evidence Room only to authorized individuals. Maintain access logs of those who do enter. Provide an escort for individuals who need to visit the Evidence Room.
• Releases property and/or evidence to authorized persons following established procedures and applicable law.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the property room where janitorial personnel are not admitted.
• Dispose of items from the evidence system in accordance with policy to ensure a manageable inventory level is maintained. Research older case files to determine appropriate disposition of items. Comply with all laws and policies regarding property disposal. Dispose of all items approved for destruction or move property to a pre-disposal storage area.
• Inspect items of evidence entered into the system by other personnel to ensure compliance with packaging and documentation standards.
• Properly manage bio-hazard evidence such as bloody clothing in accordance with training and policy.

• Maintain and document the chain-of-custody for all items in the system. Enter or verify proper entry of all evidence submissions into the records management system. Immediately update and maintain the evidence tracking system to reflect chain of custody for each item whenever it is moved within the system.
• Conduct inventories and assist with audits.
• Testify in court.
• Respond to evidence and property inquiries from government authorities and the public, in person, by phone, correspondence, or e-mail. Draft letters to individuals regarding the disposition of their personal property.
• Undertakes special projects, studies, and other appropriate activities as assigned by the Director or designee.

• Collect, package and process all items submitted into the Evidence system each day. Ensure that incoming property/evidence is packaged in accordance with OII guidelines.
• Prepare and maintain complete and accurate records of property and evidence received in an approved manner that meets established audit requirements and legal standards.
• Respond to crime scenes, frequently transporting evidence from locations across the State to central OII evidence storage facilities. Collect, document, label, package, and transport evidence.
• Prepare and transport or transmit evidence to crime labs. Collect items returned from the lab and inform the appropriate staff of the analysis results. Maintain records of the transfers.

Qualifications

Who You Are
Required / Minimum Qualifications:

• Four (4) years of progressively responsible office experience in records maintenance or similar field.
• Knowledge of Evidence, Inventory, and/or property accountability records and controls standards.
• Experience in a position in which you have maintained confidentiality with sensitive matters, policies, and information.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently

• Experience working in a highly regulated environment
• Familiarity with chain of custody or rules of evidence
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of personnel and lead without authority when necessary
• Adept analytical thinking and time management skills
• Technical aptitude with willingness to learn new software programs

Supplemental Information

• A cover letter that describes your specific qualifications for the outlined position.
• A current resume that details your applicable experience and qualifications.
• Three professional references with current contact information, including a telephone number and email address.