Evidence Technician

JOB
JOB SUMMARYPerforms a wide variety of specialized and technical non-sworn law enforcement duties in support of Detective Division operations and service including in the areas of evidence management procedures pertaining to control, auditing, and disposition of property in custody of the Riverton Police Department. Performs a variety of other non-sworn law enforcement, clerical, and administrative functions in support of Riverton Police Department services and activities not requiring peace officer status.

EXAMPLE OF DUTIES
EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN DUTIES: Assist agency-designated officers in the acquisition, documentation, processing, storage, and disposition of evidence and property from criminal and non-criminal investigations. Receive incoming physical evidence, property, and found or safekeeping items. Examine evidence containers for contents, hazards, and proper packaging; review submission forms for accuracy and completeness; and determine whether submissions comply with agency policies and procedures. Notify submitting officers and supervisors when items are improperly submitted or packaged and return items for correction when necessary.Record evidence and property information in the electronic records management system and maintain accurate property reports reflecting all actions associated with the item. Label evidence appropriately and maintain the legal chain of custody for all property and evidence. Determine appropriate storage locations for both short- and long-term retention and ensure proper security and confidentiality of evidence and case information.Maintain responsibility for the secure storage, tracking, and disposition of evidentiary and custodial property, including cash submitted as evidence, safekeeping property, or found property. Process and maintain accurate records for cash deposits and release of funds to rightful owners. Maintain property reports and documentation reflecting all actions taken regarding evidence or property items.Conduct routine audits, inspections, and inventories of the property and evidence system to ensure compliance with departmental procedures and legal requirements. Investigate and resolve discrepancies, including missing or improperly documented evidence or property. Perform regular inventory reduction reviews with investigative personnel to identify items eligible for release or disposal.Conduct case disposition research and analyze state and federal law, court orders, departmental policies, and statute of limitations governing evidence retention to determine appropriate disposition, including return to owner, destruction, abandonment, auction, donation, or other authorized release. Prepare documentation for final disposition of property and ensure items are held for legally required time periods prior to release or disposal. Coordinate the lawful disposal of unclaimed property and special handling or destruction of narcotics, firearms, explosives, and biohazardous materials.Notify property owners when items are eligible for return and assist citizens in retrieving personal property and evidence items. Confirm eligibility to possess firearms, when necessary, by performing appropriate background checks.Assist agency-designated officers with the execution of search warrants, crime scene processing, and field evidence collection. Document, identify, and preserve evidence in accordance with departmental procedures to ensure the integrity of the chain of custody.Photograph scenes and evidence, create detailed diagrams, document observations, and maintain investigative notes. Collect, itemize, and document evidence with detailed descriptions and properly package items according to policy for preservation and transport. Lift fingerprints and collect other forensic evidence as required.Transport collected evidence to laboratories, evidence storage facilities, or patrol offices as necessary. Attend autopsies when required to collect evidence and fingerprint deceased individuals. Prepare and organize evidence for presentation as courtroom exhibits.ADMINISTRATIVE/CLERICAL DUTIES: Provide administrative and clerical support functions related to evidence management, criminal investigations, and records maintenance. Enter, update, track, and retrieve case information, property records, and judicial process documentation within departmental databases and records management systems. Maintain permanent case files and evidence documentation, including highly sensitive and confidential records and digital media.Prepare written reports, memorandums, and correspondence related to property and evidence handling. Compile statistical and activity data related to investigative and evidence functions and prepare reports, charts, or summaries for administrative purposes.Respond to requests from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, courts, and other authorized partners for reports, recordings, photographs, and other digital media. Facilitate evidence review or viewing for investigators, prosecutors, and authorized legal personnel. Assist the city’s Records Management Officer in responding to public records requests in accordance with Wyoming state statutes and federal law.Interpret and review law enforcement reports, crime laboratory reports, and other analytical information in support of investigative and court processes. Assist in preparing court documentation related to evidence disposition and case proceedings. Transcribe recorded interviews, statements, and investigative narratives as required.Answer routine inquiries from the public and other agencies, provide information regarding property and evidence procedures, and direct requests to appropriate personnel when necessary. Coordinate with court staff, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other judicial partners regarding evidence handling, documentation, and court proceedings. May testify, respond to questions, or present information in judicial proceedings.Maintain strict confidentiality regarding criminal investigations and sensitive information. Provide testimony in court regarding evidence handling, chain of custody, and related procedures. May be required to respond after hours for evidence intake or processing and must remain knowledgeable of applicable local, state, and federal laws governing evidence and property management.OTHER DUTIES MAY BE ASSIGNEDMay perform additional related duties as assigned to support the operations, goals, and mission of the department and the city.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENTPHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and sit for long periods, and use hands and fingers for extended periods of time.Occasional lifting of evidence, boxes, and other objects up to 25 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, the ability to adjust focus, and to withstand extended exposure to a computer screen.WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.May be required to wear a mask or respirator while working with hazardous evidence.GUIDELINESEmployees are required to follow the established guidelines of the City to include, but are not limited to, the employee handbook, safety policies and procedures, and departmental policies and procedures. These guidelines require judgment, selection, and interpretation in application. If applicable: This position helps develop division guidelines.The City of Riverton is an at-will employer. This means that either party – the employee or the employer – may end employment at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice. All the terms, conditions and benefits of employment with the City are subject to change at any time, with or without notice, at the discretion of the City.