Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Maintains and publishes procedures and systems for the efficient operation of the office.
• Record, file, retrieve and assimilate a variety of data related to the effective functioning of the Police Division’s property room.
• Packages, labels, and stores incoming evidence and property in the designated storage area according to established guidelines. Receives and processes property and items of evidence taken into custody by police personnel.
• Handles evidence in a safe manner to prevent damage, loss, and/or cross-contamination; maintains proper chain of custody for evidence.
• Maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property.
• Maintains confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement information.
• Manages the disposal and release of evidence and property, including communicating with owner, auctions, transport, etc.
• Prepares laboratory submissions and paperwork for evidence in need of testing and coordinates the transport of such to various crime labs (BCI, CPD, OSP, NMS).
• Facilitates the sharing of evidence items with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, defense attorneys and the public.
• Manages firearms submitted into evidence and property by way of coordinating gun safety and test-firing with the Division’s Firearms Team; ensuring NCIC checks have been completed; preparing test- fires for submission to the crime lab for NIBIN entry; and initiating eligibility paperwork to ensure guns are released to eligible owners.
• Identifies, collects, documents, preserves, and processes latent prints and other physical evidence from crime scenes or police investigations in compliance with Division of Police policies and procedures.
• Collects, duplicates, and converts digital surveillance evidence.
• Responds to property status inquiries from the public, law enforcement personnel, and various court entities. Explains the procedures for the release of property.
• Testifies in court, if subpoenaed, regarding evidence practices (integrity of property storage and preservation) and the chain of custody.
• Responsible for conducting fingerprinting and background checks.
• Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Basic forensic science.
• Methods and equipment used in firearm and evidence collection, storage, and preservation.
• Firearms and firearm safety.
• Evidence collection, processing, and preservation techniques and procedures.
• Industrial safety regulations and procedures including biohazard safety.
• Organization and operation of governmental operations as it relates to law enforcement and legal proceedings.
• Computer technology and equipment to include basic programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and Office.

Skill in:

• Preparing clear and concise reports, technical reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Communicating orally and in writing with internal staff, citizens, public officials, and other departmental staff to give and receive information in a courteous manner.
• Operating and maintaining all assigned equipment required to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Use of computer and software applications.
• Organizational techniques specifically related to law enforcement evidence practices.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with fellow employees, City officials, other government agencies, and the public.
• Organizing work, setting priorities, meeting critical deadlines, and following up on assignments with a minimum of direction.
• Maintaining attention to detail.
• Working well as a team member.
• Applying logical thinking to solve problems or accomplish tasks, understanding, interpreting and communicating complicated policies, procedures and protocols
• Using a computer to accurately and rapidly enter and retrieve data and information.

Ability to: (Mental and Physical Abilities)

• Read and interpret documents such as operation and maintenance instructions, procedure manuals, state law, division policy, etc.
• Handle a high degree of accountability and liability.
• Understand and carry out written and oral instructions, giving close attention to detail and accuracy.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Speak and write effectively, both orally and in written form.
• Deal with problems involving several variables in standardized situations.
• Stand; walk, climb, kneel, twist, drag, sit; speak and hear; use color, texture, sound, shape and odor perception; push, pull and/or lift bulky items and/or equipment.
• Ability to lift and/or move items up to 50 pounds.
• Must maintain visual acuity and hearing necessary to performing job functions.
• Ability to respond to critical incident scenes, public appearances, and other off-site assignments.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of education, training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the essential functions of the job, a typical way to qualify is two (2) years of experience in a law enforcement agency in a technical or similar support capacity or an associate degree in law enforcement or a related field may be substituted for the required experience

Licensure or Certification Requirements:

• Current and valid Ohio driver’s license with an acceptable driver’s abstract to meet criteria for insurability established by the City of Gahanna.
• The Evidence Technician will be required to successfully complete Master Evidence Technician Training Course within two (2) years of hire.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain LEADS certification within 6 months of employment.
• State of Ohio Notary (obtain within first six months of employment)

Working Conditions:

• Work is performed in an enclosed environment and in the field exposing the employee to various outside atmospheric conditions and occasionally to conditions such as biohazardous materials, dusts, odors and chemical agents. The incumbent's working conditions are typically moderately quiet to very loud.

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