Evidence Technician

The purpose of this position is to perform a variety of technical tasks related to gathering, storing, processing and ultimately disposing of property and evidence. Maintain related records. Provide testimony during court proceedings as necessary.

Position Status: This is a full-time, regular, non-exempt position.

Work Schedule: The schedule for this position is M-F, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

Union Status: This position is covered by the provisions of an agreement between the City and the OPEIU. Regular employees in this positon are required to pay union dues.

Application Process:

• Complete the entire job applications and answer supplemental questions.
• Attach required documents, if applicable.
• Submit your application before the due date and time.
• Receive confirmation email. If you do not receive a confirmation email following submission, check your junk/spam mail. Contact HR Assistant Megan Mairs at megan.mairs@cityofvancouver.us or (360) 487-8402 immediately.

The candidate list may be used to fill future vacancies.

Your application may be rejected as incomplete if you do not include the relevant information in the online application and include the information only on the resume. Applications and/or Supplemental Questions that state “see my resume” or “see my personnel file” are considered incomplete and will not be accepted. Cover letters and/or optional resumes are not accepted in lieu of a completed application.

Functions

• Enter, maintain, and release property and evidence for the Police Department; assist other staff in receiving and storing all property booked in by police officers and police service technicians; provide security for evidence chain inside and outside evidence room; monitors custody of evidence and maintains related records.
• Dispose of property from property system in accordance with applicable laws including auction, conversion and destruction; determine ownership of found or unclaimed property when possible.
• Input various detailed records; maintain of accurate and detailed data, verifying accuracy of information and updating information. Prepare reports to document activities.
• Provide information and assistance to police officers, attorneys, and citizens regarding status of case evidence. Provide training to department personnel regarding evidence and related investigative techniques.
• Prepare evidence and present testimony in court regarding the maintenance and processing of evidence and test results and findings.
• Perform basic tests to identify various types of substances including identification and testing of suspected illicit drugs; transport evidence to crime labs for testing.
• Maintain inventory of supplies needed for investigation, evidence analysis, and evidence and property control.
• Stay abreast of new policies and laws pertaining to property and evidence.
• Coordinate property and evidence functions with other law enforcement jurisdictions when required.
• Perform related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience

Experience:

• Two (2) years of responsible office experience or related experience in a warehouse or inventory control setting. Experience in a police department or other law enforcement setting preferred.

Education:

• Equivalent to a HS Diploma/GED
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.

Computer Skills:

• Basic skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.

Required Licenses and/or Certifications

Possession of:

• Appropriate, valid driver’s license

Knowledge

• Effective practices, methods and techniques for storing and recording criminal evidence and personal property
• Rules of evidence and applicable laws
• Fundamental principles of record keeping
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment
• Use of personal computers and basic software

Abilities

• Learn to collect, preserve, label, catalog and store evidentiary items for presentation in criminal proceedings
• Learn to use laboratory testing equipment commonly used in routine analysis of physical evidence
• Learn to interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations
• Present testimony in court as an expert witness
• Perform general clerical work including maintenance of appropriate records and compiling information for reports
• Lift and carry heavy objects
• Work independently with minimal supervision
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing
• Operate a personal computer and appropriate software
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Vancouver’s Operating Principles
• Work and act as a team player in all interactions with other City employees
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times
• Project and maintain a positive image with those contacted in the course of work
• Develop and maintain collaborative and respectful working relationships with team members and others
• Consistently provide quality service
• Maintain regular and dependable attendance