Evidence Technician

Duties

• Remove all property/evidence from the temporary storage areas and assign it a permanent storage place, in order to maintain the proper chain of evidence.
• Maintain accurate records of the storage location of all property/evidence so it is readily available to the courts or investigators. After the conclusion of the court process and when the property/evidence is released by the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, it is returned to its rightful owner and/or disposed in accordance with RCW statutes.
• Assist with evidence collection/transport off-site when directed in an on-call environment (i.e. in conjunction with a search warrant and/or major case investigation.)
• This position may be exposed to graphic detailed information, photographs and materials related to criminal cases.
• Prepare for sale, trade, retention, or disposal any property that cannot be returned to its rightful owner in accordance with RCW and document properly.
• Manage the impound facility; escort all non-evidence personnel and citizens into the secure area of the impound facility during search warrants, vehicle releases, maintenance, or other necessary reasons for access.
• Operates standard equipment such as vehicles, computers, copy machines, scanners, and telephones; operates other equipment such as radios, cameras, and alarm systems.
• Maintains and operates the Evidence Drying Cabinet; ensures the cabinet is sanitized and the filters are updated appropriately for use at all times when not currently in operation; able to perform cleaning of cabinet and hanging of potentially bio-hazardous evidence items while wearing appropriate PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including a particle mask, safety glasses, gown or disposable jumpsuit, and gloves. Functions as the primary operator of the cabinet and may be called after-hours to process wet, potentially bio-hazardous items. Maintains a log of use of the cabinet including usage and maintenance.
• Manages emptying, tracking, and disposal of the contents of Unwanted Drug Collection Receptacles located at the North Mason Regional Fire Authority Fire Station #21 and the Mason County Sheriff’s Office Shelton.
• Arranges for disposal of unwanted or purged ammunition and fireworks (commercially produced only) to the Washington State Patrol Bomb Squad. Arranges for proper storage and disposal of all bio-hazardous waste discarded at the Sheriff’s Office North and South Precincts. Takes photographs of various evidence items as required.
• Conducts background checks for firearms/Concealed Pistol License returns including retrieving information from various government databases in a timely manner per RCW. Maintain ACCESS certification and required confidentiality requirements.
• Utilizes various databases to research and determine ownership and contact information for owners of property and evidence available for release.
• Work closely with deputies, records personnel, the court system, and the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to monitor the status of cases to determine what property/evidence can be disposed of without jeopardizing any action or due process of law.
• Work closely with crime labs by submitting evidence for testing and, after the testing is completed, take custody of the evidence, in order to maintain the proper chain of evidence.
• Care for and maintain, in a clean, orderly fashion, all property and evidence facilities and physical and digital evidence/property records and see that they are properly secured to maintain the chain of evidence.
• Care for and maintain a digital evidence system. Work with the Records Department to ensure the digital evidence retention is met. Work with the Records Department to ensure the Public Disclosure Laws are met for requests for digital evidence.
• Testify in court as to the proper chain of custody.
• Produce and update periodically procedures and training manuals for Evidence Section.
• Advise agency personnel on policies/procedures for packaging, documenting, and submitting evidence/property materials for storage and integrity.
• Provide departmental personnel with appropriate packaging supplies.
• This position maintains most current packaging and documentation standards acceptable within law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
• Compile statistics as requested.
• Enter, update, and search data in various modules of the Sheriff’s Office RMS (Records Management System.) Respond to public and member inquiries by telephone, in person, and via email.
• Requisition equipment and supplies.
• Regular, reliable and punctual attendance.
• Other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

• Must be at least 21 years of age at time of appointment.
• AA degree in criminal justice is preferable, but not mandatory.
• Acceptable scores on civil Service examinations.
• Ability to pass a background investigation which includes a polygraph exam and/or behavioral assessments.
• Ability to legally possess a firearm.
• Pursuant to RCW 41.14.100, must be a U.S. citizen and be able to read and write the English language.
• Must possess a high school diploma or GED
• Must possess a valid Washington State Driver’s License
• Please view the Mason County Sheriff's Office Employment Standards for requirements.

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