Evidence Technician

Duties

Major Duties, Responsibilities

• Photographs, collects, and preserves biological evidence, latent fingerprints, tire marks, shoe prints, tool marks and other physical evidence.
• Processes using powders, chemical solutions, forensic light sources and various cameras, lenses, and filters in order to develop and preserve evidence.
• Maintains proper chain of custody on evidence and proper packaging.
• Writes departmental reports and supplements, inputs data into assigned system. Responsible for all entry of evidence from sworn personnel and responsible for proper evidence disposal.
• Testifies in court as a witness in connection to the crime scenes processed and evidence developed and preserved.
• Assists the public by answering phone calls regarding inquiries about property and evidence, notifies owner of available property for release, releases personal property and items for safekeeping back to the owners.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Education:

• Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Chemistry, or related field.

Experience:

• A minimum of one (1) year of relevant experience in crime scene processing or photography.


• An equivalent combination of directly related work experience and education may substitute for the degree requirement on a year-per-year basis.

Additional Requirements:

• Must possess a valid Arizona driver’s license.
• All persons applying for employment with the Sheriff’s Office shall be required to meet the following general qualifications: integrity, honesty, dependability, industry thoroughness, accuracy, good judgment, initiative, and courtesy.
• All persons will be required to complete a thorough background investigation to include, but not limited to polygraph, psychological, and physical fitness test.
• All persons must successfully complete a minimum six (6) month probation period.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of handling evidence.
• State and federal statutes along with agency policy and procedures.
• Various data processing systems.
• Business English, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and composition.
• Clerical office practices and procedures.
• Research techniques and report writing.
• Current Microsoft Office software.
• Filing and recordkeeping.

Skill in:

• Use of pertinent evidence technology.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing and communicating orally in a face-to-face setting and by telephone with public and employees.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Organization and adherence to detail.

Ability to:

• Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality seamless customer service.
• Produce written documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Learn job related material through structured lectures.
• Comprehend and disseminate written material accurately.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with associates, employees of other departments, representatives of other organizations, County officials, and the public.
• Keep management informed of key operating issues affecting the department.
• Remain current in knowledge required to perform assigned duties.
• Handle confidential matters and maintain discretion always.
• Act with courtesy, tact, and diplomacy.

Work Environment:

• The work environment is associated with an office and field environment year-round in all weather conditions, including crime scenes and autopsies. Includes exposure to a variety of hazardous conditions, such as decomposing bodies, strong odors, insects, hostility, emotionally charged situations, and child and animal victims.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Sufficient vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech ability to communicate effectively in-person and telephonically. Capable of frequent repetitive movement of arms, fingers, and wrists. Ability to bend, kneel, crouch, walk over rough, uneven, and/or rocky surfaces and lift and carry up to 50 pounds.

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