Forensic Crime Scene & Evidence Technician

City of San Marcos; United States; On-site; USD 52,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of San Marcos Police Department is seeking a Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support investigations by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence. You will maintain chain of custody, ensure compliance, and provide documentation and testimony for court proceedings.

Key duties include scene processing, witnessing autopsies when needed, transporting evidence to labs, and supporting storage, audits, and destruction as required by law.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Sixty college hours in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• One 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

Regulations interpretation

Quality and precision

Verbal and written communication

Hazardous materials handling

On-call / varying hours

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Sixty college hours in Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Evidence management systems

Job description

The City of San Marcos Police Department is seeking a Crime Scene/Evidence Technician to support investigations by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence. You will maintain chain of custody, ensure compliance, and provide documentation and testimony for court proceedings.

Key duties include scene processing, witnessing autopsies when needed, transporting evidence to labs, and supporting storage, audits, and destruction as required by law.