Evidence Technician - City of Belen

JOB SUMMARY:
Receives, catalogs, stores, and handles physical evidence obtained from crime scenes; maintains physical custody and disposes of evidence in accordance with established protocol, procedures, standards, and best practices. Maintains facilities and equipment, and orders and maintains supplies.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Accepts, processes, and secures evidence collected from crime scenes.
• Maintains database records to catalog the location, description, ownership, chain of custody,
• Coordinates the release, disposition, and destruction of evidence, and maintains appropriate transactional records.
• Tracks the movement and handling of evidence through the legal process.
• Prepares accurate property and evidence reports,
• Maintains records of evidence used in courts; ensures that evidence is returned and logged back into facility.
• Verifies proof of ownership of released property, and processes property releases upon court order or letter from the district attorney.
• Disposes of evidence and biohazardous materials, following established state, county and city policies and procedures.
• Prepares documentation and evidence for court, may be required to testify in court.
• Ensures evidence is sent or taken to crime lab for analysis.
• Prepares purchase requisitions, orders and maintains inventory of supplies and forms.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties, to include administrative clerical work as assigned.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws related to the entry, storage, transfer and disposal of evidence and property.
• Ability to make administrative/procedural decisions.
• Records maintenance skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to gather and analyze statistical data and generate reports.
• Database management skills.
• Knowledge of supplies, equipment, and/or services ordering and inventory control.
• Organizing and coordinating skills.
• Ability to create, compose, and edit written materials.
• Word processing and/or data entry skills.
• Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
• Ability to safeguard confidential information.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS;

• Highschool Diploma/GED required.
• Valid New Mexico driver's license.
• Must be certified by the International Association of Property and Evidence within one year of hire.
• Two (2) years of experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Completion of at least 60 college credit hours in a related field or discipline. (Preferred)

OTHER CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Specialized training may be required as necessary.
• Ability to perform essential functions and adapt to working conditions.
• No history or pattern of reckless driving, DWI/DUI or irresponsible driving in the last five years.
• Must be able to access CJIS systems.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work involves exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Requires handling of average-weight objects up to 50 pounds or some standing or walking.
• Work involves some exposure to extreme hazards or physical risks, which require following extensive safety precautions.