Evidence Technician

City of Bloomington Illinois•Bloomington, IL

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

Performs duties under the general supervision of the Property and Records Manager. The Evidence Technician is responsible for maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of all property held by the Police Department. This role requires skilled attention to detail and the organization and storage of property. The technician receives, maintains, and lawfully disposes of all property and evidence, complies with court-ordered subpoenas and expungements, and maintains contact with the States Attorney’s office to clear cases and release property. The position also provides professional advice to police administrators on evidence and records matters, stays current on laws pertaining to evidence retention and the Local Records Act, and organizes special dispositions like property auctions and donations. Additionally, the technician assists with evidence audits and the preparation of weapon and drug destructions. Under direct supervision, they schedule, assign, and control work related to evidentiary records maintenance, ensuring adherence to legal standards, and make recommendations concerning updated laws and evidence retention schedules. The role also serves as backup to the FOIA Specialist, reviewing and redacting FOIA responses and requests.

Requirements

Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and adhere completely to departmental policies.
Ability to apply technical skill in processing and handling information and evidence.
Ability to gain thorough knowledge of policies and procedures for control of evidence, criminal history, and records management.
Ability to utilize business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic in everyday activities.
Ability to handle a variety of sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to use complex criminal record databases and department-specific applications as well as word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software and other applications as needed.
Ability to communicate technical information and instructions effectively, in both written and verbal presentations.
Ability to make administrative decisions based upon established precedent.
Ability to analyze and understand complex information, and to compile, organize and prepare regular and special reports.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City and community officials and the general public.
Ability to deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully.
Ability to multitask, prioritize, and apply organizational skills with an attention to detail.
High school diploma or equivalent.
College level course work in criminal justice or related field, training in property and evidence management, knowledge of applicable laws related to property management and storage or 1-year of experience in property and evidence management in a law enforcement agency or other records management environment is helpful.
Possession of or ability to obtain LEADS certification.

Responsibilities

Receives, maintains, and lawfully disposes of all property and evidence held by the Police Department.
Complies with court ordered subpoenas and expungements.
Maintains constant dialogue/contact with the States Attorney’s office to clear cases and release property.
Provides professional advice to police administrators on matters related to evidence and records.
Remains current on laws pertaining to State mandates for evidence retention and standards, as well as the Local Records Act.
Organizes and correlates special dispositions, including property auctions and donations.
Assists with evidence audits and the preparation of weapon and drug destructions.
Under the direct supervision of the Property and Records Manager, schedules, assigns, and controls work related to the maintenance of evidentiary records and assures adherence to relevant legal standards for these records.
Makes recommendations to the Property and Records Manager concerning updated laws and evidence retention schedules.
Serve as backup to FOIA Specialist; reviewing and redacting FOIA responses and requests.