Position Overview

The Illinois State Police (ISP) Forensic Sciences Command (FSC) is seeking a motivated individual to fill a State Police Evidence Technician I position at the Springfield Forensic Science Laboratory. The ISP FSC is the third largest forensic laboratory system in the world. This individual will be responsible for receiving, storing, distributing, and returning physical evidence used in a variety of major cases that occur in the State. Court testimony in criminal trials may be necessary. The ideal candidate must be efficient, organized, and detail oriented. This position will work cooperatively with forensic science laboratory staff and personnel from other criminal justice agencies.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Essential Functions

40%- Maintains control of evidence for the Springfield Forensic Science Laboratory's section specific vaults.

• Performs all evidence handling processes including receiving, storing, distributing, retrieving, and returning physical evidence to law enforcement agencies.
• Prepares and reviews chain of custody administrative records .
• Establishes appropriate case and exhibit numbers .

20%-Utilizes the command computerized case tracking system to input and track the processing of cases.

• Prepares reports for supervisors on cases received and other administrative detail.
• Enters and deletes data on computer according to defined command/laboratory rules and procedures.
• Provides assistance to administration for quality assurance activities.

20%-Develops and maintains good rapport with user agencies.

• Ensures a timely and accurate transfer of physical evidence and information to and from user agencies.
• Responds to inquiries from user agencies concerning the status of cases, location of evidence and, as appropriate, anticipated completion dates of analytical examination.
• Assists in the coordination of evidence receipt and return to user agencies.

10%-Prepares and monitors evidence to be shipped; maintains case files and receipts to preserve chain of custody.

• Preserves the integrity of physical evidence for transmission to other laboratories or units within the State Police.
• Ensures proper transportation procedures are followed.
• Transports evidence between forensic science laboratories and/or transports evidence to courier delivery service.
• Instructs law enforcement agencies in the proper procedures for submitting physical evidence.
• Travels as needed to testify in court .

5%-Assists with other duties such as vault audits and hazardous waste disposal.

5%-Performs other duties as assigned or required included but not limited to the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two years of college, preferably in one of the physical/biological sciences and/or law enforcement.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two (2) years of elementary knowledge in physical evidence processes such as can be obtained in introductory courses to law enforcement or through exposure to evidence processes by working in a forensic science laboratory in other support roles.
• At least one (1) year of experience utilizing a laboratory information management system or similar for laboratory sample or evidence tracking.
• At least one (1) year of experience analyzing and correlating data contained in documents about evidence or samples including but not limited to: evidence submission report, crime scene report, police report, medical report, etc.
• At least two (2) years of experience using computer software programs and various types of hardware.
• At least two (2) years of experience presenting data convincingly in reports, both verbally and in writing, including but not limited to: equipment performance check records, notes from casework tasks, chain of custody administrative records, etc.
• At least one (1) of year of knowledge on safely handling chemical and/or biological samples such as drug samples or body fluids.
• One (1) year of elementary knowledge on court testimony and preparing court records or court exhibits such as can be obtained in introductory courses to law enforcement or through exposure to court testimony by working in a forensic science laboratory.

Employment Conditions

• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens.
• Successful completion of a background investigation, including fingerprinting.
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination.
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony.
  • Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police’s policies and procedures.
  • Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police’s ethical standards.
• Possess a valid driver’s license to transport or travel on an as-needed basis.
• No felony or misdemeanor convictions.

Benefits Package

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• • Flexible work schedules in many program areas
  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.
  • 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.
  • Pension Plan
  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.
  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.
  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.
  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
  • Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.