Evidence Technician

Caldwell Police Department Evidence And Property Management

Performs specialized evidence and property management functions for the Caldwell Police Department, ensuring the secure receipt, documentation, storage, preservation, release, and disposition of evidence and property in compliance with legal requirements and chain-of-custody standards. Work is performed under the direct supervision of the Services Supervisor and requires the exercise of independent judgment within established policies and procedures. This position carries significant responsibility and liability due to the sensitive nature of evidence handling and chain-of-custody requirements. The principle duties of this class are performed in an office environment.

Responsibilities

Receives, logs, inventories, stores, preserves, and tracks evidence and property in accordance with department policies, legal requirements, and chain-of-custody procedures; secures evidence in proper storage room; and maintains related records.

Maintains inventory of crime scene supplies and equipment; and orders evidence storage and processing supplies.

Processes, redacts, and distributes digital media, photographs and records in response to prosecutorial requests, public record requests, and other authorized inquiries.

Utilizes the ILETS computer terminal to run criminal history checks to verify eligibility prior to the release or return of firearms.

Participates in yearly audits.

Mails or transports evidence to crime and forensic laboratories, transports evidence to destruction locations, and handles hazardous evidence.

Maintains chain-of-custody documentation for all evidence and property.

Schedules and coordinates evidence destruction in accordance with court orders, retention schedules, and department policy.

Conducts periodic inventories and reconciliations of evidence and property.

Researches ownership and disposition requirements for property held in custody.

Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws regarding evidence retention and disposition.

Reports discrepancies, security concerns, or chain-of-custody issues immediately.

Assists with special projects.

Testifies in court as required.

Provides orientation, training, guidance, and technical instruction to new employees and others performing similar work assignments.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Behavioral Expectations and Standards of Performance:

Consistently keeps supervisor and relevant team members informed of work progress and current or potential issues, while proactively recommending solutions and process improvements.

Responds to questions and comments in a courteous and timely manner.

Attends approved meetings, conferences, workshops, training sessions, and remains current on the principles, practices, and developments in assigned work areas.

Communicates and coordinates regularly with others to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.

Respects the opinions of others and maintains a positive and professional working relationship with colleagues, supervisors, and stakeholders.

Adapts to changes in work assignments and methods promptly and efficiently.

Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training, and Experience Required:

Graduation from high school or possession of a GED.

One year experience working in an office environment.

Any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Licenses, Certifications and Other Requirements:

Possession of a current and valid Idaho State driver's license.

Successful completion on a pre-employment law enforcement background check, polygraph test, and drug test to include prescription medications.

Preferred Experience:

Experience working within law enforcement, criminal justice, evidence management, records management, or public safety environment.

Benefits

The City of Caldwell offers a complete benefits package to full-time (30 or more hours per week) employees including health care, dental, vision, PERSI retirement, 401k with City match, deferred compensation plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability, holidays, and Paid Time Off (PTO). The City is a qualifying employer for the Federal Student Loan Forgiveness Program.