EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN

Crime Scene Investigator

The purpose of this classification is to preserve, collect, and maintain proper custody of all evidence found at crime scenes, ensuring the integrity of all evidence and property impounded until its disposition by the court system.

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

• Responds to and processes crime scenes; examines crime scene to determine how crime was committed or by whom; takes photographs and video at crime; examines and determines if an item at a crime scene is evidence; collects and packages evidence at a crime scene; places crime scene tape around crime scene to secure area; confers with Georgia Bureau of Investigation about investigation of crime scene; dusts surfaces with powders to develop possible prints; processes evidence for prints; takes measurements of evidence/victim at crime scene; transports film and video for developing and copying; transports evidence to and from crime lab.
• Identifies, confiscates, preserves, and maintains the chain of custody of all evidence in accordance with current search and seizure laws and departmental policy; seizes or confiscates illegal substances or apparatus, such as drugs, drug equipment, or gambling devices, placing and securing items into property control.
• Receives evidence from officers, courts, citizens, and secured lockers; prepares receipts for evidence collected; logs evidence; enters evidence information into computer; tags evidence; packages, seals, and labels evidence; places evidence in secure/correct location; prepares and gives inventory lists of officer's evidence; prepares court orders to dispose of evidence; transports evidence to landfill for destruction; inventories seized vehicles for evidence; releases vehicles to owners/victims upon officer's approval; transports evidence to crime lab and/or crematory for destruction.
• Answers questions; provides information; resolves complaints from the general public, other agencies and community groups; coordinates activities with other law enforcement agencies; receives and answers electronic mail pertaining to evidence and crime scenes.
• Engages in public relations and community service activities and events to promote a positive image for the Sheriff's Office and to build a cooperative and collaborative relationship with the community; provides instruction to peace officers, students, and citizens on various topics; prepares handouts to pass out to students in class; prepares and gives tests on information taught in class.
• Participates in departmental training; maintains physical fitness; attends classes and seminars. Attends autopsies of deceased persons. Prepares crime scene sketches and reports; prepares crime lab submission reports; prepares and mails out letters to victims/owners to claim property; responds in writing and by telephone on requests for information. Assists detectives on search warrants; performs tests to confirm narcotics in test kits. Conducts investigations in criminal cases as assigned by superior officer; assists the district attorney in the preparation of criminal cases for trial; keeps current with new case laws and court decisions that may effect the outcome of cases; reviews all documents, papers and notes related to an investigation to allow for knowledgeable courtroom testimony; testifies as an expert witness in court. Operates a 35 mm camera, digital camera, video camcorder, digital scales, flash light, black light, calculator, heat sealer, computer terminal, two-way radio, multi-line telephone, narcotic test kits, vehicle, AFIS terminal, firearm, pager, shovel, testing equipment, law enforcement equipment, or other equipment as necessary to complete essential functions, to include the use of word processing, spreadsheet, database, or other system software.
• Performs other related duties as required.

High school diploma or GED; one year of experience in law enforcement; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver's license. Must successfully complete the State of Georgia, Basic Mandate Training. Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia Peace Officer certification, Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) certification, Marijuana Identification certification, and Identification Technician certification.