Crime Scene/Evidence Technician

City of San Marcos, TX; Georgetown (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Marcos, TX seeks a Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support criminal investigations by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Marshal’s Office.

The role performs crime scene processing, maintains chain of custody, ensures compliance with laws and procedures, and provides documentation and testimony for court proceedings.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Sixty college hours in Criminal Justice or related field.
• One year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, evidence handling, or related public safety work; OR completion of formal training in forensics, evidence handling, or crime scene processing.

Responsibilities

• Process crime scenes by collecting, analyzing, photographing, and documenting evidence.
• Document scenes through sketches, scans, measurements, and detailed reports.
• Attend autopsies as needed to collect, secure, and document evidence.
• Determine appropriate forensic laboratory testing, prepare evidence for submission, and transport items to labs and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Maintain the chain of custody for all property and evidence; manage intake, storage, tracking, release, and returns.
• Collect SAFE kits from hospitals in accordance with Texas law.
• Process digital and physical evidence requested by prosecutorial agencies.
• Review case files to identify evidence eligible for destruction and prepare items for destruction or disposal.
• Support evidence and property operations by organizing storage areas, inventories, and audits.
• Assist with firearms-related evidence by supporting test-fires and preparing items for NIBIN submission.
• Support investigative units during search warrants and specialized operations by processing scenes and handling evidence.
• Train new officers in crime scene processing, evidence packaging, and submission procedures; provide refresher training.
• Engage with the community through presentations related to crime scene and evidence procedures and supports public safety outreach.

Skills

Forensic techniques

Evidence handling

Court testimony

Safety procedures

Communication skills

Regulations interpretation

Education

High school diploma

60 college hours in Criminal Justice

Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice

Job description

The Crime Scene/Evidence Technician supports criminal investigations and evidence management by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Marshal’s Office. The role performs crime scene processing, maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence, ensures compliance with laws and departmental procedures, and provides documentation and testimony for court proceedings.

The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.

• Processes crime scenes by collecting, analyzing, photographing, and documenting physical and biological evidence, including impressions, trace materials, firearms, and wound patterns, using specialized forensic techniques.
• Documents scenes through sketches, scans, measurements, and detailed reports to support accurate reconstruction and court testimony.
• Attends autopsies as needed to collect, secure, and document evidence from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Determines appropriate forensic laboratory testing, prepares evidence for submission, and transports items to accredited labs and the District Attorney’s Office.
• Maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence; manages intake, storage, tracking, release, and returns in compliance with laws and departmental policies.
• Collects SAFE kits from hospitals in accordance with Texas law.
• Processes digital and physical evidence requested by prosecutorial agencies.
• Reviews case files to identify evidence eligible for destruction and prepares property and evidence for destruction or disposal, including hazardous and biological materials.
• Supports evidence and property operations by organizing and maintaining storage areas, supplies, inventories, and evidence management systems, including annual audits.
• Assists with firearms-related evidence by supporting test-fires and preparing items for NIBIN submission.
• Supports investigative units during search warrants and specialized operations by processing scenes and handling evidence.
• Trains new Patrol Officers and Police Support Specialists in crime scene processing, evidence packaging, documentation, and submission procedures; provides refresher training as needed.
• Engages with the community through presentations related to crime scene and evidence procedures and supports public safety outreach efforts.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Sixty (60) college hours in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• One (1) year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, evidence handling, or related public safety work; OR completion of formal training in forensics, evidence handling, or crime scene processing.
• Valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to obtain Property and Evidence Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Ability to obtain Crime Scene Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
• Ability to work variable hours, respond to call-outs, and work in environments involving hazardous materials, biohazards, and crime scenes.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• Three (3) years of experience as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, or in a related law enforcement field.
• Prior experience testifying in court or interacting with prosecutors.
• Experience with crime scene photography, fingerprinting, or evidence management systems.
• Bilingual in English/Spanish.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to read and interpret regulations, criminal codes, laboratory reports, and evidence documentation.
• Ability to maintain high levels of quality and precision in fast-paced or high-volume environments.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, crime laboratories, vendors, and the public.
• Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and biological materials.
• Ability to respond to varying work hours and on-call assignments.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent standing, sitting, walking, handling, and fine dexterity; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, and balancing.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work involves exposure to crime scenes, firearms, edged weapons, hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and infectious diseases. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to health and safety protocols.