Identification Technician/ Evidence Clerk

This position is responsible for recovering and storing evidence from crime scenes.Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Conducts crime scene searches; receives, categorizes, stores and maintains custody of a wide variety of evidence, property, weapons and other items in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.  
• Exercises independent judgment and initiative and performs duties assigned with a minimum of direction and supervision maintaining integrity of evidence stored.
• Assists with or provides for the transportation of weapons, sexual assault kits and other evidence for physical analysis and/or court proceedings.
• Photographs crime scenes, lifts and classifies fingerprints, makes composites, compares and classifies fingerprints.
• Maintains custody of seized firearms, prepares requests regarding the stolen status and ownership of seized firearms and places firearms and other weapons in secured lockers.
• Release evidence and property to the Crime Lab and to sworn staff for court purposes, rightful owners upon authorization and to contract vendors for auction purposes.
• Maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property; writes thorough and accurate case reports.
• Thoroughly documents property intake and release maintaining integrity of property within the Identification division of the department.
• Uses a computer and applicable software to enter and maintain data and produce a variety of correspondence and reports.
• Attends court sessions and testifies as required.   Collect and prepare evidence, reports, or recordings for court purposes.
• Attend autopsies as needed.
• Fingerprint and take images of sex offenders.
• Fingerprint and take images of applicants for alcohol and other licensing, as well as job applicants.
• Selects released property for disposal or auction; contacts contract auctioneer; provides for the transfer of property into the auction process and coordinates the resulting deposit of funds.
• Directs or provides for the transportation of items to and from City storage facilities and/or labs.
• Assist other agencies when requested.
• Attend continuing education classes.
• May rotate on call after hours, weekends and holidays to respond and process scenes. 
• In the interest of the department, the employee may be assigned to perform the duties of Identification Technician or Evidence Clerk.
• Respond to inquiries and requests from department staff, law enforcement agencies and others.
• Communicates with property owners, victims, vendors and court and legal representatives regarding property and evidence questions.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• High School diploma or GED.
• Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
• Completion of a computer skills test PRIOR to submitting application.  Applicants must submit results of Skills Testing with Application for Employment.  Skills test can be taken at the Texas Workforce Commission located at Howard College, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Suite 106, Big Spring, Texas 79720 (next door to Howard Cottage day care).
• Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Texas.
• A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.

• Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed. 
• Knowledge of techniques and methods for processing crime scenes and maintaining records of physical evidence.
• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, city ordinances, and any other laws relating to the duties assigned.
• Knowledge of city, departmental and safety policies and procedures.
• Skill in organizing and decision making.
• Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in the use of modern office equipment and crime scene equipment to include computer, and police software, digital camera, fingerprint powders and brushes, metal detector, and evidence vacuum.
• Lifts and carries a variety of property, evidence and other items weighing up to 50 pounds.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Identification Division Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions.   The work is reviewed for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.   

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include departmental standard operating procedures, federal, state and local laws and supervisor instructions.  These guidelines are clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY

This position consists of related technical crime scene identification tasks and management of the property room. The need for accuracy contributes to the complexity of the work.

 SCOPE AND EFFECT

The purpose of this position is to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence from crime scenes.  Successful performance helps assist in the processing and solving of criminal cases.

PERSONAL CONTACTS

Contacts are typically with co-workers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors or court personnel and members of the general public.

PURPOSE OF CONTACTS

Contacts are typically to exchange information, provide services, and resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The work is typically performed with the employee sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping.  The employee must be able to lift light or heavy objects, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguish between shades of color. 

 WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work is performed in an office and outdoors at crime scenes.  The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and inclement weather.   The work requires the use of protective devices such as gloves.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None

Salary : $49,558