Evidence Technician

Duties

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Receive, process, record, secure, preserve, and store physical evidence for use in criminal prosecutions; receive, store, and release/dispose of property in accordance with RCW, specific guidelines and authorizations; release unclaimed property to owner if known or arrange for disposal or donation to charity.
• Maintain records related to criminal evidence, fingerprints, and related laboratory analysis; input appropriate data into computer.
• Secure and process sensitive articles found in evidence; assure the security of weapons, narcotics, currency and jewelry seized; enter guns by make, model, and serial number; log information concerning criminal cases.
• Compile information and prepare reports related to criminal evidence, findings, and analysis.
• Coordinate communication and activities with other City departments, various law enforcement agencies, and other organizations.
• Respond to crime scene locations and assist investigators in the collection and processing of evidence.
• Operate a variety of equipment and machinery such as a computer, cameras, and crime scene processing equipment; operate a motor vehicle as necessary to conduct work.
• Assist with crime scene forensics by the way of computer aided evidence collection, crime scene photography, and DNA collection.
• Search for, dust, and recover latent fingerprints.
• Maintains detailed documented chain of custody for all property/evidence from entry into systemuntil final disposition.
• Physically transport evidence items to outside labs for processing (WSP, KCAFIS).
• Maintains accurate manual and automated inventory systems and reports of all property and evidence.
• Responds to inquiries from the public or other departments, including assisting citizens in recovery of stolen and/or confiscated property.
• Prepare reports for departmental communications
• May be required to testify in court relative to evidence handling and chain of custody.
• May present to City Council or other departments as requested.
• Maintain visitor log to secure evidentiary storage areas.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; consistent availability to respond to crime scenes at night, weekends and holidays; ability to travel as required.
• Provide training as it relates to evidence processing and entry.
• Contribute to an environment of teamwork and respect.
• Foster a culture of equity and inclusion by recognizing the diverse needs and perspectives of groups and individuals.
• Remain current with relevant technological advancements as it relates to field.
• Participate in and help provide cross-training in processes as directed by management to ensure a well-rounded team for coverage purposes.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• May be assigned to support City priorities during emergencies.

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

Requirements

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, AND LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:

• High school diploma or GED.
• 2 years of college course work, preferably in criminal justice, crime scene processing, or a related field.
• 2 years of increasingly responsible technical experience in evidence processing and fingerprint processing, or a related field.
• Or 4 years of relevant education and experience.
• Valid Drivers’ License.
• Lawful permanent resident or US citizen.
• Successful passing of a required background check, including:
• Personal background investigation
• Polygraph examination
• Psychological evaluation
• Drug-screening test
• Obtain the ACCESS (A Central Computerized Enforcement Service System) Certification within 6 (six) months of hire.
• Successful passing of a required driving record check.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Drive to offsite locations to perform essential functions.
• Move throughout City facilities and buildings.
• Operate a computer and other office equipment.
• Communicate with City employees and residents.
• Lift or move items weighing up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Climb and work from ladders, climb stairs.
• Bending, stretching, and standing for extended periods.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in an office environment and outdoors in all weather conditions occasionally.
• Conditions may require exposure to working in and with biological hazards and in dirty and odiferous environments.
• Worked performed may be in urban or wooded terrain occasionally with embankments.
• Work is performed within the right of way, and in high traffic conditions occasionally.
• May be required to participate in a standby or on-call rotation.
• Noise level out in the field is moderately loud.
• Noise level in the office is moderately quiet.

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