Evidence Technician

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

Job summary

City of Bloomington, IL is seeking an Evidence Technician to support the Police Department by maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of all property and evidence. Under supervision of the Property and Records Manager, you will handle storage, processing, and disposal as appropriate, while ensuring compliance with laws.

The role requires attention to detail, confidentiality, and knowledge of records management.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent is required.
• College coursework in criminal justice or evidence management is preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• Possession of or ability to obtain LEADS certification.

Responsibilities

• Maintain chain of custody for evidence and property.
• Receive, store, and when appropriate dispose of property per law.
• Prepare evidence for audits and court proceedings.
• Assist with FOIA responses as needed.
• Ensure compliance with records management policies.

Skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Confidentiality

Documentation

Communicate clearly

Multitask

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Criminal justice coursework

Evidence management training

LEADS certification (license)

Job description

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.

Examples of Duties

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.

Typical Qualifications

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 or 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

Certificates And Licenses

• Possession of or ability to obtain LEADS certification.

Physical Requirements/Working Conditions

• 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.

Supplemental Information

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

Benefits

Our employees are our greatest asset and reason for our success. As a full-time Classified/non-union employee, you will receive a Total Compensation package including healthcare/wellness benefits, paid time off (PTO), insurance and retirement. Details below:

Healthcare/Wellness

• Medical - choice between a lower deductible PPO, an HSA-compatible PPO, and an HMO
• All plans administered by BCBS
• 75% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s). Working spouse exclusion applies, however, to the Medical Plan
• Dental - PPO
• Administered by BCBS
• 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Vision - PPO
• Administered by VSP
• 50% employer subsidy provided, for employee and any covered dependent(s)
• Medical and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Extensive Wellness program, including an annual Health Club Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – for assistance with work, health & life topics such as overall wellbeing, relationship management, workplace challenges, addiction, child/elder care resources, legal advice, financial guidance, nutrition & physical health

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 2 weeks vacation, provided on your start date
• 3 weeks provided 1-4 years
• 4 weeks provided 5-15 years
• 4 weeks and 1 day provided 16 years
• 4 weeks and 2 days provided 17 years
• 4 weeks and 3 days provided 18 years
• 4 weeks and 4 days provided 19 years
• 5 weeks provided 20+ years
• 12.5 paid holidays each year
• New Year’s Day
• Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• Good Friday
• Memorial Day
• Juneteenth
• 4th of July
• Labor Day
• Veterans Day
• Thanksgiving
• Day After Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
• New Year’s Eve (1/2 day)
• 2 personal days provided each year
• Opportunity to earn a Wellness Day each year
• 1 sick day earned each month, up to a maximum bank of 60 days

Insurance

• $50,000 Employer-provided benefit
• Voluntary Life Insurance buy-up

Retirement

• Automatic enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) Pension – benefit details can be found here
• Voluntary retirement options available:
• 457 Account (similar to a 401k)
• Roth IRA
• Additional Voluntary After-Tax Contribution (VAC) plan via IMRF

Salary Range

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

01

Do you have any knowledge or experience in Criminal Justice or Criminal Law?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have any experience with evidence?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a LEADS certification?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question