CITY OF OLYMPIA CLASS SPECIFICATION EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN
DATE PREPARED JOB CODE
9/10/86 1355
SALARY RANGE FLSA STATUS REVISED POSITION DESCRIPTION
648 COVERED 7/97
Function: Under general supervision, controls crime scenes, photographs, collects, processes and preserves evidence for the Olympia Police Department. Essential Function: The information contained in this classification specification is a representative sample of essential and other functions performed in this classification. Specific essential functions are identified for position recruitment or other administrative procedures. Examples of Duties: Responds to crime scenes to photograph, collect and process evidence. Prepares evidence for lab work and court. Attempts to match items of evidence to a suspect. Attends autopsies to photograph and collect evidence. Trains officers in the handling and processing of evidence. Processes, logs and stores evidence collected by Police personnel. Works with the municipal, district and superior courts in keeping the chain of possession of all evidence. Disposes of all evidence at the completion of legal proceedings. Attempts to locate the owners of found property that is to be returned at the completion of legal proceedings. Destroys evidence at the end of legal proceedings when appropriate. Assists in auctioning items which have been released for auction. Tests drugs and prepares reports and records on test results. Testifies in court on the results of drug testing. Administer subpoenas, protection orders and no contract orders ordered by the court. Operates a personal computer, AS400 software, and associated equipment and procedures to maintain records and prepare reports. Contacts: The Evidence Technician is in frequent contact with Police Officers, other Police Department employees, court personnel, the Washington State Crime Lab, BCI, the Coroners Office, and the general public. Also, is responsible for coordinating the processing of evidence among a number of parties. Supervision: None. Accountability: The Evidence technician is accountable to the assigned commander for insuring that evidence is correctly collected and preserved, and that once in possession the chain of custody is not broken on evidence that is being held pending trial. At any given time the Evidence Technician is responsible for in excess of 3000 items of evidence. The employee is responsible for insuring drug testing is correctly conducted and for accurate documentation and testimony of results. Working Conditions: The Evidence Technician processes crime scenes in the field where they occur, working from the department's crime scene van. A high level of concentration is required for the painstaking task of collecting and preserving evidence. Stress associated with the close concentration and consequence of damaging evidence which is critical to successful prosecution of criminal cases is a factor of the job which must be recognized and effectively managed. The job involves the use of chemicals, and caution must be exercised to avoid chemical related illness and injury. Effective administration of evidence and property room requires work in crowded conditions, occasional lifting, and the use of ladders to reach upper shelving. An Evidence Technician may work overtime, evenings, weekends, holidays, or be called in at short notice for evidence collection as required.
EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN Page 2 QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES Knowledge/Skills/Abilities: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Knowledge of Local, State and Federal laws, and court decisions pertaining to the collection, preservation and use of evidence. Knowledge of the techniques and procedures used in the collection, preservation and testing of evidence. Knowledge of drug testing techniques and procedures. Knowledge of fingerprint classification and identification practices. Knowledge of WASIC and NCIC Teletype protocol. Knowledge of safety precautions required when working with the chemicals commonly used in collecting, preserving and testing evidence. Knowledge of effective training techniques. Skill in the use of cameras and other photographic and video equipment. Skill in the application of lab techniques. Ability to control a crime scene for the most effective collection of evidence. Ability to instruct Police Officers in the collection and preservation of evidence at crime scenes. Ability to analyze findings, identify trends, and relate evidence with on going investigations. Ability to work as a team member with officers investigating crimes. Ability to operate personal computer/AS400 for record keeping and report preparation. Ability to learn, remember, use, and apply complex computer software operating procedures and methods. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Officers, court personnel, and general public. Ability to communicate effectively as a speaker and in writing. Ability to work as a member of a customer service oriented team.
Experience/Education: At least two years of experience in evidence collection and preservation is required. A two year college degree in Criminal Justice or a closely related field is desirable. Special Requirements: Possession of a valid Washington State Drivers License is required. Applicants must be at least 21 years of age at the time of appointment. Candidate must successfully complete criminal history background check, psychological examination, and polygraph examination prior to employment.