CITY OF SOUTH SALT LAKE
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Position Description: Evidence/Crime Scene Technician
Department: Police
Position Grade: 19
Supervisor: Police Lieutenant
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Revision date: June 2024
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POSITION SUMMARY
The Evidence Technician works under the direction of a Police Department Lieutenant; performs routine clerical, administrative work, assists with booking, transporting and disposing of property and/or evidence and crime scene processing functions in support of law enforcement activities.
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ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES
1. Accepts, records and maintains record system of all physical evidence taken into custody by Police and Fire departments
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Processes, seizes, and retains custody of all evidence from a crime scene
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Transports evidence for examination to Utah State Crime Laboratory while maintaining integrity and chain of custody
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Disposes of evidence by return to owner, destruction or auction, upon case clearance, in accordance with state and local rules and regulations regarding property disposition
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Verifies that property/evidence booked has been accurately recorded in the report management system
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Compiles and maintains accurate records of all property transfers, releases and dispositions
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Prepares and transports evidence to various laboratories and organizations as requested by Police Lieutenant and/or officers
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Assists detectives on major cases by gathering, packaging, labeling, documenting and booking property and/or evidence
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Responds to court subpoenas to give courtroom testimony concerning evidence and chain of custody
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Oversees inventory of various property/evidence supplies
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Conducts training of new employees and other police department employees as needed; provides demonstrations to outside entities as requested
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Accountable for security and integrity of evidence room
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Provides monthly reports concerning different aspects of the property/evidence room function
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This position is required to be on call, typically two weeks per month including holidays and weekends.
2. Crime Scene Response and Processing
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Collect, preserve, and analyze evidence from a crime scene, including fingerprints, footwear and tire impressions and bodily fluids
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Record observations of the crime scene with photographs, video and sketches
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Catalog and preserve evidence for transfer to crime labs
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Presumptive drug testing
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Test firing guns for entry into NIBIN
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Serial number restoration
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Cell phone downloads
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES MAY INCLUDE
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Consult with experts in specialized forensic science fields as needed
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Prepare and explain detailed reports that explain findings and investigation methods
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Testify about findings and methods in court as needed
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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND CERTIFICATIONS
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Graduation from high school or GED equivalent and two years related experience, or any equivalent combination of related education and experience.
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Must possess a valid state driver's license or can obtain one prior to employment.
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
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Knowledge of law enforcement principles, procedures and techniques; knowledge of evidence maintenance and disposition practices.
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Skill in word processing, office machine usage, and the operation of micro computers
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Ability to learn applicable laws, ordinances and department rules and regulations
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Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing
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Ability to effectively deal with people in sometimes difficult situations.