Description

SUMMARY:

Under general supervision of the Evidence Corporal, the Evidence Technician is responsible for collecting, processing, safeguarding, and presenting evidence/property, preparing various reports and administrative duties for the Elgin Police Department.  

Supervision:  

Reports to Evidence Corporal. Does not have direct supervision of other staff.

Requirements

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

High School Diploma or Equivalent. Associate’s degree in forensic science, or other related field; and at least one (1) year of experience in a law enforcement environment including experience in evidence and property management, and a working knowledge of record management systems and Microsoft Office Suite.  Any equivalent combination of experience and education may be substituted to meet the minimum qualifications. 

Preferred:   Related bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of evidence/inventory control and crime scene processing experience. 

License and Certifications:

TCIC (Texas Crime Information Center) Certification is required within thirty (30) days of employment.

Valid Texas driver’s license.  

Employment Testing:

Employment is contingent upon satisfactory results of any pre-employment/post-offer criminal background screenings, driving records, drug screens and/or physicals in accordance with the City’s personnel policy. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Transports evidence/property to court and testifies in applicable situations pertaining to collection, packaging, and storage of evidence.
Collaborates with investigators, obtains approvals, and coordinates the process for evidence/property release or destruction.
Collaborates with law enforcement personnel on evidence packaging protocols.
Maintains various digital logs and systems for the verification, storage and tracking of evidence property for quality control measures.
Monitors the storage and disposal of hazardous materials.
Provides customer service to internal and external customers via email, phone, or in person.Attends meetings and training courses as required. 
 

SPECIALIZED ASSIGNMENTS:

Media Evidence

Oversees, archives, and retains storage of all digital evidence files. 
Receives and process evidence release requests.
Performs system updates and troubleshooting and serves as IT liaison for various tracking systems.
Creates and monitors compliance associated with digital evidence tracking processes.
Researches and prepares evidence for court dispositions.
Property Evidence

Develops and maintains operational routines and procedures for evidence/property including organizing, storing, and arranging for daily operations.
Compiles and retains daily, monthly, and annual reports related to evidence property that is in possession of the EPD.
Prepares labels and document logs for all tracking purposes. 
Crime Scene Assignment

Responds to crime scenes and collects evidence to assist with EPD investigations.
Collaborates with law enforcement, attorneys, and state agencies to assist with investigations.
Attends autopsies to assist in identification and reporting purposes. 
 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Knowledge of principals of property control and management 

Knowledge of services and activities of property and evidence function within a police department 

Knowledge of record management and inventory techniques

Skill in report writing methods, procedures, and proper use of terminology 

Skill in resolving problems or situations requiring the exercise of good judgment

Ability to work tactfully with the public; speak clearly and concisely; and accurately handle several items at once during stressful situations

Ability to learn Federal, State and Local laws, codes and regulations including those related to the safekeeping and disposition of property and evidence

Ability to maintain official records and the processing of technical documents

Ability to maintain confidentiality of work-related issues and City information

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

In a typical work setting, the Evidence Technician will: 

Interpersonal Relationships
Have a high level of social contact working closely with department personnel, officials, and the public.  May work somewhat close to other people, such as when sharing office space. 

Hours/Travel
Usually works a standard 40-hour week, 5 days per week but may be required to serve in an on-call schedule that requires flexibility to work weekends, evenings and/or holidays. 

Operate a vehicle for regular local travel between work sites and city buildings.   May be required to attend out-of-town training and/or conferences on occasion. 

Physical Demands and Work Conditions
Work primarily indoors in an air-conditioned environment with exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes, and high noise levels. 

Exposure to graphic materials (photos, video and audio). 

Frequently required to sit, stand, walk, climb (stairs), being, lift and operate computer and other equipment while using hands, arms, and fingers to reach and input data in systems.  

May lift and move items weighing up to 25 pounds. 

Disaster Service Workers Clause 
Always in the event of a declared emergency or any undeclared emergency or natural disaster that threatens the life, health and/or safety of the public, designated employees may be assigned to assist rescue and relief workers. Such assignments may be in locations, during hours and performing work significantly different from the employees’ normal work assignments and may continue through the recovery phase of the emergency.