Forensic Evidence Technician - Evidence Control Unit

Commonwealth of Massachusetts • Sudbury, MA

17h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Massachusetts State Police Crime Laboratory (MSPCL) is seeking a Forensic Evidence Technician with our Evidence Control Unit. The incumbent of this position will be responsible for evidence control within the various crime laboratories and/or satellite sites of the crime laboratory system. The position ensures effective operations and compliance with applicable laboratory accreditation standards.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalency certificate from an accredited institution or governmental unit.
• A current and valid motor vehicle operator's license at a class level specific to assignment.
• Ability to obtain and renew a Massachusetts License to Carry a Firearm, including Class A Large Capacity Firearms.

Responsibilities

• Accession, receive, log, process, package, record, store, retrieve, transport and otherwise handle forensic evidence submitted to the crime laboratory or satellite laboratories in conformance with established procedures for scientific analysis, including firearms, biohazard materials, toxic narcotic items, latent prints, items for fingerprint and footwear impressions, and volatile, flammable, incendiary and/or explosive materials.
• Transport of forensic evidence and other laboratory related items among nine laboratory locations throughout the Commonwealth according to a weekly unit schedule.
• Create assignments/requests for analysis based upon needs of submitting agency and laboratory policies.
• Itemizes items of forensic evidence in the laboratory information management systems and label accordingly.
• Ensure all damp or wet items of evidence are dried according to laboratory policies and protocols to ensure the integrity of evidence.
• Ensure all types of forensic evidence such as firearms, broken glass, syringes, malodorous materials, body parts, bodily fluids, photographs, caustic, toxic, carcinogenic and other hazardous substances and materials in conformance with all applicable policies, procedures and protocols for evidence control.
• Package, secure, and document all evidence containers per evidence control protocols, paying particular attention to victim-suspect evidence segregation.
• Ensure continuity in the chain of custody of forensic evidence by following applicable laboratory policies and procedures and maintaining data in appropriate tracking systems in order to accurately locate evidence in any stage of custody.
• Prepare receipts and pull evidence to be released to submitting agencies. Return evidence to the submitting agency after scientific analysis has been completed.
• Process evidence or other materials for disposal and conduct periodic evidence destruction per applicable evidence control standards.
• Monitor and track evidence as it is moved through a laboratory system for multiples examinations by scientific staff or through judicial / criminal justice proceedings.
• Maintain accountability for the evidence chain of custody by generating complete written and electronic documentation from initial intake to final disposition.
• Testify in court as needed regarding evidence control and work performed in relation to evidence control for specific cases.
• Respond to inquiries from law enforcement investigators or attorneys regarding the status or location of forensic evidence. Receive telephone and/ or written requests from law enforcement agencies for case information and handle them appropriately by answering questions, taking messages, and referring inquirers to correct parties or information sources.
• Receive visitors, including law enforcement officers, to central evidence control locations within a crime laboratory and route and direct them to appropriate parties. Provide technical assistance and advice to laboratory staff and other evidence control stakeholders in order to exchange information, resolve problems, and ensure compliance with established policies, procedures and standards for evidence control. Provide scientific personnel with information on cases to aid in forensic evidence analysis.
• Provide technical assistance and assist with the training of law enforcement officials and other requesting parties on the correct packaging, preserving, and submission of forensic evidence.
• Perform routine office support duties such as processing mail, typing letters and memorandum, photocopying, faxing, filing, participating in inventory counts, ordering unit supplies and materials, maintaining paperwork and assisting with special projects pertinent to evidence control as assigned. Complete data entry relative to evidence submissions and prepare related hard files and records.
• Perform related duties as required.

Benefits

• Outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package.
• A work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED