Evidence Technician

Natchez; Natchez (MS); On-site; USD 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

The Natchez Police Department seeks an Evidence Technician to manage evidence and property from investigations. You will document, preserve, store securely, and maintain the chain of custody in accordance with laws and department policies.

Responsibilities include preparing evidence for court, releasing items to authorized personnel, and conducting audits to ensure compliance. Strong records management and confidentiality are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Valid Mississippi driver’s license.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inventory, catalog, and securely store evidence and property.
• Maintain accurate records of all evidence in the management system.
• Verify packaging, labeling, and documentation; monitor chain-of-custody records.
• Prepare evidence for court and testify when required.
• Conduct periodic inventories and ensure secure storage areas.

Skills

Evidence handling

Record keeping

Confidentiality

MS Office

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Evidence management software

Job description

Evidence Technician

The Evidence Technician is responsible for the documentation, preservation, storage, security, and disposition of physical evidence and property obtained during criminal investigations. This position ensures compliance with state laws, departmental policies, accreditation standards, and court requirements while maintaining the integrity of the chain of custody for all evidence and property held by the Natchez Police Department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Evidence and Property Management

• Receive, inventory, catalog, and securely store evidence and property submitted by department personnel.
• Maintain accurate records of all evidence and property within the evidence management system.
• Verify proper packaging, labeling, and documentation of evidence.
• Monitor and maintain chain-of-custody records.
• Conduct periodic audits and inventories of evidence and property rooms.
• Ensure evidence storage areas remain secure and organized.

Court and Legal Support

• Prepare evidence for court proceedings.
• Release evidence to authorized personnel, laboratories, prosecutors, and courts.
• Maintain documentation regarding evidence transfers and court dispositions.
• Testify in court regarding evidence handling procedures and chain-of-custody records when required.

Property Disposal

• Conduct lawful disposal, destruction, auction, or return of property and evidence in accordance with court orders, state law, and departmental policy.
• Maintain complete records of evidence disposition activities.
• Ensure narcotics, firearms, and other sensitive property are disposed of according to applicable legal requirements.

Records and Compliance

• Maintain departmental compliance with evidence handling standards.
• Prepare reports concerning evidence inventory, audits, and disposition activities.
• Assist with inspections, audits, and accreditation assessments.
• Recommend improvements to property and evidence management procedures.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of police evidence handling procedures and chain-of-custody requirements.
• Knowledge of criminal justice records management systems.
• Ability to maintain detailed and accurate records.
• Ability to organize and manage large quantities of evidence and property.
• Ability to understand and apply laws governing evidence retention and disposal.
• Ability to detect discrepancies in records and documentation.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding criminal investigations.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and evidence management software.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience in records management, evidence handling, law enforcement, forensic services, or related work preferred.
• Valid Mississippi driver's license.
• Ability to successfully pass a criminal background investigation.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift evidence and property items.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to work in evidence storage rooms and warehouse-type environments.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to handle firearms, narcotics packaging, documents, and electronic devices.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an office and secured evidence storage environment.
• Occasional exposure to hazardous materials, narcotics, biological evidence, firearms, and contaminated property.
• Use of personal protective equipment may be required.
• Occasional travel may be necessary for evidence transport, training, and court appearances.

Certifications and Training

The successful candidate may be required to complete:

• Mississippi law enforcement evidence management training.
• FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security Awareness Training.
• Chain of Custody and Evidence Handling Training.
• Hazardous Materials Awareness Training.
• Property and Evidence Management Certification through recognized professional organizations when available.

Salary Range

As established by the Natchez Police Department Annual Budget.

Essential Performance Standards

• Maintain the integrity and security of all evidence and property.
• Ensure complete and accurate chain-of-custody documentation.
• Follow departmental policies, state laws, and court directives.
• Demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and impartiality at all times.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding active criminal investigations and sensitive information.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The City of Natchez is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or other protected classifications under applicable law.

This description is written to align with evidence-room operations commonly found in Mississippi municipal police departments and can also be modified to include Crime Scene Technician responsibilities if you intend for the position to assist investigators with field evidence collection.