Evidence Technician

City of Bloomington Illinois; Bloomington (IL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Bloomington Illinois is seeking an Evidence Technician to maintain the integrity and chain of custody for police property and evidence. The role reports to the Property and Records Manager and may perform additional duties as assigned.

The position requires attention to detail, knowledge of laws related to retention, and the ability to handle sensitive information. The candidate will support audits, FOIA tasks, and property dispositions while maintaining confidentiality.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• College level coursework in criminal justice or related field, training in property and evidence management, knowledge of applicable laws related to property management.
• 1 year of experience in property and evidence management in a law enforcement agency or other records management environment is helpful.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Responsibilities

• Receives, maintains, and disposes of property and evidence as appropriate.
• Maintains chain of custody and adherence to laws.
• Complies with subpoenas and expungements.
• Maintains dialogue with the States Attorney’s Office to clear cases and release property.
• Provides advisory to police administrators on evidence and records matters.
• Keeps up to date on laws pertaining to evidence retention and local records act.
• Organizes special dispositions (auction, donations).
• Assists with evidence audits and weapon/drug destructions.
• Schedules and controls work related to evidentiary records under supervision.
• Makes recommendations on updated laws and retention schedules.
• Backups FOIA Specialist; reviews/ redacts FOIA responses.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organization and storage

Confidentiality

Processing information & evidence

Communication skills

Multitask & prioritize

Education

High school diploma

Criminal justice coursework

Property & evidence management training

Laws about property management

1 year experience in property & evidence management

Tools

LEADS certification

Criminal history databases

Word processing & spreadsheets

Job description

Performs duties under the general supervision of the Property and Records Manager. The Evidence Technician is responsible for maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of all property held by the Police Department.

This list may not include all tasks and/or knowledge which may be expected of the employee, nor does it cover all specific duties which may be required. Other duties may be assigned.

• Skilled in attention to detail and the organization and storage of property.
• Receives, maintains, and when appropriate, lawfully disposes of all property and evidence held by the Police Department.
• Complies with court ordered subpoenas and expungements.
• Maintains constant dialogue/contact with the States Attorney’s office to clear cases and release property.
• Provides professional advice to police administrators on matters related to evidence and records.
• Remains current on laws pertaining to State mandates for evidence retention and standards, as well as the Local Records Act.
• Organizes and correlates special dispositions, including property auctions and donations.
• Assists with evidence audits and the preparation of weapon and drug destructions.
• Under the direct supervision of the Property and Records Manager, schedules, assigns, and controls work related to the maintenance of evidentiary records and assures adherence to relevant legal standards for these records.
• Makes recommendations to the Property and Records Manager concerning updated laws and evidence retention schedules.
• Serve as backup to FOIA Specialist; reviewing and redacting FOIA responses and requests.

General Skill Levels

Ability to:

• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere completely to departmental policies.
• Apply technical skill in processing and handling information and evidence.
• Gain thorough knowledge of policies and procedures for control of evidence, criminal history, and records management.
• Utilize business English, spelling, punctuation, and arithmetic in everyday activities.
• Handle a variety of sensitive information and maintain confidentiality.
• Use complex criminal record databases and department-specific applications as well as word processing, spreadsheet, Internet and e-mail software and other applications as needed.
• Communicate technical information and instructions effectively, in both written and verbal presentations.
• Make administrative decisions based upon established precedent.
• Analyze and understand complex information, and to compile, organize and prepare regular and special reports.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other employees, City and community officials and the general public.
• Deal with public relations problems courteously and tactfully.
• Multitask, prioritize, and apply organizational skills with an attention to detail.

Required Education/Experience:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• College level course work in criminal justice or related field, training in property and evidence management,knowledge of applicable laws related to property management and storage or1-yearof experience in property and evidence management in a law enforcement agency or other records management environment is helpful
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted

Certificates and Licenses:

• Possession of or ability to obtain LEADS certification.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

• Work is performed in an office environment and requires some travel to local off-site locations some of which are out-of-doors or semi-sheltered. The physical demands on this position may include lifting, stooping, reaching, and manipulation of heavy objects held as property. Activities may take place in dusty, moist or humid conditions. Work is occasionally performed in fast paced, demanding and stressful situations.

Full Salary Range: $55,987 - $75,582

This position will require passing a Police background and polygraph as part of a conditional job offer.