Evidence Technician

Job Title

Police Evidence Technician

Job Description

Secures, stores, and disposes of evidence according to State and Federal laws and department procedures. Researches lost and found property and release to property owners.

Essential Duties

• Receives, sorts, and secures all property delivered to the evidence room; at scene evidence collection; responsible for verifying evidence reports against property reports to ensure accuracy.
• Coordinates with Officers, Detective, and District Attorney on evidence to be submitted to Laboratory for processing; properly submits evidence to the Lab; receive and properly distribute lab results to Officers, District Attorney, and Records.
• Copy and/or download digital evidence including audio, video, photos (hard copy and digital), as appropriate and maintain chain of custody.
• Operate computer system to enter submitted items into Police Department evidence tracing system.
• Accountable for security and integrity of evidence room; responsible for preserving the critical chain of evidence; testifies in court when subpoenaed.
• Determines appropriate and lawful disposition of property; releases property to officers, property owners, the courts and/or other agencies; releases property for sale at public auctions, maintains accurate accounting of all property transfers and releases.
• Conducts periodic audits of property inventory; corresponds with officers and general public regarding disposition of property; matches stolen and lost property with property inventory.
• Handle monies submitted as evidence, safekeeping, or found property.
• Explains evidence room procedures to officers, the general public and outside agencies. Provides input into department policies regarding evidentiary procedures.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Graduation from high school or GED plus sufficient training to demonstrate an aptitude and ability to perform above and related duties AND three (3) years work experience preferably in a field related to above duties OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Working knowledge of evidence collection laws and procedures; current office practices and procedures; grammar, spelling and punctuation; current filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; computerized data base management and program applications; administrative procedures; computer software including spreadsheet uses and word processing applications (i.e., Microsoft Word, Excel, etc.). Knowledge of criminal Justice System Organizations, NCIC computer operation policy and procedure, aspects of a police records system; federal, Colorado laws, and Municipal ordinances, department policies and procedures, and police codes; evidence handling protocols and crime scene evidence collection and packaging. Skill in establishing effective working relationships with supervisors, fellow employees, other law enforcement agencies, court officials, and the general public. Must be proficient in the use of computer hardware and software systems traditionally used in an office environment and law enforcement. Ability to operate standard office equipment efficiently; communicate effectively, verbally and in writing; perform basic mathematical computations; ability to work under time pressure; ability to follow verbal or written instructions.