Evidence Technician I

Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Receives and maintains secure custody of evidence, ensuring property received matches associated records; assists Police Officers and other officials, as necessary, to ensure proper and timely completion of paperwork pertaining to evidence processing and storage; organizes and catalogs evidence and property, and prepares and maintains related computer records; prepares back-up computer records. Completes data entry tasks by utilizing a computer tracking system indicating receipt, inventory, disposition, and/or release information relative to evidence and other property at the station level. Operates money counting machine, counts and receives all monies submitted into Evidence. Maintains callouts nights, weekends and holidays.
• Prepares and submits evidence for laboratory analysis and preparing associated paperwork in compliance with the laboratories policies and procedures. Conducts routine pick-ups and deliveries of laboratory evidence at various government entities and inter-agency offices, and evidence returns to the police department.
• Makes copies, uploads, downloads, and disposes of all agencies requested digital audio and video evidence. Stores and maintains the chain of custody of digital evidence within the digital evidence management system. Serves, in conjunction with the Supervisor, as point of contact with the digital evidence management system, in-car video system, and body worn cameras. Manages and maintains digital evidence in accordance with established policies and procedures; to include updating computer databases, preserving chain of custody, and ensuring proper dissemination and disposition of digital evidence.
• Assists with training related to the digital evidence management system.
• Signs out evidence to Department personnel, attorneys, court personnel, etc., as appropriate, and ensures proper and timely return.
• Answers telephones and provides information pertaining to the booking and processing of evidence and other property, availability for release, dispositions, locations, police auctions, and other questions relating to these items.
• Assists in the proper storage of and preparation for the disposal and destruction of controlled substances, hazardous or contraband substances, and items which include weapons, drugs and related paraphernalia, chemicals, bio-hazard and unknown materials and substances in accordance with Florida Statutes.
• Maintains written and computer records cataloging items held as evidence, confiscated property, found property, or abandoned property.
• Destroys and disposes of evidence by obtaining officer authorization; reviewing and tracking dispositions for disposal or release; locating owners of released property and evidence and requesting pick-up; preparing unclaimed property for disposal; and ensuring property being released is done under current policy and related statutory guidelines.
• Processes firearms and other weapons to be forwarded to Brevard County Sheriff's Department, or property owners, as appropriate. Requests FCIC/NCIC wants/warrants and Criminal History checks prior to returning firearms to owner thru Department Communications Center. Will complete an eAgent search if owner is unable to be located. Completes background checks through FDLE Firearm Eligibility System.
• Tags and records items for auction; prepares lists of property items for auction, including descriptions and serial numbers, and separates and processes disposable property according to Florida Statues. Coordinates with Property Room for transfer of items designated auction.
• Assembles and organizes evidence for assigned officers or crime scene personnel presentation in court; may be requested to attend court and testimony pertaining to evidentiary process and procedures.
• Ability to learn applicable federal, state, and local criminal and civil laws, codes, and regulations including knowledge of and use of Chapter 119 public records law; learn law enforcement, court systems, and criminal procedures relative to the processing, retention, and disposal of evidence; learn safety and security methods and practices involved in the handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money, and dangerous devices.
• Maintains storage areas, ensuring secure, proper and orderly storage of property and evidence according to established policies, procedures and filing systems. Place property/evidence items and inventory documents in both ascending and descending numerical and/or alphanumerical order. Verifies evidence storage freezers and refrigerators maintain required temperature; reports any variations to supervisor. Conducts in-service training sessions for department personnel in the handling and preservation of physical evidence.
• Performs other related work as required.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM TRAINING & EXPERIENCE

• Graduation from high school and one (1) year of experience working with law enforcement, working with the preservation and custody of evidence, or working with electronic inventory control or record-keeping in a non-law enforcement setting.
• Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License and have and maintain an acceptable, safe driving record.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must obtain an IAPE (CPES) or PEAF (CES) certificate within two years from date of hire. Must be willing to attend a class related to Property & Evidence Management within a year of hire.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!