Evidence Technician I

Duties

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Oversee the preparation, identification, and maintenance of assigned evidence and found property.
• Perform field forensic work under the direction of sworn staff; search for and collect physical evidence; photograph and video record crime scenes; make diagrams and log items collected from each location; process and send out blood and urine samples to be analyzed; conduct specialized tasks in photography, latent fingerprint development, and other evidence collection as required.
• Identify and preserve evidence; make evidence available for viewing and courtroom presentations; book property into and out of evidence to preserve the chain of evidence; maintain evidence rooms and storage areas in an organized and orderly fashion; maintain detailed filing systems and records on all booked property; destroy and release property; inventory monies and narcotics; generate reports and assist other members of the Sheriff's Office with investigations as required.
• Classify and identify fingerprints; assist in identification matters with Federal, State, and local authorities; prepare fingerprint displays for court; compare latent fingerprints to known and unknown suspects and victims; maintain and use files and computer systems to identify suspects; maintain and operate equipment for processing of fingerprints.
• Take official and personnel photographs for the purpose of identification and evidence; take photographs relating to evidence in support of criminal investigations in the field, at autopsies, and in-house; enlarge crime scene photographs to be utilized as courtroom exhibits; maintain files of photographs.
• Cooperate and work closely with other law enforcement agencies in identification matters as required.
• Requisition materials and supplies as necessary; assist supervisory personnel and other staff in identifying future budgetary needs.
• Instruct and assist officers in the proper use of photographic and fingerprint equipment.
• Prepare various written reports as necessary.
• Provide testimony in court as directed.
• Provide adequate staff coverage/availability outside of normal business hours, as needed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in both an indoor office environment with controlled temperature conditions and in the field requiring travel to various locations throughout the County in a variety of outdoor weather conditions. Incumbents are exposed to a variety of environmental factors related to the collection of evidence and field forensic work.

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

Requirements

Experience and Training

• Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:
• Experience: One (1) year of clerical or administrative experience. Related work experience in a law enforcement setting is preferred.
• Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

Required License or Certificate:

• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position. Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement terminology and operations.
• Basic police reports.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports, and special projects; analyze crime scenes; develop evidence to be processed; understand and recall principles of evidence collection and analysis; identify, interpret, explain, and enforce evidentiary and other law enforcement procedures; observe while in the field; review and interpret case reports; focus on a single task for long periods of time; work with frequent interruptions; work under time pressure and complete a high volume of tasks; maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On an intermittent basis, sit at a desk or in a vehicle for extended periods of time; walk and stand for long periods of time; push, pull, grasp, bend, twist, squat, stoop, kneel, reach, climb, crouch, and crawl to access office and field work equipment and to perform field duties; see and hear with sufficient acuity to perform essential job functions; use telephone, write, and use a keyboard to communicate; occasionally lift heavy weight.
• Learn modern criminal identification techniques, emphasizing photography and fingerprinting.
• Learn to operate equipment and materials used in photographic and fingerprint work, including sophisticated computer programs and equipment.
• Learn to take photographs with some degree of sophistication.
• Learn to perform fingerprint comparisons and analyses.
• Learn to perform more sophisticated field forensics.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Work odd or unusual hours, including nights, weekends, holidays, and/or overtime.
• Work in close proximity to human remains in various stages of decomposition, which may include odors, biological/chemical agents, and communicable disease.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.

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