Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Perform a variety of technical duties in the receipt, documentation, retention, release, destruction and auction of property and evidence; ensure the preservation and proper disposal of all items submitted to the Police Department; testify in court regarding the chain of custody and integrity of evidence. Assist in directing the technical aspects related to the duties of an evidence technician. Performs a variety of duties in latent print examination and crime scene investigation.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives general supervision from the Civilian Manager in Lab/Technology.
Exercises functional and technical supervision over evidence technicians.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Act as a technical advisor on issues related to evidence collection and preservation, as well as review of policies, technical operations, development, protocols, training, quality assurance, and safety. Cooperatively works with evidence technicians as well as managerial staff.
2. Train assigned employees and volunteers in the Property section.
3. Maintain custody of property and evidence collected at crime scenes such as drugs, money, firearms and other miscellaneous items; collect evidence for intake from a variety of locations; perform intake procedures including verification of paperwork, packaging, storing and record keeping on all items; prepare bio-hazard evidence appropriately.
4. Arrange viewing for attorneys or other staff; prepare evidence and supervise viewing to maintain integrity of all evidence handled; document items viewed and return to proper storage.
5. Dispose of or release evidence and property at the conclusion of court action; coordinate, prepare, document and process all items designated for return to owner, auction or destruction; dispose of and destroy narcotics, weapons and various other items no longer needed for prosecution; ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
6. Ensure security of evidence and property; retrieve and return evidence needed for internal laboratory work; transport property and evidence to outside forensic examination labs, storage and court as requested; prepare and package evidence for viewing and mailing to outside agencies.
7. Perform tape and compact disc duplication as requested by attorneys, investigators or other personnel; maintain appropriate documentation and return originals to assigned storage location.
8. Provide notifications and answer citizen inquiries over the telephone and in person regarding property dispositions.
9. Maintain and operate a computerized inventory system; input data and update property and evidence files; check out and release evidence to appropriate persons; input disposition data; update and maintain the tracking system to reflect chain of custody for each item.
10. Assist and advise department personnel on laws and policies of evidential property control including proper packaging and documentation; instruct and train new staff.
11. Maintain property room including organizing, labeling and compressing items; move older cases to off-site warehouse as needed; assist in the development and modification of inventory and security procedures for property and evidence.
12. Conduct crime scene investigations; identify, collect and preserve physical evidence.
13. Compare latent prints to known finger or palm prints; evaluate latent prints for comparison and entry into the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
14. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques of processing, cataloging, documenting, storing and releasing property and evidence.
Principles and procedures used in evidence control and destruction.
Rules and regulations governing the release and destruction of property and evidence.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Methods and techniques of crime scene processing, evidence collection, forensic examination and fingerprint identification.
Operational characteristics of firearms.
Customer service procedures and principles.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable tools and equipment operations.
Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Receive, document and process property and evidence.
Maintain the integrity of evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines.
Release or dispose of evidence and property in accordance with established guidelines.
Read and understand court orders and reports.
Learn safety and security methods and practices involved in handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money and dangerous devices.
Perform a variety of property and evidence collection, processing and analysis functions. Operate a variety of laboratory equipment in a safe and effective manner.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and City employees.
Establish and maintain accurate records, logs and files.
Use and care for firearms.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Completed the GJPD Evidence Technician training plan.
Training:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Atmospheric Conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation)
Hazardous materials (chemicals, blood and other body fluids, etc.)
Local Travel
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
The following activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job's purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk on level and slippery surfaces, stoop, kneel, crouch, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee may be required to lift and/or carry equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more; may work at crime scenes in wet, hot or cold weather conditions.