Evidence Technician

City of Missoula•Missoula, MT

About The Position

The Missoula Police Department is hiring an Evidence Technician to support public safety and the criminal justice process by accurately documenting, securely preserving, and properly managing physical and digital evidence. The role supports criminal investigations and court proceedings and requires attention to detail, sound judgment, discretion, professionalism, and the ability to work independently and with a team. Responsibilities include managing evidence and property; assisting with digital evidence and crime scene processing; maintaining chain of custody; preparing reports and legal documents; training department personnel; supporting evidence disposition and inventory; providing applicant fingerprinting; and testifying in court as needed. The position also operates a motor vehicle to transport evidence and may serve as backup to the Digital Evidence Technician. The work may involve occasional or unavoidable adverse weather, occupational hazards, hazardous chemicals, biohazards, and other physical risks. Duties may require lifting and maneuvering up to 50 pounds, using ladders and stools, accessing disturbing crime scenes, and after-hours callouts or shift work, including some weekends and holidays.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to three years of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, inventory or data cataloging, or another relevant field.
Must be bondable.
Must have a valid Montana driver's license with a verified acceptable driving record, or be able to obtain one within 60 days of hire.
Must successfully complete the Crime Scene Investigators Training Program within six months of hire.
Must be able to obtain Criminal Justice Information Network (CJIN) certification within six months of hire.
Must pass a police background investigation and sign a statement of confidentiality.
Knowledge of inventory management principles and practices, including cataloging, documentation, storage, disposal, and data entry.
Knowledge of systems and equipment used to collect and preserve evidence and maintain chain of custody.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, criminal investigation principles and methods, including crime scene processing and evidence collection and storage.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, law enforcement principles and practices, including records management, property custody, and criminal justice records and document requirements.
Knowledge of, or ability to learn, law enforcement equipment, including communications and automotive equipment.
Knowledge of and ability to promote department safety considerations and comply with City safety policies.
Strong organization, time management, prioritization, attention to detail, accuracy, and ability to meet strict deadlines.
Ability to use computer software and databases, including Microsoft 365, and learn job-specific applications and equipment.
Strong in-person and written communication skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals.
Public speaking skills and ability to train and present information to diverse groups and individuals.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity and discretion.
Ability to maintain professionalism, adhere to department and City standards, and support a positive team environment.
Ability to resolve conflicts and facilitate outcomes while maintaining a calm demeanor.
Ability to learn, interpret, and apply department and City procedures, Montana Crime Lab evidence-handling requirements, and applicable laws and ordinances.
Ability to lift and maneuver 50 pounds or less.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis at the time of application.

Nice To Haves

Experience with a law enforcement agency.

Responsibilities

Catalog, document, store, and disseminate evidence and other property related to crimes, preserving the chain of custody.
Assist the Digital Evidence Technician with digital evidence, including video and audio recordings, digital photography, and cellular data.
Log received property and prepare reports, affidavits, and technical or legal documents related to evidence and chain of custody.
Arrange evidence disposition in accordance with state law when evidence is no longer needed.
Create standard and ad hoc reports, conduct inventory procedures, and prepare unclaimed property for auction.
Train department personnel and provide updates on computer systems, databases, and proprietary software; develop instruction sheets and procedure manuals.
Assist authorized personnel with securing, photographing, and recording crime scenes; search for and collect evidence; maintain chain of custody; and prepare timely reports, photo logs, evidence logs, and crime scene sketches.
Assist in training department members on evidence gathering and processing methods.
Testify in court regarding chain of custody and related information for digital and physical evidence, as needed.
Operate a motor vehicle to transport evidence and property, including to the Montana State Crime Lab.
Maintain supplies and clean and stock crime scene kits.
Provide applicant fingerprinting services at the police station or in the field.
Serve as backup to the Digital Evidence Technician when that employee is absent.
Perform other duties as assigned based on training and qualifications.