Description

Under the general supervision of the Evidence Supervisor, this position is accountable for receiving, storing, and preserving property and evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel. This is a highly responsible position requiring independent decision-making and the ability to establish and maintain critical records using a computerized tracking system. The handling, secured storage, and disposition of each item must be thoroughly documented and tracked in accordance with local laws and regulations.

This is an entry-level position that requires customer service skills, organizational skills, and general computer knowledge.

The position of Evidence Technician is designed to prepare an individual for advancement to Senior Evidence Technician by developing their ability to utilize a Records Management System, independently prioritize tasks, and maintain a large inventory of high-risk items.

This is not a forensic or crime scene job.

Starting Pay: $22.94 - $25.09 per hour; additional pay depending on experience

Schedule: 4 x 10-hour shifts, Monday - Thursday, rotating on-call required

Benefits : Full Benefits; health, dental, and life insurance, paid time off and paid holidays, vision reimbursement plan

Retirement: Utah Retirement Systems, pension and/or 401(k)

Job Posting Close Date: May close any time after October 27, 2024

Hiring Process:

This is generally a 3-month process.

• Application
• Completion of Background Investigation Packet
• First Review of Background (1-2 weeks)
• Phone Screening Interview
• Preliminary Panel Interview
• Full Background Investigation (3-4 weeks)
• Command Staff Panel Interview
• Conditional Offer of Employment
• Pre-employment Drug Screening
• Final Offer

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure all property and evidence is properly received, handled, marked, documented, stored, tracked, and disposed of in compliance with Utah State Law, City Statutes and Department Policy and Procedures.
• Perform various clerical duties utilizing knowledge of departmental systems for records management, secured document and photo storage, and access to government databases.
• Engage in general customer service, to include assisting the public and law enforcement personnel by phone and in person to coordinate the release or transfer of property.
• Safeguard the integrity of all evidence, including maintaining an accurate chain of custody and reviewing security controls.
• Exercise good judgement in safeguarding confidential or sensitive information and prioritizing multiple daily tasks with stringent deadlines.
• Coordinate time-sensitive processes related to the viewing and releasing of evidence through GRAMA requests to ensure photographs and audio files are disseminated according to policy.
• Conduct research and gather information from criminal justice databases to initiate the disposal or return of property, obtain the proper approval, and document the release from department inventory.
• Coordinate with various department employees, government agencies, charities, non-profit organizations, disposal facilities, and members of the public to properly document and remove approved items from evidence storage.
• Conduct audits, inventories, and consolidations to effectively manage space and comply with accreditation requirements.
• Testify in court as required by subpoena and represent the department in city engagements with the general public.
• Respond to calls for assistance as needed to receive large items and transport evidence to various facilities for testing, long-term storage, or disposal.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships as part of a team environment with co-workers, law enforcement officers, other government agencies and prosecutors.
• Provide instruction and training regarding the proper handling and submission of items, along with recommendations to update departmental policies as state law and regulations evolve.
• Be available for a regularly scheduled on-call status rotation to respond after normal working hours to assist in the transport or receipt of evidence.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a general knowledge of the principles of evidence storage, preservation, and disposal in compliance with national, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Must be able to pass a Law Enforcement Background Investigation.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or G.E.D. equivalent; plus one-year work experience in customer service, data entry, warehousing, or other related field.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Must be able to efficiently communicate in English both orally and in writing.
• Must have proficient spelling, grammar and punctuation required to produce written documents.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Have, or be able to obtain within thirty (30) days, a valid Utah driver’s license.
• The ability to acquire and retain required Terminal Operator Certification to access criminal records.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• The knowledge and use of basic computer software programs and standard office equipment.
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, members of law enforcement agencies, attorneys and the public.
• The ability to operate various types of warehouse equipment such as dollies, carts, hand trucks, ladders, vans, trucks, and collapsible shelving.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• May be required to move items up to fifty pounds and to access areas that require bending, stretching, crouching, and climbing stairs or ladders.

WORK ENIVORNMENT:

• May be exposed to fumes, dust, unpleasant odors and temperatures from 30 to 120 degrees.
• Considerable exposure to stressful situations as a result of human tragedy, unpredictable work hours and stringent deadlines for multiple daily tasks.