Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Functions

• Oversees the receipt, identification, categorization, release, storage and custody of a wide variety of evidence, found property, safekeeping items, and items held for destruction in accordance with established procedure and applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations. This includes maintaining and processing all digital evidence such as audio and video recordings, digital photography, and the utilization of digital evidence management software.
• Oversees the entry of all property items received into the appropriate computer systems and maintains accurate records on existing, released, destroyed, donated and/or auctioned property; maintains appropriate written procedures; updates and maintains tracking record of individual property items to ensure chain of custody.
• Determines the appropriate disposition of property in compliance with court orders, policies and procedures, and any applicable laws; ensures appropriate paperwork is submitted for release of evidence to appropriate persons, such as release to owners; determines appropriate disposal of items such as for auction, diversion, or destruction; prepares and documents all property diversions and donations; sends notifications to appropriate parties upon adjudication of case; coordinates, obtains and processes court orders as needed; releases evidence as specified by law.
• Coordinates, prepares, and approves all items designated for auction; reconciles the auction report.
• Coordinates the scheduling and transportation of weapons, narcotics, and other items for destruction; coordinates retrieval of exhibits from courthouse; processes the appropriate paperwork for destruction of narcotics and weapons.
• Oversees the overflow of property and evidence to the appropriate facility; directs and provides for transportation of items to and from City storage facilities.
• Responds to inquiries and requests from department personnel, criminal justice agencies, such as District Attorney requests, and the public, in regards to property and evidence.
• Maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property, such as inventory, location information, destruction, and specific items; maintains statistical information to produce a variety of reports and computerized queries.
• Coordinates the deposit of unclaimed monies to the appropriate accounts at City Finance; initiates transfers of funds; submits appropriate paperwork for deposit and transfer of funds.
• When necessary, assists police officers and detectives with in-field processing of crime scenes and other public safety duties related to evidence. Processes, collects, photographs, records, examines, investigates, and preserves evidence. Uses a variety of technical equipment, techniques, and procedures for investigating crime scenes and processing evidence.
• Utilizes department and court automated computer systems to determine disposition of cases; processes appropriate paperwork to case agents for final approval.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Applicable policies, procedures, and work methods associated with assigned duties; Principles and practices of property and evidence documentation, inventory and control; Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations, including those related to documentation, storage and disposal of evidence and property; Automated law enforcement information systems and procedures; Basic understanding of occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

Skill to:

• Operate standard law enforcement office equipment, including computers, fax machines, copiers, readers/printers, image scanners and applicable software; Utilize and prepare a variety of required forms and documents; Perform a variety of complex technical and specialized clerical duties with speed, accuracy, and efficiency.

Ability to:

• Work independently and use good judgment; Interpret and apply applicable laws, codes and regulations; Prepare a variety of required forms and documents; Coordinate multiple projects and complex tasks simultaneously; Effectively account for police property and evidence; Organize and maintain control systems; Maintain a current knowledge of evidence and property storage and release procedures; Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the public and others encountered in the course of work; Utilize department computer systems, word documents, excel spreadsheets.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience and Training: Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, with some college coursework in police sciences highly desirable. One to two years of inventory control or storekeeping experience; Some directly applicable experience in evidence processing is desirable.

Required Certifications and Licenses:

• Possession of or ability to obtain NCJIS and NCIC certification.
• Possession of a current valid driver’s license
• Possession of, or ability to obtain Property Evidence Specialist Certification within two years of appointment to position.

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