Evidence Technician

St. George, City of•St. George, UT

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Administrative Services Sergeant, the Evidence Technician operates and maintains the Police Department’s evidence room. The role receives, documents, stores, safeguards, releases, tests, transfers, and disposes of property and evidence while preserving chain of custody and complying with applicable laws, court requirements, departmental policies, and records-retention requirements. The technician evaluates evidence-room processes and recommends improvements and best practices. The position also performs related records, clerical, and administrative work; supports evidence processing at crime scenes when assigned and appropriately trained; conducts approved presumptive controlled-substance testing within authorized limits; and may testify in court when subpoenaed. The technician provides guidance to department personnel on evidence procedures and responds to inquiries from department staff, prosecutors, courts, property owners, and the public. Work involves handling potentially hazardous or sensitive materials, including biological materials, bodily fluids, firearms, ammunition, controlled substances, and sharp objects. The employee must follow safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment. Hours may vary and may include evenings, weekends, holidays, or other nontraditional schedules as operational needs require.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Valid driver's license at hire and a valid Utah driver's license within the timeframe required by Utah law and City policy.
Must be able to obtain Utah Marijuana Leaf Identification Technician certification once employed.
Must be able to complete approved property and evidence management training once employed.
Must successfully complete a comprehensive pre-employment background investigation and meet applicable City, Police Department, UCJIS/CJIS, and criminal-justice information access requirements, including required screening.
Background investigation includes criminal history review, prior employment verification, personal reference checks, social media review, lie detection testing, and drug screening.
Ability to accurately enter, retrieve, reconcile, and manage detailed records in computerized systems.
Ability to follow written procedures, exercise sound judgment, organize large volumes of property and evidence accurately and securely, and maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, verbally and in writing, and establish effective working relationships with department personnel, prosecutors, court staff, laboratories, elected officials, other law enforcement agencies, and the public.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team, multitask, and prioritize competing demands in a high-accountability environment.
High standards of honesty, integrity, impartiality, accountability, and ethics; ability to take initiative and prioritize activities effectively.
Strong interpersonal, organizational, and multitasking skills, and the ability to carry out varied procedures developed through training and experience.
Ability to apply workplace safety protocols and properly use personal protective equipment.
Ability to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds and use proper tools, equipment, and techniques to occasionally move objects exceeding 50 pounds.
Ability to safely operate a motor vehicle in compliance with federal and state laws and City/department policy.
Ability to obtain and maintain required certifications, training, or approvals related to evidence handling, UCJIS criminal justice information security, drug testing, and other state or federal databases or systems as needed.

Nice To Haves

Prior employment with a law enforcement agency.
A degree in a field associated with the position.
Prior experience managing large inventory systems.
Experience supervising or managing personnel and/or processes.
Non-sworn experience in records management, law enforcement support, or evidence handling.
Certification as a Utah Marijuana Leaf Identification Technician.
Formal training or certification in evidence management.
Knowledge of Utah criminal justice procedures, court processes, and public records requirements.
Knowledge of evidence handling and packaging best practices, chain-of-custody requirements, and secure property control practices.
Knowledge of department policies and procedures related to evidence handling and control.
Knowledge of current computer software applications, including Google Suite and Spillman RMS.
Knowledge of clerical and general office practices and standard office machines.
Bi- or multilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Receive, inspect, verify, and securely store property and evidence submitted to the Evidence Room.
Maintain accurate, complete, and timely evidence and property records, including chain-of-custody documentation in the records management system.
Maintain the cleanliness, organization, security, and operational readiness of evidence storage areas, lockers, and workspaces.
Track, document, and coordinate remediation of improperly submitted evidence.
Assist with random audits, inventories, and quality-control reviews of records, storage areas, and Evidence Room procedures.
Immediately document and report suspected security concerns, damaged packaging, compromised seals, missing items, or chain-of-custody discrepancies.
Document evidence transfers to authorized personnel and coordinate transportation or shipment to crime laboratories and authorized external agencies.
Research case status and retention requirements and obtain and document authorization before property or evidence is disposed of, released, transferred, or otherwise handled.
Coordinate and document lawful disposal, destruction, auction, release, or transfer of unclaimed, contraband, or court-authorized property and evidence.
Match found property with lost-property reports and make reasonable efforts to identify and notify owners.
Respond professionally to inquiries about evidence and property from department personnel, prosecutors, courts, property owners, and the public.
Train or guide department personnel on evidence submission, packaging, labeling, documentation, and chain-of-custody requirements.
Conduct approved presumptive testing and identification procedures for controlled substances within the scope of training, certification, policy, and legal authority.
Testify in court when subpoenaed based on prosecutorial needs.
Provide evidence processing, collection, packaging, and documentation support at crime scenes when assigned and within the scope of training and policy.
Operate computers and electronic equipment to prepare letters, reports, statements, memorandums, and other materials; assist staff with projects by locating, organizing, summarizing, and verifying information.
Perform clerical tasks such as photocopying, ordering office and packaging supplies, and arranging office or equipment repairs.
Maintain records in accordance with retention schedules, court orders, Utah Government Records Access and Management Act requirements, and departmental policy.
Perform other related duties as required.