Description
Job Summary:
Under the general supervision of the Records & Property Coordinator, the Property/Evidence Technician is responsible for processing, storing, maintaining, securing, and inventorying evidentiary and custodial property under the care of the Police Department.
Requirements
Essential Job Duties/Responsibilities:
Essential duties and functions may include the following. Must possess required knowledge skills, abilities and experience and to be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations that the essential functions of the job can be performed. Other related duties may be assigned.
1. Maintain the organization of storage space and receptacles in the evidence room.
2. Handle evidence, including weapons, substances, personal property, etc.
3. Remove, check in, and place evidence deposited into lockers by officers into the designated storage areas and maintain detailed data entry records of evidence inventory.
4. Ensure the integrity of each item of evidence by documenting and maintaining the chain of custody.
5. Prepare property and evidence for proper disposal in accordance with state, city, or departmental rules and regulations, after final disposition is reached on a case. Includes researching cases and filing court orders.
6. Prepare and submit cases to appropriate laboratories for testing.
7. Communicate with owners of property to schedule and release eligible items.
8. Appear in criminal court trials on matters relating to evidence (when required) and provide testimony in criminal court cases.
9. Perform Redactions of digital evidence upon request
10. Operate computer software to manage digital media (video, photo, and audio) evidence and maintain the department’s Digital Evidence Management System.
11. Respond to and share internal and external requests, including from the prosecutor.
12. Stay up to date with current redaction, discovery, and retention law and policy.
13. Respond to and share Open Records requests and Subpoenas.
14. May respond to a variety of crime scenes to collect, preserve, and analyze evidence
Minimum Qualifications:
High school diploma or GED equivalent.
Valid Texas driver’s license
Must not currently be or have been within the last ten (10) years on court-ordered community supervision or probation for any criminal offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above.
May not have been convicted of an offense of the grade of a Class B misdemeanor or above within the last ten (10) years.
May not have been, at any time, convicted of a felony offense or any family violence offense.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Preferred: Knowledge of proper handling of various articles of evidence, including weapons, substances, etc. Inventory control experience
Comprehensive abilities to maintain complex clerical records accurately and efficiently, and prepare detailed reports
Comprehensive knowledge of principles and procedures of recordkeeping
Proficient skills in Microsoft Office Suite including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
Ability to work after hours to handle evidence as required
Ability to maintain confidentiality when working with sensitive information and to comply with all record retention laws
Proficient skills to communicate clearly and concisely in English, both orally and in writing
Ability to maintain proficiency and knowledge of current and upcoming or new regulations/legislation within areas of responsibility
Must possess, or be able to acquire quickly, a working knowledge of the Texas Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and other sources of criminal offenses, the Texas Public Information Act, the Government Code, and NCIC/TCIC entry procedures.
Licenses and Certifications:
Obtain a basic certification in property and evidence within 2 years of hire date
Work Environment/Physical Requirements:
The work environment and physical demands 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.
The incumbent works in a typical office environment with little or no exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions or hazards. Requires exposure to loud noises for prolonged periods, e.g. operating copier, etc., and dust build up due to paper and files.
Requires climbing ladders to a height up to eight (8) feet to file storage boxes weighing up to sixty (60) pounds, lifting, carrying, dragging, holding, pulling and pushing up to twenty five (25) pounds and includes repetitive actions while sitting or standing. May require sitting and working at a computer or standing for extended periods of time
