Crime Scene Tech/Evidence Custodian

Duties

MAIN JOB TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collects, preserves, processes and/or handles evidence at/from crime scenes to assist sworn officers in apprehension and prosecution of crimes including:
• physically securing crime scenes;
• conducting major crime scene, death scene, and miscellaneous investigations;
• performing latent fingerprint searches; and submitting fingerprint comparisons to make positive identification to determine identity;
• photographing crime scenes;
• packaging, transporting, and storing evidence;
• operating crime scene equipment;
• completing crime scene documentation, which may include detailed reports, accurate sketches, and diagrams of the crime scene;
• managing evidence through local and national databases.
• Responds to crime scene services as quickly as good judgment and safety allows.
• Utilizes alternate light sources, chemical and physical processes, scientific methods and equipment for the detection and collection of evidence.
• Prepares legal forms such as affidavits and destruction orders.
• Evaluates property and evidence for evidentiary value and conducts basic laboratory processing using various chemicals and techniques.
• Prepares reports, submission forms, and transports evidence to the Department of Public Safety that requires processing beyond the capability of the Department.
• Fingerprints citizens, crime victims and suspects for various reasons including initial comparison to recovered prints for elimination or confirmation.
• Assists with crime scene reconstruction including determining the sequence of events that took place, bullet trajectory and identifying blood stain patterns to aid in blood stain analysis.
• Attends autopsies to photograph and process the deceased for evidence.
• Assists other law enforcement agencies with crime scene processing if properly requested.
• Prepares original and supplemental reports.
• Testifies completely and accurately at administrative, civil and criminal proceedings.
• Accurately and timely maintains the following:
• standard operating procedures manual;
• film/camera/video log;
• activity record, files, and evidence log;
• drug and cash log;
• found property log.
• Exercises independent judgment and maintains confidentiality when required.
• Maintains a professional image by appearance, action, and communication.
• Exhibits regular, reliable and punctual attendance, which is an essential function of this job.
• Contributes to team effort by performing other related duties as assigned.
• Acts as Department coordinator for the Drug Enforcement Agency Prescription Take Back Events allowing citizens to anonymously drop off unused/unwanted drugs and needles for disposal.
• Conducts various training for all new employees in the areas of computer systems operation, Crime Scene Investigations and Property and Evidence. Conducts remedial training in these areas as warranted.
• Provides assistance when needed in filling Open Records requests made in accordance with the Freedom of Information Act.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• High School or equivalent required.
• Associate’s Degree from an accredited college or university in related field preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ Crime Scene Technician/Evidence Custodian experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES AND SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Maintain current certifications in areas specific to handling of property and evidence.
• Maintain required FEMA Courses.
• Proof of citizenship and/or eligibility to legally work in the United States.
• Maintain valid Texas Driver’s License with satisfactory driving record, as defined by City policy.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of typical administrative practices and processes associated with local government offices or functions.
• Knowledge of federal and state statutes, court cases related to work performed and departmental rules and regulations.
• Knowledge of crime scene evidence collection techniques and record keeping systems.
• Knowledge of techniques associated with the preservation of physical evidence.
• Knowledge of safety regulations applicable to the handling of body fluids and hazardous materials.
• Knowledge of the proper chemicals use for evidence development based on the type of materials being processed.
• Knowledge of basic photographic principles and basic technical knowledge.
• Knowledge of use and care of vehicles, and assigned specialized equipment.
• Ability to prepare precise and comprehensive crime reports, charts, diagrams and graphics.
• Ability to direct and train co-workers, to work as part of a team, as well as to work independently.
• Ability to understand and follow written and oral instructions, departmental policy, rules, regulations and laws.
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt effective and responsible course of action.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with all levels of management, City officials, other law enforcement agencies, judicial officials, other employees, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in the English language in person, by two-way radio, telephone, and by e-mail.
• Ability to exhibit good professional judgment, analyze facts, recognize problems and formulate and implement viable solutions.
• Ability to proficiently use computers and Microsoft office applications; learn and proficiently utilize new computer applications including software utilized by Department.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to effectively respond to a stressful or high pressure environment.
• Ability to meet deadlines and perform in a multi-task environment.
• Organize and prioritize assigned duties to coordinate with last-minute tasks.

WORKING CONDITIONS and PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is in an office setting with assignments in field as required.
• Subject to high stress situations including viewing and receiving details of criminal acts of violence.
• Exposure to human body fluids, exposure to hazardous chemicals and exposure to inclement weather conditions.
• Work hours are typically set, but may vary as required including response to emergency calls.
• Work may occasionally require travel, including over-night stays, involving training or conducting City business.
• Lift up to 50 pounds.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity, and walking.

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