Evidence Technician

Duties:

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receive and handle crime scene evidence; organizes and stores items maintaining chain of custody; releases items to authorized personnel and outside agencies as required.
• Coordinates with District Attorney's Office regarding proper storage and disposal of items received in the evidence vault.
• Notifies property owners of procedures and deadlines in regard to claiming property; reviews staff reports to determine ownership of property; determines proper disposal procedures.
• Processes evidence in laboratory; performs fingerprinting, examination and comparison of fingerprints, presumptive drug testing, and photography/videography.
• Processes crime and death scenes; performs fingerprinting, evidence collection, photography/videography, and report writing.
• Transports evidence to other jurisdictions, laboratories and locations as required.
• Testifies in court in regard to evidence received and stored and validates custodial care.
• Supports District Attorney's Office in case preparation as required; reproduces evidence for prosecution; makes copies of evidence videos, photographs and audio recordings.
• Answers queries and processes requests from other law enforcement agencies and the public in regard to property and evidence in storage; requests/directs interested parties to acquire written dispositions from the District Attorney's Office, detectives, or authorized Sherriff's Office staff for disposal of items no longer needed for evidentiary purposes.
• Trains volunteers in work procedures as required.
• Cleans and maintains equipment and work areas.
• Provides a variety of office support duties in the Sheriff's Office as assigned.
• Prepares standard reports related to the work performed.
• Monitors and maintains the security of facilities and equipment.
• Represents the County with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

Requirements:

• To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

• Must be 21 years old at the time of selection.
• High school diploma or GED; AND two (2) years of experience in law enforcement support: OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge of:

• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment.
• Basic safety practices related to the work.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Policies and procedures related to evidence cataloging.
• Regulations and accepted practices related to the work.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Techniques for dealing with a variety of individuals from various socio-economic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
• Demonstrate proficiency of crime scene processing and other job related functions within one (1) year of date of employment.

Skill in:

• Performing detailed record maintenance and office support work.
• Maintaining accurate records and files.
• Understanding and following oral and written directions.
• Speaking English effectively to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable codes, regulations, procedures and accepted practices.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Dealing successfully with the public, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Maintaining security of facilities and equipment
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.
• Establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, coworkers, contractors and the public.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid driver's License.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Mobility to work in a typical office and warehouse setting, ability to work outdoors, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit or stand for extended periods of time; climb ladders; strength to lift and carry up to 40 pounds; vision to read printed materials; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
• Work is subject to exposure to traffic conditions and external environment. Work is subject to exposure toxic chemicals, gasses, body fluids and other dangerous substances, as well as performance under adverse weather conditions.

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