Evidence Technician - Supervising

To plan, organize, direct and supervise the collection, maintenance and preservation of evidence; in a non-sworn capacity, to perform field and laboratory photographic and technical evidence work; to maintain criminal identification records and evidence as part of the investigation and prosecution work of the Department; and to provide administrative support to management staff.

The Supervisor level recognizes positions that perform full, first-line supervisory responsibilities including planning, assigning and evaluating the work of subordinates and is responsible for a program area within a work unit or department.

Receives general direction from management staff or sworn administration personnel of the Sheriff's Department.

Exercises direct supervision over assigned Evidence Technician I/II staff.

• Recommend and assist in the implementation of unit goals and objectives; establish schedules and methods for the Evidence unit; draft for approval and implement policies and procedures.
• Plan, prioritize, assign, supervise and review the work of staff involved in the Evidence unit.
• Evaluate operations and activities of assigned responsibilities; recommend improvements and modifications; and prepare various reports on operations and activities.
• Supervise field forensic work under the direction of sworn staff; search for and collect physical evidence; photograph and video record crime scenes; make diagrams and log items collected from each location; process and send out blood and urine samples to be analyzed; conduct specialized tasks in photography, latent fingerprint development and other evidence collection as required.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for staff, materials and supplies as needed; monitor and control expenditures.  Supervise the preparation, identification, analysis and maintenance of assigned evidence and found property.
• Participate in the selection of staff; provide and coordinate staff training; recommend discipline.
• Identify and preserve evidence; make evidence available for viewing and courtroom presentations; book property into and out of evidence to preserve the chain of evidence; maintain evidence rooms and storage areas in an organized and orderly fashion; maintain detailed filing systems and records on all booked property; destroy and release property; inventory monies and narcotics; generate reports and assist other members of the Department with investigations as required.
• Classify and identify fingerprints; assist in identification matters with Federal, State and local authorities; prepare fingerprint displays for court; compare latent fingerprints to known and unknown suspects and victims; maintain and use files and computer systems in order to identify suspects; maintain and operate equipment for processing of fingerprints.
• Take official and personnel photographs for the purpose of identification and evidence; take photographs relating to evidence in support of criminal investigations in the field, at autopsies and in-house; enlarge crime scene photographs to be utilized as courtroom exhibits; maintain files of photographs.
• Cooperate and work closely with other law enforcement agencies in identification matters as required.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Instruct and assist officers in the proper use of photographic and fingerprint equipment.
• Prepare various written reports as necessary.
• Provide testimony in court as directed.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: Five years of increasingly responsible evidence collection experience with at least 3 years of experience performing duties similar to an Evidence Technician  II with Placer County, including one year of general lead or supervisory experience.

Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade.

License or Certificate:

• Must successfully complete the Property Management course within 12 months of hire.
• Must have satisfactorily completed Basic and Advanced Field Evidence Technician Course. 
• Possession of Crime Scene Investigations certificate.
• Must have satisfactorily completed the Latent Print Comparisons course.
• Must have satisfactorily completed the Advanced Latent Print Techniques course.
• May need to possess a valid driver’s license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.
   

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of evidence collection, analysis and management, in addition to advanced criminal identification techniques emphasizing photography and fingerprinting.
• Principles of supervision, training and performance evaluations.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Modern methods, practices and techniques of law enforcement work including knowledge of criminal investigation and crime scene analysis.
• Use of various electronic video equipment.
• Standard fingerprint classification methods, practices, records and equipment.
• Photography and the various methods of printing, developing and enlarging negatives to pictures.
• Mandates governing safety standards of handling, storage and disposal of hazardous and carcinogenic materials.
• Principles and practices of work safety, including the handling of urine and blood samples.
• Law enforcement report preparation.
• Principles of budget monitoring.

Ability to:

• Organize, implement and direct the Evidence Unit operations and activities.
• Supervise, train and evaluate assigned staff.
• Perform a variety of evidentiary collection methods and analyses, emphasizing photography and fingerprinting, including the performance of latent fingerprint comparisons and analysis; elementary laboratory developing, printing and enlarging of photographs for courtroom presentation; and more sophisticated field forensics.
• On a continuous basis observe, analyze and problem solve crime scenes; develop evidence to be processed; know, remember and understand the principles of evidence collection and analysis; identify, interpret, explain and enforce evidentiary and other law enforcement procedures; review and interpret case reports; and maintain awareness of safety at all times.
• On an intermittent basis sit, walk, stand, climb, kneel, bend and twist while inspecting crime scenes; write and use a keyboard to communicate; and occasionally lift heavy weight.
• Adapt, understand and apply emerging technologies with evidence collection and analysis.
• Operate equipment and materials used in photographic and fingerprint work and take photographs. 
• Develop and recommend policies and procedures related to assigned operation.
• Prepare clear and concise reports.
• Lift latent fingerprints and classify fingerprints accurately.
• Interpret and apply a variety of regulations and procedures dealing with criminal investigations.
• Maintain detailed records relating to evidence.
• Prepare and monitor a routine budget.
• Work under pressure.

Oral Examination (100%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

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