Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receives, stores, and maintains crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in the prosecution of criminal and civil cases; documents all handling of evidence and property; maintains chain of custody through effective documentation of all procedures according to State and Federal regulations.
• Packages, stores and safeguards property and evidence; enters and updates data into computer system, logbooks, and case files; releases items to authorized parties within scope of authority; documents return of evidence to custody.
• Weigh all narcotics entering or leaving the property room.
• Research case dispositions for disposal and release of evidence and property; upon notification of case closure destroys or disposes of evidence and property or returns to owner.
• Conducts regular inventory of evidence room and property; organizes and maintains order in the property and evidence storage areas.
• Maintains procedures for the custody and handling of evidence; tracks statute of limitations and legal time frames and checks for compliance with regulations; processes and prepares evidence for transfer to the State’s Crime Laboratory for testing and to prosecutors for court cases.
• May be required to assist investigators or narcotics detectives with crime scene processing by logging, labeling, packaging and transporting evidence.
• May transport evidence to the State Crime Laboratory.
• Receives and sends information to and from other agencies and jurisdictions.
• Orders supplies and materials as needed.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, values and goals of the Mount Vernon Police Department by assuring that all rules and regulations are followed, and that accountability and public trust are preserved.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Mount Vernon and the constituent population by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with clients, visitors, and City staff; promotes City goals and priorities in compliance with all policies and procedures.
• Maintains and enforces confidentiality of work-related issues, client records, and City information; monitors staff compliance with security procedures and privacy laws, policies, and guidelines; performs related duties as required or assigned.
• May be required to testify in court proceedings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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

Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or GED equivalent; AND two (2) years of law enforcement record keeping and property room experience; prior law enforcement experience preferred, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of:

• City policies and procedures.
• Operations, functions, procedures, and policies of the Mount Vernon Police Department.
• Federal and State laws and rules for the storage, transfer, and disposal of evidence and property; regulations governing the release of information from law enforcement agency records.
• State rules of criminal procedure concerning evidence and property retention.
• Principles of record keeping case files and technical records management.
• Law enforcement agency terminology.

Skill in:

• Understanding and applying the Mount Vernon Police Department standards, policies, and applicable Federal rules and regulations. Processing and preserving crime scene evidence and property.
• Maintaining accurate evidence records and generating special and periodic reports.
• Packaging and organizing property and evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval. Applying environmental health and safety practices in an evidence storage facility.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing specialized software and entering information into a computer system with speed and accuracy.
• Assessing and prioritizing multiple tasks, projects and demands.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with co-workers and local agencies. Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

LICENSE AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a valid Washington State driver's license.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Oral Civil Service Examination.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Background Investigation.
• Must be able to successfully pass the Polygraph Examination.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification is required.
• Access II Certification is required.

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