Description

Title: CRIME SCENE / EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN

Department: Police Department

Status: Full-Time Non-Sworn

FLSA: Non-Exempt

POSITION OVERVIEW

Under general supervision of a supervisor, the Sworn Crime Scene–Evidence Technician performs specialized law enforcement duties involving crime scene processing, evidence collection, evidence storage, and standard patrol functions. The position is responsible for maintaining the integrity, security, and documentation of evidence in compliance with statutory, accreditation best practices, General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures. The technician also conducts crime scene examinations, photography, videography, sketching, physical evidence collection, and related investigative tasks to satisfy legal and scientific requirements. The role includes all essential sworn officer functions, including responding to calls for service when assigned, enforcement of laws, emergency response, and arrests. The role includes complying with Senate Bill 111 and any applicable state law and case laws. The position will have “on-call-in person response” responsibility.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Stores, manages, and maintains evidence within a highly secure evidence room to meet statutory, accreditation, and departmental policy requirements.
• Develops, implements, and monitors schedules, internal controls, evidence-handling methods, and chain-of-custody systems that withstand legal and procedural scrutiny.
• Processes crime scenes through photography, videography, sketching, marking, collecting, preserving, and examining physical evidence.
• Trains and assists sworn and civilian personnel in proper evidence collection and submission, crime scene procedures, and chain-of-custody documentation.
• Interacts with division commanders, officers, and other government agencies to resolve evidence management issues and maintain evidence integrity.
• Prepares detailed crime scene and evidence reports; may present findings during criminal hearings or trials.
• Works with command staff on budget recommendations for equipment, supplies, and operational needs related to evidence and forensic services.
• Prepares and participates in evidence audits and inspections.
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

Crime scene processing, evidence handling, preservation, and chain-of-custody procedures.
Federal, State, and City criminal/traffic laws and ordinances.
Departmental policies, investigative procedures, and modern policing methods.
Court decisions related to evidence, search and seizure, and criminal prosecution.
Software, computers, and databases used for evidence management and police reporting.

Skill in:

Operating specialized forensic, photographic, and police equipment.
Communication, verbal and written, including detailed technical report writing.
Training personnel in evidence procedures and evaluating performance.
Exercising independent judgment and self-initiative in dynamic environments.
Maintaining confidentiality and discretion.

Ability to:

Testify effectively in hearings and trials.
Produce grammatically correct, accurate, and detailed reports.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, agencies, and the community.
Adapt to new procedures, technologies, and specialized assignments.
Act quickly and safely in emergency situations without presenting danger to self or others.
Maintain required physical fitness and operate all related police equipment and weapons.