Evidence/Crime Scene Technician

Duties

Representative Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain physical security and control of all evidence and property entered in the system, including high value items such as vehicles, controlled substances, money, and firearms. This includes maintaining and documenting the continuous chain-of-custody for all items in the system.
• Prepare and maintain accurate, complete records of property and evidence received to satisfy local and State audit requirements and legal standards. Conduct inventories and assist with audits of all areas of work.
• Maintain a tracking system to ensure property is returned to rightful owners or is disposed of in an appropriate manner.
• Plan and coordinate on-line auctions of unclaimed or forfeited property.
• Maintain the cleanliness of the property room where janitorial personnel are not admitted, and ensure the appearance and maintenance of the assigned City vehicles are kept up.
• Provides training to Law Enforcement Officers on forensics and related topics.
• Testify in court.
• Aggressively seek to purge items from the property and evidence system, in accordance with strict policy and procedures, to ensure a manageable inventory is maintained.
• Evaluate items of evidence entered into the system to ensure compliance with packaging and documentation standards.
• Respond to evidence and property inquiries from the general public and official authorities, in person, by phone, correspondence, or e-mail. Draft letters to individuals regarding the disposition of their personal property.
• Respond to crime scenes. Photograph and forensically process and document the scene. Log, label, package, and transport evidence.
• Process evidence collected at crime scenes for forensic examinations.
• Prepare and transport or transmit evidence to the Washington State Crime Lab for forensic analysis. Collect items returned from the lab and inform the appropriate authorities of the analysis results. Maintain records of the transfers.
• Properly manage bio-medical evidence such as bloody clothing or sexual assault kits.
• Perform a variety of analytical examinations of evidence, including photography, processing items for latent fingerprints, presumptive testing, and serial number restorations using various accepted methods.
• Undertakes special projects, studies, and other appropriate activities as assigned by the Chief of Police or other designee.

Other Duties

• Regular attendance is an essential requirement
• Performs related work as assigned and/or required

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

Requirements

QUALIFYING EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE (Minimum Requirements)

• Graduation from high school and two years community college or continuing education, and five years of progressively responsible office experience in records maintenance or similar area; or any combination of experience and training that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities. Must have basic warehousing and inventory control experience. Must have at least two years experience in property and evidence handling and management.
• Must have a good driving record and maintain a Washington State Driver’s License
• Must pass a background investigation which includes a truth verification examination and a drug test.
• Law Enforcement background preferred.
• Must be a US citizen or lawful permanent resident who can read and write the English language (RCW 41.14.100).

Knowledge of:

• Record inventory or inventory control, file management, and/or warehouse maintenance.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including computer word processing and spreadsheet programs.
• Federal, State, and local laws regarding the handling, storing, and disposing of evidence.
• Courtroom procedures.
• Knowledge of specialized departmental functions, legislative developments, and City standards related to work.
• Computer database systems and ability to create and maintain database-tracking systems as needed.

Ability to:

• To learn crime scene investigation and forensics techniques relating to advanced photography; approved evidence collection methods; Automated Fingerprint ID System; latent fingerprint recovery; generally accepted laboratory processing techniques, proper handling of hazardous, caustic and flammable substances and chemicals; standard lab safety procedures; and chain of custody procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form and deal with the public courteously and tactfully.
• Use appropriate independent judgment, reasoning, and analytical skills to develop credible and accurate conclusions based on data.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion in sensitive situations.
• Calculate math problems and use conversion tables.
• Demonstrate detail-oriented organizational skills.
• Work independently and cooperatively with others.
• Work within rigid rules and meet established deadlines.
• Use powders, chemicals, and crime scene related equipment.
• Work in environments of unpleasant sights and odors.
• Read and write the English language.
• Learn the job related skills necessary for the position.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!