Physical Evidence Technician

Positions within this job family are responsible for the receipt, documentation, storage, integrity, management, routing and disposition of all types of physical evidence from criminal investigations submitted to a forensic laboratory for scientific analysis.

Receives physical evidence; logs information into computerized laboratory information management system (LIMS); routes evidence to appropriate unit; prepares evidence for return to submitting agencies once analysis is completed. Transfer evidence to other regional facilities, when needed.

Maintains chain of custody of evidence while items are in individual’s possession; maintains orderliness of work areas and evidence property rooms.

Receives and logs subpoenas for Criminalistics employees; receives and properly routes telephone calls from attorneys and law enforcement agencies; performs clerical tasks such as faxing/mailing laboratory reports, when necessary.

Performs administrative tasks associated with the Forensic Science Center including serving as relief for FSC receptionist, if needed (answers incoming calls to the Forensic Science Center, receives and routes visitors and tour groups, maintaining visitor logs).

Receives controlled substances/contraband for authorized destruction.

Receive criminal case physical evidence ensuring proper seal, packaging, and labeling and checking for completeness of forms; logs evidence into the forensic laboratory computerized case management system using necessary data input codes and other information; routes evidence to proper laboratory units; logs evidence in and out of the property rooms, maintaining the accountability of the evidence while in their custody with complete written and electronic documentation; prepares receipts and pulls evidence to be released to submitting agencies. Maintains custody of criminal evidence in an orderly, safe and secure manner, meeting laboratory policy and safety guidelines.

Maintains custody of criminal evidence in an orderly, safe, and secure manner, meeting laboratory policy and safety guidelines.

Retrieves, documents, and sorts evidence for destruction.

Testifies in court as required regarding chain of custody of evidence.

Processes and logs subpoenas for the OSBI employees; identifies the laboratory case number and names of all individuals on a case.

Performs routine clerical work such as mail activities, photocopying, faxing, filing; maintain required paperwork and assist in special projects as assigned.

Serves as relief receptionist as required; answers phones, takes messages; receives and routes visitors and law enforcement officers.

Prepares contraband for legal destruction from law enforcement agencies; verifies inventory counts for accuracy, completes and returns the inventory forms; maintains required logs and related documentation.

Transports evidence between OSBI laboratories; returns evidence by personal delivery to submitting law enforcement agencies.

Level I: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of one year of clerical experience involving typing or keyboarding; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the completion of thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

Level II: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of two years of experience involving the receipt and handling of physical evidence from criminal investigations such as controlled dangerous substances, chemicals and biological materials for a city, county, state, military or federal law enforcement agency. Note: Experience must have been full time and the primary responsibility to be considered qualifying. Incidental performance of work in any area(s) shall be considered qualifying.

Level I: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of one year of clerical experience involving typing or keyboarding; or an equivalent combination of education and experience substituting the completion of thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.

Level II: Education and Experience requirements at this level consist of two years of experience involving the receipt and handling of physical evidence from criminal investigations such as controlled dangerous substances, chemicals and biological materials for a city, county, state, military or federal law enforcement agency. Note: Experience must have been full time and the primary responsibility to be considered qualifying. Incidental performance of work in any area(s) shall be considered qualifying.

Level I: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of routine recordkeeping; of proper English usage; of report writing; of proper inventory techniques and procedures; of proper office and telephone decorum. Skill is required to type accurately from plain copy at a rate of forty words per minute. Ability is required to perform clerical office tasks in organizing files; to handle and move physical items such as envelopes and boxes; to follow oral and written instructions; to handle confidential work with tact and discretion; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Level II: Knowledge, Skills and Abilities required at this level include knowledge of routine recordkeeping; of proper English usage; of report writing; of laboratory techniques and procedures; of laboratory health and safety policies and procedures; of proper inventory techniques and procedures; of proper telephone etiquette; and of state and federal laws controlling the handling and destruction of controlled substances, chemicals, biological substances and other types of evidence. Skill is required to type accurately from plain copy at a rate of forty words per minute. Ability is required to organize and maintain detailed and accurate records; to follow oral and written instructions; to handle confidential work with tact and discretion; and to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.

Applicants must be willing and able to fulfill all job-related travel normally associated with this position.

Some agencies may have determined positions in this job family to be safety sensitive as defined by 63 O.S. § 427.8.

Successful applicants must be willing to submit to a drug screen, polygraph examination, psychological evaluation (commissioned positions only), and a thorough background investigation. Certain events automatically disqualify an applicant, such as, felony conviction; admission of an undetected crime that, if known, would have been a felony charge; failure to pay federal or state income tax; positive confirmed drug urine test; illegal use of a controlled substance within certain time frames.