Evidence Technician

City of Denton; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits

Job summary

The City of Denton is seeking an Evidence Custodian to handle processing, storage, security, and disposition of evidence and other property through the judicial process.

Responsible for maintaining accurate chain of custody, preparing evidence for labs, and ensuring compliance with federal/state/local laws. Requires strong records management, attention to detail, and the ability to work with sensitive information.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required; 2+ years related experience preferred.
• Or any combination of education/experience/certifications that enables performance of essential functions.
• Preference for bilingual Spanish/English and prior property/evidence experience.

Responsibilities

• Receives and processes evidence and property; makes accurate computer entries and barcode processing.
• Maintains chain of custody records from submission to final disposition.
• Ensures proper packaging and labeling of property; maintains organization of storage.
• Uses computer systems to identify disposition of cases and to locate victims/suspects.
• Performs disposal of property in accordance with laws and department policy.
• Maintains records and generates paperwork for lab submissions; facilitates transfer to labs.
• Releases property to required parties and documents the transaction.

Skills

Records management

Inventory control

Communication

Confidentiality

Computer literacy

Attention to detail

Teamwork

Problem solving

Education

High School diploma or GED

TCIC/TLETS Certification

TAPEIT Certification or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Summary

Responsible for administrative and technical duties associated with the processing, storage, security, control, preservation, and disposition of evidence and other property throughout the judicial process; and to ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding the storage and disposition of property and evidence.

Summary

Responsible for administrative and technical duties associated with the processing, storage, security, control, preservation, and disposition of evidence and other property throughout the judicial process; and to ensure compliance with all Federal, State, and local laws regarding the storage and disposition of property and evidence.

Essential Functions

Essential Functions and Other Important Duties

• Receives and processes evidence and property, make accurate computer entries, bar-code and process items for proper storage.
• Reviews property submission documentation for accuracy against submitted evidence. Documents and maintains accurate chain of custody records for all property or evidence in the custody of the evidence management unit from the initial submission through final disposition of the item.
• Ensures property and evidence is properly packaged and bar-coded utilizing established preservation techniques; organize and manage property locations for quick access and location identification.
• Uses a variety of computer systems, resource materials, and knowledge of laws to identify the disposition on cases, to find the identity and addresses of victims and suspects, and to determine the disposition of evidence in accordance with law.
• Disposes of property and evidence, utilizing established guidelines and laws, which includes performing applicable research. Handles drugs paraphernalia, biohazard items and firearms in accordance with department policy and in accordance with law.
• Maintains physical and electronics records including performing other related activities. Stores all processed evidence and property received following established procedures in accordance with applicable standards, best practices, and applicable laws.
• Prepares evidence for submittal and return to and from laboratories, which includes completing required lab submittal paperwork; locating and collecting paperwork and evidence being submitted to the lab; transporting items, completing chain of custody entries for evidence to preserve the integrity of the evidence.
• Records and distributes documentation to appropriate personnel and stakeholders; relocating evidence to proper storage location.
• Maintains the outside property cage, which includes keeping a running inventory of bikes and other property or evidence; organizing items to ensure timely disposal; creating applicable motions for Judge's signature; coordinating the disposal of bikes with applicable internal departments.
• Releases property to citizens, which includes validating that property is eligible for release; confirming the identity of parties retrieving property; locating and moving property for release; updating chain of custody showing release of property.
• Maintains chain of custody.
• May be asked to perform additional job duties that are directly, indirectly or completely unrelated to normal job functions in the course of special events.
• Appears in court to testify on the handling and chain of custody of evidence processed.
• Maintains the organization and cleanliness of all property facility storage areas to ensure timely access and location of property items.
• Handles and deposits currency following established procedures.
• Maintains regular and punctual on-site attendance

Additional Duties

• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements

Minimum Qualifications / Acceptable Equivalency

• High School diploma or GED equivalent and a minimum of 2 years related or similar experience

OR

• Any combination of related education, experience, certifications and licenses that will result in a candidate successfully performing the essential functions of the job

Core Competencies

• Ability to maintain positive, professional, and respectful working relationships with customers, coworkers, and other personnel.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate and complete records
• Ability to learn, interpret, and apply the policies, procedures, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to assigned programs and functions
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and technology
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information and data
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing
• Knowledge of the legal aspects of property management
• Ability to confidently apply problem-solving skills using deductive reasoning
• Ability to work well independently as well as in a team environment
• Ability to adapt to changing work conditions
• Skill in operating a motor vehicle safely
• Knowledge of records management and inventory control techniques

Preferences

• Bilingual in Spanish and English
• Experience with Microsoft Office suite of programs
• Previous property/evidence management or related experience
• Completion of Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) Property/Evidence Certification program, or equivalent.
• TCIC/TLETS Certification

Conditions of Employment

• Must have a valid Class “C” Driver License and valid state required minimum automobile liability insurance prior to employment (must obtain Texas Class “C” driver license and state required minimum automobile liability insurance within 90 days of hire per state law)
• Must possess or obtain and maintain a Property & Evidence Certification (Basic, Intermediate, or Advanced) from the Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians (TAPEIT) within one (1) year of employment
• Must pass a drug test, driver’s license check, criminal history background check, and social security number verification check
• Must meet the Denton Police Department’s Civilian Hiring Standards
• Due to the confidential nature of this position and its access to highly sensitive records and information an extensive background investigation will be conducted on those who are being considered for this position. Successful completion of this background investigation will be required to be eligible to advance in the recruitment process.
• The background investigation will include a review of an applicant's criminal, driving, employment and educational records. The background investigation will also include a credit check and verification of character references being conducted. Applicants who are selected as finalists will be required to complete a Personal History Statement packet. Incomplete packets will preclude the applicant from being considered for this position.
• Must pass a polygraph, psychological examination, and physical examination
• Must be able to work any and all shifts, including nights, weekends and holidays as work demands

Environmental Factors and Conditions/Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements

• Sedentary – lifting no more than 10 pounds
• Light – lifting no more than 20 pounds; carry up to 10 pounds
• Medium – lifting no more than 50 pounds, carry up to 25 pounds
• Heavy – lifting no more than 100 pounds, carry up to 50 pounds
• Very Heavy – lifting more than 100 pounds, carry more than 50 pounds

Codes For “how Often”

• Standing: M
• Sitting: M
• Walking: M
• Lifting: M
• Carrying: M
• Pushing/Pulling:I
• Overhead Work: M
• Fine Dexterity: A
• Kneeling:I
• Crouching:I
• Crawling: A
• Bending: I
• Twisting: M
• Climbing:M
• Balancing: Y
• Vision: E
• Hearing: E
• Talking: E
• Video Display: E
• Other:

Machines, Tools, Equipment And Work Aids

The essential functions of this position require the use of a computer and phone daily.

Environmental Factors

The essential functions of this position are performed inside throughout the work year.

This job description is not an employment agreement, contract agreement, or contract. Management has exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

ADA/EOE/ADEA

E-Verify

The City of Denton participates in the federal E-Verify program in order to verify a new employee's authorization to work in the United States. Applicants must be lawfully authorized to work in the U.S.

The City of Denton maintains competitive benefit options. Details are available here.

01 Do you believe you meet the minimum qualifications as outlined in the job description?

• Yes
• No

02 Which best describes your highest completed level of education?

• High School Diploma or GED
• Associate Degree or Technical Certification
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher
• None of the above

03 How many years of paid, professional-level experience do you have in this field?

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months to less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years to less than 5 years
• 5 years to less than 6 years
• 6 years to less than 7 years
• 7 years to less than 8 years
• 8 years to less than 9 years
• 9 years to less than 10 years
• 10 years or more

04 Please indicate the number of years cash-handling experience you have.

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year to less than 2 years
• 2 years to less than 3 years
• 3 years to less than 4 years
• 4 years or more
• Required Question