Evidence Technician

Dakota County•Hastings, MN

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Evidence Technician works in the Dakota County Sheriff's Office at the Hastings Law Enforcement Center. This part-time position is scheduled for 20 hours per week during daytime hours and coordinates daily evidence and property activities, including receipt, processing, storage, disposition, and maintenance of chain of custody. The technician logs, categorizes, and stores evidence and property using the Sheriff's Office records management system and may assist with evidence collection at crime scenes. The role also involves managing the Sheriff's Office property room, handling property releases and disposals, processing evidence, transporting evidence, maintaining records, and coordinating evidence access and preparation with county and city attorney's offices. Work is generally indoors but may occur in dangerous locations and adverse conditions near biological or chemical hazards. The work can be physical and requires lifting up to 40 pounds individually, as well as bending, turning or twisting, kneeling, and squatting throughout the day. The position requires a high school diploma and one year of experience in a criminal-justice-related clerical, support, or administrative position, plus a valid driver's license; alternatively, a combination of related experience and education in law enforcement or criminal justice must equal one year. Applicants must complete the applicable pre-employment requirements, including interviews, a thorough background investigation, and a physical assessment. The position includes part-time County benefits, vacation and sick pay, and holiday hours.

Requirements

High school diploma and one year of experience in a criminal-justice-related clerical, support, or administrative position, or a combination of related experience and law-enforcement- or criminal-justice-related education equaling one year.
Valid driver's license.
Ability to pass the applicable pre-employment requirements, including a thorough background investigation and physical assessment.
Knowledge of office policies, procedures, principles, and practices.
Ability to perform inventory control procedures and law enforcement physical evidentiary procedures.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and maintain necessary records and reports.
Ability to work with various computer applications.
Ability to work with Sheriff's Office personnel and personnel from other agencies.
Promote a diverse, culturally competent, and respectful workplace.
Regular attendance in accordance with the approved work schedule.
Meet the Sheriff's Office standards regarding acceptable driving and conviction records, employment history, and honesty.

Nice To Haves

Associate degree in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice.

Responsibilities

Inventory property and evidence submitted by Sheriff's Office personnel, maintain chain of custody, and record evidence in records management systems.
Inventory and release property and organize the Sheriff's Office property room.
Dispose of unwanted or abandoned property in accordance with policy and state statute.
Monitor, empty, and properly dispose of pharmaceuticals collected through the Sheriff's Prescription Take-Back Program.
Destroy cleared narcotics, weapons, and bio-hazardous materials.
Testify in court as necessary regarding the integrity of evidence storage, preservation, and transportation.
Securely transport evidence to and from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension in St. Paul or other law enforcement entities.
Perform clerical duties, including filing, scanning, copying documents and records, and producing reports as necessary.
Coordinate with county and city attorney's offices regarding evidence viewing and disclosure, and prepare evidence for court.
Assist detectives with evidence collection at search warrants and crime scenes.
Conduct forensic processing, including DNA swabs, fingerprint collection, and entering shell casings into the National Ballistic Network (NIBIN).
Check inventory of medical supplies and order additional supplies when needed.
Perform other duties as assigned.