Crime Scene Evidence Technician

Duties

The Position

• Responds to crime scenes when authorized, to conduct detailed inspections and process evidence and property;
• Processes all evidence including latent and patent fingerprints, blood and other fluids, DNA evidence, controlled substances, hair, fiber, and, gunshot residue;
• Gathers and prepares evidence for court requests, discovery requests, open records requests and other agencies request, to include, but not limited to copies of patrol and surveillance videos, photos and audio and data discs;
• Prepares detailed field notes indicating where evidence was recovered and enters information into the Records Management System (RMS);
• Properly preserves, collects, packages, researches, organizes and transports any physical evidence from crime scenes so as to maintain its maximum potential for use in subsequent criminal or civil proceedings, and ensure that the chain of custody is not compromised;
• Obtains finger palm, and other type of exemplars;
• Evaluates potential latent print surfaces, conducts latent print processing and ensures that analysis is handled in a prompt manner using a variety of methods, to include, but not limited to fuming chambers, chemical dye stains, fingerprint powders and forensic light sources;
• Evaluates latent fingerprint and/or palm evidence for identification suitability and ensures that evidence requiring special processing by a laboratory is handled in a prompt and proper manner;
• Testifies in court as an expert witness regarding the collection, packaging, processing and the chain of custody of evidence;
• Assists with the responsibility for the overall security, maintenance and disposition of all police held property;
• Ensures compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and procedures to ensures that the property is safeguarded from intake to final disposition;
• Assists with the identification opportunities to improve service delivery methods both internal and external;
• Assists with the research of case status; Communicates with Municipal, County and District Attorneys' offices as necessary;
• Assists detectives with investigations on open cases by attending autopsies, processing vehicles and assisting with any additional evidence recovery;
• Processes property dispositions and updates Property Control Section computer database with release information;
• Sends property release letters to owners;
• Secures court orders for the destruction/conversion/release of property no longer required to be retained as evidence;
• Ensures that property submitted by officers is properly entered into the Records Management System (RMS) so that all items are properly packaged, barcoded and labeled;
• Returns incorrect evidence submissions to officers; following through to ensure that corrections are made and items are returned to the Property Control Section in a timely manner;
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings, department sponsored functions and city sponsored events to maintain open relationship with community;
• Maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the fields of evidence collection and property management, laws relating to the return and disposal of property as well as the best practices for storage and custody; incorporating new developments as appropriate into programs;
• Works cooperatively within the Department, with other departments, City Officials and outside agencies;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with those contacted during the course of work while effectively representing the City and the Department;
• Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

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

Requirements

Acceptable Experience, Training, Certifications and Licenses

• Bachelor's Degree in Forensic Science or a related field;
• At least one (1) year of experience in a law enforcement environment including experience in evidence and property management.; or,
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Valid Texas Driver's License, with acceptable driving record.

• This position requires being on call, with availability for evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed. Flexibility and responsiveness during off-hours are essential.
• Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (T.A.P.E.I.T.) certification or the ability to obtain this certification within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred certifications and training include:

• International Association of Property and Evidence (I.A.P.E) certification and/or active membership or the equivalent of another state; Forensic Photography Training; and/or Homicide Training, including Shooting Reconstruction, Bloodstain Analysis, Skeletal Remains Recovery, Accident Investigation, Child's Death course, etc.

Supplemental Information

• Knowledge of: principals of property control and management; operational characteristics, services and activities of the property and evidence function within a police department; record keeping and report writing; methods, procedures, principles practices and terminology used in property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, release and management; court procedures relating to handling and storage of evidence as well as legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence; records management and inventory techniques; occupational hazards and safety practices; pertinent Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations including those related to the safekeeping and disposition of property and evidence.
• Skill/Ability to: operate small office equipment including copy machines or multi-line telephone systems; operate computers and applicable software applications for data entry, word processing and accounting purposes; provide effective leadership in order to train, manage, supervise, motivate, and evaluate staff; use radio, recording and electronic data communications equipment; demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication; understand and follow instructions, policies, rules, and regulations; analyze information and formulate quick, effective, and reasonable responses; work tactfully with the general public; speak clearly and concisely; accurately handle several items at once during stressful situations; maintain accurate records; work varied shifts; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers.

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