Evidence Technician

NATURE OF WORK
This position is responsible for evidence and property management, evidence intake, thorough chain of custody documentation, courtroom testimony, and preserving the integrity of evidence and Responsible for performing a wide variety of tasks in support of Police Department operations, including cross-training as Office Technician. Fulfills requests for reports, audio, video, and other digital media from agency partners. The employee may be assigned other duties in support of operational needs.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
The duties listed are intended only as Illustrative examples of the various types of work that may be performed by individuals in this classification. Any of the following duties may be performed. These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific essential functions and responsibilities the incumbent may be expected to perform.

• Maintains legal chain of custody of evidence and found property and an accurate record of its location and disposition in computerized databases.
• Maintains the evidence room in an orderly fashion.
• Provides for the regular release and disposal of found property and evidence beyond the statute of limitations and according to department policy and procedures.
• Assist with collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes, search warrants, and autopsies.
• Provides testimony in court of law.
• Enters, updates, and retrieves information from the computerized property program.
• Back-up for the front office/Office Technician by providing meal breaks and working front desk in the absence of an Office Technician.
• Employees have regular telephone, email, and in-person contact with state police, staff, other law enforcement agencies, district attorney’s office, forensic laboratories, and the public.
• Assists in creating a positive and supportive work environment; enforces a safe workplace; establishes a culture of teamwork and communications; creates a workplace that promotes  organizational values.
• Effectively communicates with others verbally in person or by phone, and in writing including email.
• Prioritizes and organizes  workload independently and takes appropriate actions as necessary to complete work.
• Performs complex, technical, and/or specialized work that requires the exercise of independent judgment. 
• Performs multiple duties simultaneously and accurately under strict timelines or under stressful conditions.
• Handle sensitive information and maintains confidentiality
• Use restricted databases, police reports and other resources to research, interpret, and determine case disposition, appropriate disposal, or release of property in accordance with the law.
• Create timely and detailed reports and memorandums pertaining to property and evidence procedures. Maintain statistical and activity data.
• Skill in interpreting, applying, and explaining State and Federal laws, rules, policies, and procedures related to property and evidence seizure, storage, release, disposal, and police records. 
• Follows Safety procedures and guidelines including proper handling of hazardous materials and biohazards.
• Respond to and fulfill requests for reports, audio, video, and other digital media from legal partners.
• Effectively processes evidence which may include exposure to graphic images and videos, profanity, and other traumatic scenarios and situations.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service when greeting people at the front counter.
• Ability to answer phone calls promptly.
• To assist designated officers with the execution of search warrants, crime scenes, and field collection. 
• Document and protect evidence according to agency procedures, ensuring the chain of custody is intact. 
• Itemize pieces collected and document detailed descriptions.
• Package items according to policy. 
• Transport items to laboratory and patrol offices. 
• Take photographs, make detailed diagrams, and take notes. 
• Prepare evidence as exhibits for the courtroom.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
A high school diploma and preferably one year of experience working with law enforcement in the preservation and custody of evidence, or electronic inventory control; or one year of training and experience in property inventory control and recordkeeping; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.
 
 KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the laws and requirements surrounding evidence collection, documentation, maintenance, storage, retention, and disposal; laws, procedures, and best practices relating to criminal offences, legal codes, criminal justice systems, recordkeeping, inventory control, and maintenance. Skilled in active listening, using photographic equipment, personal computers, database technology, typical and non-typical office hardware, and software. 
• Knowledge and experience in proper and safe handling of weapons including but not limited to firearms, and ammunition.
• Skilled in organizing and prioritizing work and in using good judgment following policies and procedures. 
• Ability to prepare accurate and professional written reports, maintain records, communicate with individuals and/or groups effectively to convey information both orally and in writing, establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with individuals and groups who come from diverse backgrounds and represent members of the public, coworkers, and vendors; exercise appropriate judgement based on the circumstances and remain calm, rational in routine and non-routine crime scene investigations. 
• Must be able to work irregular hours and respond to support the department during off duty hours.

 
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• Must be able to pass comprehensive background investigation, and drug test.
• Must possess or be in possession within 90 days of hire: Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification, and Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) clearance. These certifications must be maintained during employment.

• First Aid, AED Certification, Bloodborne pathogens, OSHA training.
• Notary Certification
   
   Valid driver’s license at the time of hire and maintained during employment. 
   
• The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of the individual or others in the workplace.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED/REVIEW OF WORK:
Works under the general supervision of the Administrative Services Manager.

SUPERVISION/LEAD EXERCISED:
This position is not a supervisory position. Employee may assist in direction, guidance or training in operational procedures to other employees.

Salary : $54,996 - $64,416