Evidence Technician

Job Title

Under the direct supervision of the Patrol Captain, this position performs a wide variety of specialized and technical non-sworn law enforcement duties in support of Sheriff's Office operations and services including areas of crime scene investigations, processing, and identification of forensic evidence. To collect, analyze and evaluate crime related data from a variety of sources; to provide timely information and recommendations to law enforcement operational and administrative personnel regarding patterns, series and crime trends; to provide information and assist with the coordination of investigations between jurisdictions; and to provide investigative support and assistance to Deputies and other specialized units by searching databases and reports and preparing a variety of publications, correspondence, charts and graphs to aid in the investigation of criminal activities. Perform a variety of other non-sworn law enforcement, clerical, and administrative functions in support of Sheriff's Office. This position shares responsibility for the creation and maintenance of the office's records, as well as ACISS data entry for the St. Croix Valley Drug Task Force.

Duties and Responsibilities

Essential Duties: These duties represent the typical duties and responsibilities assigned to this position but may not be inclusive of all tasks performed.

1. Perform a variety of specialized technical non-sworn law enforcement duties in support of the Sheriff's Office including in the areas of crime scene investigations, processing, and identification of forensic evidence.
2. Identify, document, preserve, and collect evidence at crime scenes at major crime scenes in support of other personnel; perform photography duties as requested. Process and complete fingerprint examinations submitted by personnel from crime scenes.
3. Manage collection, inventory, storage, returns and destruction of evidence and property.
4. Dictate and/or write reports about investigations; complete evidence voucher for evidence or property collected; book evidence or property into evidence room.
5. Perform a variety of clerical and administrative functions in support of the Office's services and activities; provide training to new personnel related to area of assignment; attend committee meetings; assist with special projects as assigned.
6. Maintain various logs and records; gather information and prepare routine reports as assigned; enter, input, and retrieve a variety of information using a computer terminal.
7. Assists the department in meeting the basic objectives of crime prevention and suppression, apprehension, and the recovery of stolen property.
8. Collects, collates, analyzes and disseminates information concerning crime patterns and trends.
9. Provides information to assist operations personnel (patrol and investigative deputies) in the identification of specific and immediate crime problems and the arrest of criminal offenders.
10. Strategic analysis and projections concerned with long-range problems and long-term increases or decreases in crime. Strategic analysis also includes the preparation of crime statistical summaries and the provision of resource acquisition and allocation of information.
11. Transport evidence to and from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab.
12. Perform all work duties and activities in accordance with Sheriff Office policies and procedures.
13. Perform other reasonable related duties as assigned by supervisor and other management as required.
14. Gathers, organizes, and fulfills demands for court procedures assisting internal and external demands, including court testimony.
15. Participate as a team member of the Sheriff's Department to improve office efficiency and cooperatively solve problems.
16. Provides general administrative and clerical support services as needed including general reception.
17. Fulfills the department's mission and purpose.
18. Performs any and all other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Associate's degree in related field preferred with two or more years of work experience; or equivalent combination.
• Ability to pass law enforcement background screening.
• Strong oral / written communication skills and interpersonal skills.
• Experience involving significant interactions with the public, law and justice agencies, and other local government preferred.
• Must possess a valid driver's license.
• Experience conducting research using complex statistical analysis and statistical computer programs.
• Knowledge of law enforcement computer systems (RMS, CAD, etc.) preferred.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Access & PowerPoint) preferred.

Additional Information

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception.

Work Environment: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.