Police Evidence Technician

Duties:

• Responds and processes crime scenes which may contain biological or chemical hazards; photographs crime and accident scenes and/or victim's physical injuries; searches for physical evidence at crime scenes; prepares sketches and diagrams of crime scenes and evidence locations.
• Assists officers in crime scene searches; operates photographic and video equipment; uses a variety of law enforcement communication equipment; collects latent fingerprints, footprints, and other physical evidence; assists in criminal investigations, testifies in legal proceedings and court regarding collection and preservation of evidence; transports victims, witnesses, juveniles, as needed.
• Handles loaded firearms safely; completes evidence photo tags and fingerprint cards; collects, tags, packages, and preserves physical evidence including biological material at crime scenes or autopsies; record location of evidence collected.
• Receives reports from the public by telephone and in person; prepares field and office notes, reports, and other correspondence for use by sworn and civilian personnel handling criminal investigations; provides information to the public; assists in the processing and maintenance of program reports, records and other data; operates a variety of state and local automated information systems; keeps appropriate records.
• Responds to questions and concerns from the public, departmental staff and other agencies; provides information as appropriate and resolves service issues and complaints.
• Establishes positive working relationships with representatives of community organizations, state/local agencies and associations, City management and staff, and the public.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

Education and/or Experience:

• A high school diploma or equivalent and two years of experience in law enforcement; or completion of two years of college with emphasis in forensic evidence, police science, administration of justice or a related field, and six months work experience in related field; or graduation from an accredited college with a degree in forensic evidence, police science, administration of justice or a related field.

License/Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid Class C California driver's license.

Other Requirements:

• Physically and mentally capable of performing the functions of the job, including but not limited to those summarized in Typical Tasks.

KNOWLEDGE/ABILITIES/SKILLS (The following are a representative sample of the KAS's necessary to perform typical tasks of the position)

Knowledge of:

• Modern office principles, procedures, practices and equipment, including a computer and applicable software;
• Methods and techniques for basic report preparation and writing;
• Correct English usage, spelling, punctuation and grammar;
• Report preparation;
• Basics of police practices and procedures;
• Methods and techniques for record keeping;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety procedures.

Ability to:

• Read, understand, interpret and apply statutes, rules, regulations and departmental procedures;
• Follow written and oral instructions;
• Operate specialized law enforcement information systems and equipment;
• Operate photographic and video equipment;
• Work evenings, weekends and split shifts;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships;
• Collect latent fingerprints, footprints, and other physical evidence;
• Collect, preserve and identify biological evidence such as body fluid;
• Develop and preserve latent fingerprints;
• Roll fingerprints from living and deceased persons;
• Read and follow maps;
• Present physical evidence at legal hearings;
• Testify in court;
• Prepare required field and office notes, reports, and other correspondence in a legible manner;
• Learn and apply Search and Seizure procedure codes and Federal and State rules of evidence;
• Contribute to the processing and reconstruction of the crime scene;
• Follow State and County courtroom procedures;
• Learn State penal code and mace regulations;
• Work irregular days and hours and under inclement weather conditions;
• Work shift extensions when required;
• Follow oral and written directions;
• Work effectively in a highly structured, rank organized environment;
• Interact with hostile and/or uncooperative persons;
• Establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of required duties.

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