Forensics/Evidence Technician

Duties:

Job Responsibilities

• Takes impressions of footprints, tire tracks, tool marks, etc.; uses miscellaneous chemicals, kits and supplies as dictated by the crime scene.
• Collects DNA samples.
• Reconstructs crime scenes; searches for latent fingerprints; collects and preserves evidence; conducts examinations of documents, and fingerprints; investigates arsons. Processes crime scene evidence for latent fingerprints; uses alternate light sources and examines evidence for microscopic evidence (hairs and fibers); examines and analyzes various types of drug evidence.
• Video tapes crime scenes. Compares, identifies, and verifies latent prints and inked prints, to known inked prints. Prepares specialized displays, graphs, charts, diagrams, photo enlargements, and related documentation as needed to reconstruct or describe crime scenes for court purposes and/or to interpret evidence.
• Writes detailed technical reports of work performed. Prepares exhibits for and testifies in court concerning evidence, chain of evidence, and crime scenes. Instructs police officers and others on subjects relating to crime scene investigation. May provide fingerprinting service to the general public; Downloads and copies video and audio. Performs other related duties as required.
• Maintains knowledge and skills on the latest evidence processing techniques through ongoing training and familiarity with forensic manuals and scientific research.
• Insures the integrity of evidence through all stages of the evidence management process, including distribution, return, destruction and/or sale of items; transports evidence to various crime labs and court rooms. Helps maintain control of recovered properties; uses the inventory system; processes property claims upon proper verification of ownership.

Requirements:

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED equivalent. An Associate's or Bachelor's Degree (with emphasis in biology, chemistry, forensic technology, forensic science, physical science, or related field) is preferred.
• Experience with evidence intake and/or working in a laboratory is desired. Knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access & Power Point) desired. Knowledge of forensic LIMS (Laboratory Information Management System) and UCJIS (Utah Criminal Justice Information System is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge

• Working knowledge of state criminal codes and penalties associated with various offenses.
• Working knowledge of the Spillman and UCJIS reporting systems.
• Working knowledge of practices in evidence intake (including but not limited to collection, preservation, identification, and documentation of physical evidence taken from crime scenes), storage, documentation, inventory and disposal.

Skills

• General PC computer operations.
• Excellent writing skills including correct use of English language and vocabulary,
• Standard office practices and procedures related to evidence filing and property maintenance.
• Interpersonal communication skills, modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; telephone systems.
• Telephone etiquette.
• Operation of a variety of types of standard office machines including computer terminal, fax machine, copy machine, etc.

Ability

• Interpret and apply applicable state and federal laws associated with property and evidence.
• Exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions
• Maintains strict confidentiality related to sensitive administrative and legal information; develop effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, and the public
• Communicates effectively both verbally and in writing
• Work under time pressures and work deadlines; work in an environment requiring continuous sitting
• Ability to follow routine verbal or written instructions

Working Conditions

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions—including but are not limited to the job functions, qualifications, and competencies listed herein—of this job in the working conditions below. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The successfully candidate must be able to perform under the physical demands and work environment including but not limited to the following:

• Sit at a desk or table to operate a computer and related equipment and to type, read, proofread, interpret, and apply information obtained therefrom for sustained periods of time while maintaining efficiency, attention to detail, alertness, proficiency, and accuracy.
• Stoop and/or bend to move items into and between file drawers or boxes.
• Regularly walk, stand, or stoop, climb, balance, bend, kneel, crouch, and/or crawl.
• Lift, carry, push, pull or move boxes weighing up to 30 pounds.
• Lift, carry, push, pull, or move carts of items weighing up to 100 pounds.
• Work in outside weather conditions, could be exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, extreme heat, extreme cold, and vibration.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately quiet while in the office and can be moderately quiet to moderately loud when in the field.
• This position requires the employee to be able to operate a car, pickup truck, van, or similarly situated motor vehicle.
• May involve strong odors and unpleasant crime scenes.

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