Evidence Technician

Duties

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives and stores property and evidence collected by Sheriff’s Department personnel.
• Assists in collecting evidence at crime scenes.
• Logs evidence and property into custody, and maintains security of evidence and property.
• Admits authorized personnel to view or examine evidence. Prepares, ships, delivers and/or picks up property and evidence for laboratory or other analysis as required.
• Releases evidence in the absence or completion of a criminal case, upon determination of legality.
• Coordinates the preparation of evidence for courtroom proceedings with District Attorney’s Office staff; duplicates audio/visual tapes, photographs, documents, etc., as needed.
• Schedules and performs the destruction or disposal of contraband, unneeded evidence, or unreturnable property.
• Contacts property owners regarding found property, evidence, etc., and releases evidence and property to owners in accordance with established procedures.
• Conducts auctions for the sale of unclaimed property.
• Maintains accurate and detailed records pertaining to the processing and disposition of evidence and property.
• Coordinates activities with those of other divisions, departments, and agencies as appropriate.
• Maintains inventory of and issues equipment to department personnel.
• Maintains the cleanliness and order of the evidence storage area and other areas of the department as assigned.
• Performs general clerical duties as required, including but not limited to preparing records and reports, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, entering and retrieving computer data, etc.
• Supervises the work of trustees and/or volunteers as assigned

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

Requirements

Experience:

• One year of experience in the storing or inventory of materials or property.

Education:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.

Additional Requirements:

• Possession of a valid California driver’s license. Under certain circumstances, the Personnel Director may accept a valid driver’s license if the applicant acknowledges his/her intent to acquire a California driver’s license within three months by signing an acknowledgment form.
• Ability to pass the California State Department of Justice fingerprinting clearance.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS

Knowledge of:

• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances, and County/department policies and procedures.
• Evidence and property handling, processing, and storage techniques and procedures.
• Methods of maintaining chain of custody.
• Rules and regulations pertaining to the handling and disposal of narcotics.
• Record-keeping procedures. Modern office practices and technology, including the use of computers for word processing and records management.
• Basic arithmetic. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Safe work practices.

Ability to:

• Understand, interpret, and apply pertinent federal, state, and local laws, rules and regulations, and County/department policies and procedures.
• Maintain a property and evidence records system.
• Skillfully package, handle, and store property and evidence.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Understand and execute written and oral instructions.
• Maintain the security and confidentiality of specified records, information, and files.
• Type or word process at a rate sufficient for successful job performance.
• Use computers effectively for word processing and records management.
• Safely operate office and specialized equipment.
• Perform mathematical computations with accuracy.

TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in an office and field environment; the worker drives on surface streets and may be exposed to traffic hazards, adverse weather conditions, extreme heat or cold, wetness, air contaminants, fumes/dust, solvents, violence, above-average noise, firearms, and explosives.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Requires the mobility to work in an office and field environment. Requires the ability to sit at a desk and intermittently walk, stand, stoop, kneel, crouch, bend, and reach while performing office and field duties; operate a motor vehicle; lift and/or move up to 25 pounds frequently and up to 50 pounds occasionally; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls. Must be able to maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for making observations, communicating with others, reading and writing, and operating office and specialized equipment. Must be able to use a telephone to communicate verbally and a keyboard to communicate through written means, to review information and enter/retrieve data, to see and read characters on a computer screen.

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