Evidence Technician

Job TitleEvidence Collection AssistantJob DescriptionCollects and processes evidence in the Sheriff's Department by assisting the primary investigator at the scene, ensuring the security of evidence, maintaining evidence for court and maintaining case dispositions for the eventual release and destruction of evidence. Duties include collecting scene photographs, packaging evidence correctly for storage, maintaining inventory of evidence in a property management system, and tracking and monitoring evidence. The work is performed under the supervision of a Sergeant, with latitude allowed for independent judgment and initiative within the processes and procedures required by the State and the Sheriff's Office. The principal duties of this class are performed in an office and outdoor environment, with frequent driving for field inspections.Duties / ResponsibilitiesESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (illustrative only and may vary by assignment)Assists in investigations of crimes by gathering, processing and storing crime scene photographs and related evidence;Receives, logs, inventories, stores, and releases items of evidence;Tags, marks, properly packages and/or secures property, evidence and other sensitive materials to ensure that evidence gathered is secure and meets chain of custody requirements;Monitors and controls the distribution of evidence and property to assure that material is used only by authorized personnel;Maintains complex filing systems with a variety of subject matter to provide easy access to records;Prepares and destroys items of evidence as authorized;Prepares evidence to send to the Idaho State Lab; distributes Lap Reports; conducts follow-up required by lab;Receives, processes, and prepares a variety of reports, records, logs, and documents;Enters evidence into the Property management System for logging, tracking and proper storage;Keeps immediate supervisor fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems;Communicates and coordinates regularly with appropriate co-workers to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of interdepartmental operations and activities.Maintains strict confidentiality in all cases;Interacts with County employees, customers, visitors and the general public effectively and professionally.SECONDARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Maintains evidence room in clean and organized order;Orders supplies;Performs other duties as assigned.QualificationsCLASSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: The requirements listed below are representative of the minimum knowledge, skill, and/or ability required for an individual to satisfactorily perform each essential duty and be successful in the position. Knowledge of:Methods, equipment, standard practices, and objectives of evidence, property, and records storage and warehousing;Proper protocols for handling bio hazardous materials, i.e., blood, narcotics, body fluids, etc.;State Lab requirements for processing/evaluating evidence;Sheriff's Department practices, policies and procedures related to evidence collection, inventory, and disposal;Records keeping and filing procedures;Skill and Ability to:Maintain storage, security, and accounting procedures for evidence;Process, file, and maintain office records and files for easy retrieval of information;Write and record detailed information with accuracy and speed;Assist investigators at crime scenes to collect and gather evidence and photographs;Operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer using program applications appropriate to assigned duties;Speak clearly and communicate accurate information to others.Use English to communicate effectively with others.Listen carefully to, understand, and effectively communicate through oral, written, and interpersonal communication channels.Follow verbal and written instructions.Work independently and exercise initiative, with general guidance and supervision.Use good judgment to make sound and reasonable decisions and problem-solving skills to respond to customer service needs in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations and established policies.Maintain a professional demeanor at all times;Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;Demonstrate integrity and ingenuity in the performance of assigned tasks and solving problems;Perform all duties in accordance with County policies and procedures with regard for personal safety and that of other employees and the public.Maintain confidentiality.ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:High school diploma or GED equivalency is required, andAt least one (1) year experience in property accountability, warehousing, police work or related field is preferred;Valid Idaho Driver's License; orAn equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered.Must successfully pass background investigation relevant to the position and remain in good standing for the duration of employment with the County.BenefitsTwin Falls County offers a highly competitive benefits package to full-time employees including holiday pay, paid vacation, paid personal days and paid sick leave. We offer medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as short-term disability benefits, life insurance, and a PEHP plan. We are on the PERSI retirement plan and also offer a Deferred Compensation (voluntary retirement) plan. For specific information regarding Twin Falls County's benefits, visit the Benefits section of our web page.