Evidence Technician

Arizona Department of Public Safety•Phoenix, AZ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking Evidence Technicians in the Phoenix area. Under general supervision, the Evidence Technician preserves the chain of custody and security of hazardous and non-hazardous evidence and non-evidentiary property received from law enforcement personnel. The role receives, logs, packages, stores, inventories, and issues materials, and assists with the release or disposal of adjudicated materials. It also releases and documents evidence for laboratory testing or court testimony and performs other duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification. Candidates must successfully complete the examination process, which includes a written examination weighted at 100% and a pass/fail physical lifting assessment. If a disability may require a reasonable accommodation, the candidate should notify Human Resources in writing before the test date. The position requires a valid Arizona driver's license, one year of qualifying stockroom, warehouse, public-contact, or law-enforcement-agency experience (or a combination totaling one year), and the ability to obtain and retain Terminal Operator Certification. Employees must provide a DNA sample for the staff database and be able to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, call-outs, and overtime. They must also be able to move packages weighing up to 50 pounds and perform work involving bending, stretching, stooping, reaching, climbing, unpleasant odors, and temperatures up to 120 degrees. Progression to the next pay level or step requires an overall performance rating of at least “Standard” in the last 12 months. The position is classified as non-exempt.

Requirements

At least one year of stockroom, warehouse, or public-contact experience; or one year working for a law enforcement agency; or a combination totaling one year.
Valid Arizona driver's license.
Ability to work irregular hours, holidays, weekends, call-outs, and overtime.
Ability to move packages weighing up to 50 pounds in compliance with OSHA regulations.
Ability to bend, stretch, stoop, reach, and climb stairs or stepladders.
Ability to perform tasks in areas with unpleasant odors and temperatures up to 120 degrees.
Must provide a DNA sample for the staff database.
Must successfully complete the examination process: written examination (100% weight) and physical assessment involving lifting (pass/fail).
Knowledge of basic principles of proper evidence storage, preservation, and disposal.
Skill in using computer keyboard devices for word processing and entering and retrieving information.
Ability to perform detailed work accurately; safeguard confidential or sensitive information; work independently with minimal supervision; and interpret, exchange, and act on written and oral information.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, analyze information and draw valid conclusions, use active listening, and exercise diplomacy in sensitive situations.
Ability to meet stringent deadlines and memorize and recall detailed information or number combinations.
Ability to operate standard office and technical equipment, including computers, typewriters, calculators, fax machines, telephone systems, copiers, televisions, VCRs, cameras, scales, and money-counting machines.
Ability to acquire and retain required Terminal Operator Certification and type at a speed necessary for adequate job performance.
Ability to conduct research and gather information and statistics for reports and administrative assignments, and speak before groups to explain DPS policies and procedures.
Ability to operate portable equipment such as battery chargers and air compressors, and moving equipment such as dollies, hand trucks, and forklifts.
Ability to develop feasible short- and long-range plans and goals for programs and projects.
Ability to perform basic crisis-management techniques for emergency situations.
Ability to learn applicable state and federal statutes, laws, regulations, and Supreme Court rules governing the function.
Progression to the next pay level or step requires an overall performance rating of at least “Standard” in the last 12 months.

Responsibilities

Receive, review, catalog, label, tag, mark, package, document, and store submitted property and evidence while safeguarding chain of custody.
Ensure hazardous-material evidence is properly handled, identified, contained, stored, transported, tested, and legally disposed of.
Evaluate adjudicated evidence and unclaimed property for legal disposal and disbursement; shred highly sensitive written material that is no longer essential.
Release evidentiary items to authorized law enforcement personnel.
Check work performed by the work unit as needed.
Review security controls and alarms at primary and alternative property and storage locations.
Answer inquiries and concerns.
Audit items against information in multi-agency computer information systems for stolen, wanted, or owner information.
Conduct bi-annual inventories of property and evidence warehouses to ensure safeguarding and accurate accounting of stored items.
Respond to call-outs.
Instruct law enforcement personnel, attorneys, and others on evidentiary property-control procedures.
Conduct needs assessments and update and implement guidelines, procedures, and formats to accommodate legislative changes affecting evidence or property submission and release.
Conduct compliance audits and site inspections, and assist with setting up and organizing satellite property units.
Testify in court when required by subpoena or represent the Department at public hearings and meetings.
Attend meetings, training classes, and conferences, and study updated reference materials to remain current on job-specific issues.
Perform other duties as assigned.