Evidence Technician I

Employment Type: 0 - Full-time Regular
Pay Range: $43,728.00 - 65,592.00
Location: Castle Rock, CO
Elected Office / Department: SHERIFF
Job Number: req947
Closing Date: 5/23/2023

GENERAL DUTIES:
Responsible for determining the retention or disposition of property and evidence being held by the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, as per retention policy and procedures.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: None. May help to orient new employees and/or act as a trainer to
fellow workers in specific areas.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Works under the general supervision of the crime lab manager or his/her
designee. Work is assigned daily and reviewed for accuracy and completeness.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Knowledge and operation of a variety of Department databases and equipment unique to evidence.
Uses the Evidence Unit database to generate lists of cases with upcoming expiration dates to determine eligibility for final disposition.
Determines appropriate retention schedule using disposition standards set by agency policy, state laws including statutes of limitations, and local policies including the judicial district of jurisdiction recommended retention guidelines.
Researches status of cases within the judicial system to ascertain retention appropriateness and eligibility for final disposition.
Serves as a liaison between the judicial district of jurisdiction and other law enforcement agencies to coordinate disposition in applicable cases.
Researches to determine the rightful owner of property, evidence, and found property; and sends notifications as required.
As necessary, confers with the Evidence Unit Supervisor or designee in the disposition of filed cases involving felonies, homicides, or sex offenses with indeterminate sentences. Confers with Evidence Unit Supervisor, designee, or case detective in unfiled cases involving felonies, homicides, or sex offenses with indeterminate sentences as necessary.
Coordinates with Evidence Unit to maintain the integrity of evidence database for property movement, the chain of custody, and final disposition.
Covers for Evidence Unit in limited duties as necessary.
Ability to learn applicable federal, state, and local criminal and civil laws, codes, and regulations; learn law enforcement, court systems, and criminal procedures relative to the processing, retention, and disposal of evidence; learn safety and security methods and practices involved in the handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money, and dangerous devices; maintain legible, complete, and accurate records and related documents; place property/evidence items and inventory documents in both ascending and descending numerical and/or alphanumerical order; devise and maintain storage, security, and accounting procedures for sensitive, valuable, and unusual supplies and equipment;
Other duties as assigned by supervisor.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:
High school graduate or GED. Possess and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
One-year experience in warehousing, inventory control, or an appropriately related field, preferably in a law enforcement and/or high-security environment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Department Policies and Procedures: Demonstrates a working knowledge of and compliance with all Douglas County Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures, and directives.

Mental/Emotional: Applies reason and logic rapidly in a legally correct manner when under physical, emotional, and intellectual stress. Comprehends and processes new information quickly and accurately, retains relevant information, remains calm, and effectively communicates under pressure and unusual circumstances.

Physical demands:
Possesses and maintains the ability to operate standard office machines, equipment, and utensils. This includes lifting and moving heavy or bulky items up to 25 pounds alone and up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Computer Skills: Must have basic user-level competency with Windows PC operating systems and comfortable knowledge and skills with Office 365 and like products. Must have at least basic typing skills.

Public Interaction: Able to communicate well with community members, law enforcement, fire service, and personnel from other agencies.

Decision-Making Skills: Ability to make quick and effective decisions.

Verbal Skills: Speaks English clearly and converses effectively with persons of divergent ethnic, cultural, and educational backgrounds. Projects voice clearly and forcefully when necessary while under personal stress.

Testimony: Must be able to provide credible testimony in a court of law or any other legal proceeding or investigation.

Writing Skills: Ability to complete incident reports, training courses, and public presentations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is generally confined to a standard office environment, with additional storage and utility-oriented facilities. Some exposure to inclement weather at crime scenes. Potential exposure to hazardous materials, chemicals, narcotics, and blood-borne pathogens, with safeguards provided.

INDEPENDENT JUDGMENT:
Work is performed independently. Must be able to use
individual judgment and problem-solving skills to accomplish goals and achieve desired
results. Assistance is available when needed from the Crime Lab Manager, Major Crimes Lieutenant, or the Investigations Division Captain.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

In the event of an emergency/disaster in or near the County, all County employees are expected to make every effort to be available to assist the County Manager, Elected/Appointed Officials and Department Directors to ensure the continued operation of any and all necessary County functions. This may mean being available to perform additional duties and hours beyond what is normally required. In the event that an exempt employee does work more than 40 hours a week in support of County operations during an emergency, such employee may receive overtime or other appropriate wage compensation in accordance with existing County policies or at the discretion of the County.