Evidence Technician

Duties

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Documents, collects, preserves, analyzes, processes, labels, stores, catalogs, and disposes of evidence;
• Maintains, replaces, and repairs relative equipment; maintains evidence storage areas;
• Testifies in court; participates in warrant searches; evaluates court dispositions involving evidence;
• Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audiovisual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work area;
• Makes public presentations demonstrating the technical and evidentiary practices to better inform the public about crime scenes, collection of evidence, and the value of their preservation;
• Processes evidence for the presence of fingerprints, blood or other biological substances, and performs drug analysis and identification;
• Manages fingerprint and booking photo files, and criminal disposition files;
• Prepares and transports evidence to the DCI for analysis.
• Processes crime scenes and works with Polk County ME and investigators as needed;
• Attends autopsies for the purposes of evidence collection and documentation;
• Monitors and sets up surveillance equipment; prepares, manages, catalogs, and stores all photographs;
• Prepares materials for various attorneys and investigations;
• Provides evidence related presentations to groups as requested.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
• Obtains and maintains required certifications as determined by the Evidence and Forensic Supervisor, Captain or Police Chief.

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

Requirements

Entry Requirements and Skills

• At a minimum, Associates degree in a related field or a minimum 3 years’ experience in maintaining evidence in a public safety field.
• Ability to read and understand departmental policies, rules, laws, regulations, and police literature;
• Ability to analyze situations and adopt a quick, effective, and reasonable course of action;
• Ability to express self orally in an effective manner; keen observation and ability to remember names, faces, and details of incidents;
• Ability to deal tactfully with the public;
• Ability to operate a vehicle safely and efficiently;
• Ability to learn the use and care of small firearms.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must complete Certification as a Crime Scene Investigator through the International Association for Identification within 2 years of hire date.
• Shall be able to obtain and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa.
• Shall be able to obtain and maintain any required forensics certifications as determined by the Department.

Working Conditions:

• May require working for extended periods outdoors in adverse weather conditions.
• May be required to sit or stand for long periods.
• May be exposed to hazardous or unpleasant conditions.
• May need to work non-standard hours due to urgent cases.

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