Crime Scene/Evidence Technician

City of San Marcos, Texas; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

City of San Marcos, Texas seeks a dedicated Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support investigations by collecting, preserving, and documenting physical evidence for police, fire, and marshal’s offices. The role includes scene processing, custody management, and court testimony.

Responsibilities encompass documenting scenes, transporting items for lab submission, and maintaining evidence storage with annual audits.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 60 college hours in Criminal Justice or 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Reading regulations

Attention to detail

Public safety liaison

Bilingual English/Spanish

Education

60 college hours in Criminal Justice or related field

Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Evidence management systems

Forensic photography (basics)

NIBIN submission awareness

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.