Evidence Technician

Unified Police Department•Kearns, UT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The evidence technician manages all forms of property and evidence handling through the processes of being picked up, booked, catalogued, analyzed, warehoused, released, and/or destroyed while following Utah State Code and UPD policies and procedures. Duties include, but are not limited to: Pick up and transport evidence from crime scenes to evidence warehouse while following strict chains of evidence and careful adherence to UPD policy and procedures, Utah State Criminal Code, and Division and Unit policies . Evaluate submitted evidence for proper packaging and markings. Determines if packaging is adequate to protect the integrity of the evidence and ensure safety from personal contamination from infectious disease, controlled substance and hazardous chemicals and materials. Verify item(s) with proper Property & Evidence Report forms, Enters property and evidence items into computer; prints and labels said items with tracking information. Sort and store evidence and other property in specified locations within secured building . Responsible for verifying item(s) with Property & Evidence Report forms. Photograph evidence according to policy. Will be available for off-duty call-outs to respond to crime scenes or Evidence Warehouse to assist with evidence handling and processing. Release property and evidence to officers, rightful owners, finders and other law enforcement agencies. Receives requests for evidence status from Officers, attorneys, courts, victims, and survivors and releases only authorized information by using Utah Criminal Code, UPD Policy and Procedures, and Division Policy & Procedures. Monitors evidence signed out for investigative purposes and updates both paperwork as well as computers related to current disposition and custody. Answers telephone and directs calls or assists callers by applying business telephone etiquette and knowledge of personnel services/functions. Conduct periodic audits of property inventory. Answer and assist the general public with questions they may have or finding any property they are looking for. Interacting with other agencies that may have knowledge or possession of said property. Provides expert technical guidance and training to Officers on handling, preparing, and booking evidence. Explain evidence procedures and policies to officers, detectives, general public and other agencies as needed. Assist officers at crime scenes with handling evidence. Transport recovered and found property/bicycles. Maintains accurate evidence records by use of computer programs and hard filing system. Check NCIC and research to find an owner on all found bicycles and property with serial numbers. Return bicycles or property to verified owners or finder and prepare unclaimed item(s) for auction or bicycles to be donated to charities and other organizations when authorized after the 90 day waiting period. License bicycles when they are brought in by the general public and as found property. Enter and update bicycle license on the computer when sent in by county bicycle shops and filled out by UPD. Handles various cash amounts. Supervises, records all money and securities as well as conducting audits on a regular basis. Receives requests for evidence inspection and or release. Evaluates requests to determine if request is legal, authorized and submitted properly before allowing said inspection or release. Transport lab and hazardous materials. Organize and verify evidence to be submitted to State Crime Lab for analysis. Submit such evidence to the State Crime Lab using state computer programs. Transport and pick up evidence to and from State Crime Lab. After State Crime Lab analysis is complete, forwards copies of lab results to case agent. Receives requests for evidence inspection and or release. Evaluates requests to determine if request is legal, authorized and submitted properly before allowing said inspection or release. Interact with the public, officers and D.A.'s office regarding the disposition of property according to policies and procedures. Monitor and update evidence status by use of computers, release forms, court orders, etc. Coordinates and handles final disposition of evidence by destruction, sale or return to owner. Receives computer generated disposition forms, evaluates for accuracy and legitimacy for changes in evidence status. Contacts D.A. on each case by creating notices containing suspect and D.A. information, e-mailing said notices to D.A. in charge of each case on a regular basis. Contacts officer or detective in charge of each case signed for disposal from D.A. by creating notices containing suspect information and description of evidence and mailing said notices to officers or detectives on a regular basis. Receives notices from attorneys, deputies and detectives regarding update status on cases and attaching notices to proper paperwork when authorized to dispose of evidence. Updating cases on computer when authorized to hold evidence for an extended period of time or attaching notices to paperwork when authorized to return to owner. Upon receiving legal notice to release evidence, removes the item(s) from storage location, obtains necessary identification and signatures to release evidence, updates proper paperwork and computer. Upon receiving legal notice to destroy evidence, pulls from storage, marks and maintains accurate inventory of property being disposed. Transports items authorized for sale at auction to be legally sold for value, transports drug items to legal disposal facilities and assists with legal destruction. Maintains strict custody and control until properly disposed. Generates inventory lists of following items for disposal: Alcohol, drugs, guns, ammo, knives and auction items. Dispose of said items as well as bio hazardous material and securities by using UPD and Division policy and procedures. Assists in property acquisition, distribution, inventory, marking and preparation. Disseminates UPD property to authorized personnel. Create purchase order for UPD from property request forms, by use of computer software, evaluation of supplies and knowledge of UPD purchasing procedures. Maintain an adequate supply of office expendables by regular inventory of supply levels and making necessary orders. Receive delivered UPD property order. Evaluates and determines if delivered orders are complete and accurate. Issues necessary UPD equipment to authorized personnel, ensures property receipt issuance and required signatures. Prepare and deliver supplies that have been requisitioned by various divisions within UPD. Maintain regular deliveries to divisions that require weekly supplies. Purchases and distributes supply order for UPD. Ensures that UPD security is maintained and monitored at all times while both functioning at the warehouse and during deliveries at evidence warehouse and other UPD facilities.

Requirements

At least 21 years of age
High school diploma or GED
Two (2) years of experience in a field closely related to these duties (warehouse, delivery, retail) or an equivalent combination of related education and experience, plus one (1) year of customer service experience
Must have accurate knowledge of: Utah Criminal Code Evidence Procedures Criminal Court "Chain of Evidence Procedures" UPD policy and procedure UPD command structure Office Automation Equipment Specialized warehouse equipment Effective public relations principles Law enforcement Code of Ethics Warehouse safety procedures Safety procedures for handling of Contaminated Materials i.e. blood, body fluids, etc. Hazardous materials associated with narcotics manufacturing Storing of various types of evidence and associated hazards Storing of controlled substances, i.e. narcotics, flammable materials and chemicals. Basic understanding of DEA policies on drug labs Basic understanding of ATF policies State lab requirements on submitting items for testing UPD purchasing policies and procedures. Proper procedures for the disposal of a wide variety of items to include weapons, narcotics, toxic chemicals, blood, contaminated articles, documents, firearms, explosives and other evidentiary property Knowledge of Federal, State and Local environmental laws and regulations concerning storing and disposal of hazardous materials
Applicants should have a working knowledge of warehousing practices and use of equipment including forklift, pallet jack, hand trucks, barcode scanners, label printers and flatbed scanners
Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel required
Must possess or be able to obtain a valid Utah Driver's License at time of hire to operate a Unified Police Department Vehicle
Must have the ability to perform the following duties as prescribed: Follow and interpret complex written instructions. Follow and interpret complex oral instructions. Communicate effectively verbally and in writing Prepare and maintain complex records and reports Interpret legal documents evaluating content and authority. Establish and maintain effective inter-intra division relationships. Adjust personal time schedules to accomplish multiple tasks. Ability to compile and submit monthly reports and perpetual inventory logs. Operate automated warehouse equipment, i.e. hand held bar code scanners, forklift, labeling equipment, and delivery vehicles
Must have skills in the following areas: Using a computer, typewriter, calculator and other office equipment Operation and navigation of the Sheriff's Office Records Management System (RMS) and Property & Evidence tracking system Use of Salt Lake County Jail Track System Use of State computer programs Use of Courts computer system Use of State Unclaimed Funds Reporting System (UUPARS) Use of large delivery type vehicles up to 2-tons Confidentiality Research and navigate File Net and PIMS
Must have ability and knowledge in the following duties: Maintains strict evidence room security. Allows only authorized personnel into evidence room as defined by UPD policy and procedures, division policies and evidence supervisor directives. Accompanies all personnel from other division or agencies when authorized to enter evidence room Will obtain and maintain a county defensive driving certificate by attending the county defensive driving program. Will maintain a good driving record by observing all local and state traffic ordinances. Will maintain and observe all UPD security policies by becoming familiar with UPD policies and procedures as well as Division policies. Will provide technical guidance and training to alternative evidence custodians or other law enforcement officials, ensure all new investigators/officers/correctional officers are trained in seizure and protection of evidence and found property items associated with the evidence chain of custody. Train subordinates, officers and correctional officers concerning the implementation and communication of the hazardous materials act, using the MSDS manual and proper protective clothing currently issued. Provide competent witness testimony in U.S. District, State and Local Courts. Testifies in court when subpoenaed. Accountable for security and integrity of Evidence room. Follow strict departmental procedures on evidence storage and disposition. Photograph evidence and prepare related documents and information. Handles money, inventory and prepares proper paperwork to accompany all deposits. Audits evidentiary money on regular basis. Prepares money on UUPARS. Follow County policy and procedures. Submit to random drug screening. Be able to work any hours, days and shifts, including holidays. Be available for call-out. Possession of appropriate and valid driver's license. Maintain inventory on evidence vehicles and releasing vehicle when needed from secured location at an offsite location. Storing at a separate location and preparing explosive material for proper disposal

Responsibilities

Pick up and transport evidence from crime scenes to evidence warehouse while following strict chains of evidence and careful adherence to UPD policy and procedures, Utah State Criminal Code, and Division and Unit policies
Evaluate submitted evidence for proper packaging and markings
Verify item(s) with proper Property & Evidence Report forms
Enters property and evidence items into computer; prints and labels said items with tracking information
Sort and store evidence and other property in specified locations within secured building
Photograph evidence according to policy
Will be available for off-duty call-outs to respond to crime scenes or Evidence Warehouse to assist with evidence handling and processing
Release property and evidence to officers, rightful owners, finders and other law enforcement agencies
Receives requests for evidence status from Officers, attorneys, courts, victims, and survivors and releases only authorized information by using Utah Criminal Code, UPD Policy and Procedures, and Division Policy & Procedures
Monitors evidence signed out for investigative purposes and updates both paperwork as well as computers related to current disposition and custody
Answers telephone and directs calls or assists callers by applying business telephone etiquette and knowledge of personnel services/functions
Conduct periodic audits of property inventory
Answer and assist the general public with questions they may have or finding any property they are looking for
Interacting with other agencies that may have knowledge or possession of said property
Provides expert technical guidance and training to Officers on handling, preparing, and booking evidence
Explain evidence procedures and policies to officers, detectives, general public and other agencies as needed
Assist officers at crime scenes with handling evidence
Transport recovered and found property/bicycles
Maintains accurate evidence records by use of computer programs and hard filing system
Check NCIC and research to find an owner on all found bicycles and property with serial numbers
Return bicycles or property to verified owners or finder and prepare unclaimed item(s) for auction or bicycles to be donated to charities and other organizations when authorized after the 90 day waiting period
License bicycles when they are brought in by the general public and as found property
Enter and update bicycle license on the computer when sent in by county bicycle shops and filled out by UPD
Handles various cash amounts
Supervises, records all money and securities as well as conducting audits on a regular basis
Receives requests for evidence inspection and or release
Evaluates requests to determine if request is legal, authorized and submitted properly before allowing said inspection or release
Transport lab and hazardous materials
Organize and verify evidence to be submitted to State Crime Lab for analysis
Submit such evidence to the State Crime Lab using state computer programs
Transport and pick up evidence to and from State Crime Lab
After State Crime Lab analysis is complete, forwards copies of lab results to case agent
Interact with the public, officers and D.A.'s office regarding the disposition of property according to policies and procedures
Monitor and update evidence status by use of computers, release forms, court orders, etc
Coordinates and handles final disposition of evidence by destruction, sale or return to owner
Receives computer generated disposition forms, evaluates for accuracy and legitimacy for changes in evidence status
Contacts D.A. on each case by creating notices containing suspect and D.A. information, e-mailing said notices to D.A. in charge of each case on a regular basis
Contacts officer or detective in charge of each case signed for disposal from D.A. by creating notices containing suspect information and description of evidence and mailing said notices to officers or detectives on a regular basis
Receives notices from attorneys, deputies and detectives regarding update status on cases and attaching notices to proper paperwork when authorized to dispose of evidence
Updating cases on computer when authorized to hold evidence for an extended period of time or attaching notices to paperwork when authorized to return to owner
Upon receiving legal notice to release evidence, removes the item(s) from storage location, obtains necessary identification and signatures to release evidence, updates proper paperwork and computer
Upon receiving legal notice to destroy evidence, pulls from storage, marks and maintains accurate inventory of property being disposed
Transports items authorized for sale at auction to be legally sold for value, transports drug items to legal disposal facilities and assists with legal destruction
Maintains strict custody and control until properly disposed
Generates inventory lists of following items for disposal: Alcohol, drugs, guns, ammo, knives and auction items
Dispose of said items as well as bio hazardous material and securities by using UPD and Division policy and procedures
Assists in property acquisition, distribution, inventory, marking and preparation
Disseminates UPD property to authorized personnel
Create purchase order for UPD from property request forms, by use of computer software, evaluation of supplies and knowledge of UPD purchasing procedures
Maintain an adequate supply of office expendables by regular inventory of supply levels and making necessary orders
Receive delivered UPD property order
Evaluates and determines if delivered orders are complete and accurate
Issues necessary UPD equipment to authorized personnel, ensures property receipt issuance and required signatures
Prepare and deliver supplies that have been requisitioned by various divisions within UPD
Maintain regular deliveries to divisions that require weekly supplies
Purchases and distributes supply order for UPD
Ensures that UPD security is maintained and monitored at all times while both functioning at the warehouse and during deliveries at evidence warehouse and other UPD facilities