Evidence Technician

Description / Position Overview

In this position you may be assigned to the CSPD (Colorado Springs Police Department) Impound Lot or the CSPD's Evidence Unit. In this position, you will collect/manage evidence, property, and items scheduled for destruction.

Essential Job Functions - the basic job duties an employee must be able to perform:

Evidence Unit Technician

• Retrieve and transport evidence, property, and items for destruction from/to all police divisions
• Verify barcode label information and evidence tracking system entry for each item during the evidence intake process
• Use mobile scanners to track all evidence and property in accurate storage locations; enter required data in the evidence tracking system; maintain all evidence and records for strict chain-of-custody accountability
• Identify proper storage locations for various types of items, including flammable lockers, refrigerators, freezers, firearms, and narcotics as well as general storage
• Store evidence and personal property in a manner that promotes item integrity and security; protect stored items against damage/deterioration/loss/tampering in a manner that poses no hazards to persons or cross-contamination with other objects
• Inspect and safely handle packaged firearms; verify serial numbers; ensure weapons are unloaded, made safe, properly marked and packaged
• Safely handle and store packaged narcotics
• Prepare homicide evidence items for proper storage and retention
• Answer phones and respond to emails; facilitate citizen appointments; provide requested information to internal and external customers as authorized
• Process owner notifications for property per laws and directives and prepare property for release; verify identity and/or proper documentation for release; document all transactions for property chain of custody
• Provide excellent customer service and remain calm in often tense situations
• Prepare and process items requested by officers, detectives, the Metro Crime Lab, District Attorney�??s Office, outside agencies and courts
• Assist with the destruction of contraband, firearms, and other items designated for destruction
• Prepare and transport evidence to and from CBI (Colorado Bureau of Investigations) and other laboratories or designated locations
• Perform disposition in strict accordance with local, state, and federal laws and established directives
• Operate all duties within established guidelines and safety requirements; identify any safety hazards and bring to the attention of the chain of command
• Participate in random audits and inspections ensuring items are accounted for and process are being followed
• Testify in court

Impound Lot Technician

• Verify vehicle impound report (car card) information and impound tracking system data for each item during the vehicle intake process
• Intake evidence and property (primarily impounded vehicles)
• Verify vehicle and case information and vehicle identification numbers for accuracy; utilize various databases for vehicle searches and entry
• Conduct vehicle inventory for safety of personnel and public; document vehicle/personal property damages and secure sensitive/valuable items
• Prepare and process paperwork required by law for impound notification, evidence notification, auction or release; verify validity of ownership documentation prior to release
• Scan/file documents per Colorado records retention guidelines
• Provide excellent customer service and remain calm in often tense situations
• Release evidence and property in strict accordance with local, state, and federal laws and established directives; legally dispose of unclaimed vehicles by facilitating impound auction processes
• Assist CSPD, outside agencies, municipal court, and various vendors (guard company, tow company, auction company) in a collaborative manner
• Research evidentiary release documents by reviewing case files, court notes, evidence retention laws and policies; coordinate with officers and the prosecuting agency to ensure appropriate authorization for release
• Maintain a safe and secure facility for the protection of employees, customers, and the public; escort all non-law enforcement personnel on lot, including tow truck drivers, citizens, and insurance appraisers
• Ability to learn to drive heavy equipment (front end loader) to move vehicles through proper training
• Collect fees from customers and process daily deposits and run financial reports as needed
• Provide support to outside agencies including local, state, and federal law enforcement personnel, fire departments, county coroner, and private tow and insurance companies

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate:
Knowledge of:

• Methods and techniques of filing and record-keeping
• Established safety procedures related to safe lifting, handling biological/blood contaminants, sharp objects, and firearms
• Basic police operations and protocol
• Principles and practices of property and evidence custody

Ability to:

• Provide excellent customer service in often tense situations
• Interpret and understand changing policies, procedures, and guidelines
• Conduct extensive research utilizing multiple databases and software systems
• Remain up-to-date on evidence handling practices and policies
• Maintain and update a variety of files and records
• Use modern office technology, including various supporting software and databases

Successful candidates will have

• A high school diploma or GED
• One year of full-time clerical or administrative support experience
• Possess, or obtain upon hire, and maintain a valid, non-probationary Colorado driver�??s license not subject to restriction related to alcohol and/or drug violations or pending charges
• Possess, or obtain within three months of hire, NCIC/CCIC (National Crime Information Center/Colorado Crime Information Center) certification
• Possess or obtain within three months of hire Department of Transportation Hazmat certification

One (1) year of the appropriate type and level of experience may be substituted for each required year of post-high school education.

Additional appropriate education may be substituted for the minimum experience requirements.

Ideal candidates will also have

• Experience working in law enforcement or other criminal justice setting
• Experience handling police evidence
• Critical thinking skills

Additional Information

The job offer will be contingent upon successful completion of a polygraph examination, extensive background check, and other pre-employment assessments.

Applicants that have used marijuana or CBD products within 3 months from the date of their application submission will not be eligible for hire. More information about the Colorado Springs Police Department�??s Marijuana Use Policy can be found here.

NOTE: This job announcement is not intended to include a complete listing of all responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities associated with the position.

The City of Colorado Springs offers additional compensation depending on the position, area of assignment, and specific job assignments, including shift differential, pay differential, acting or lead, special assignment, hazard pay, longevity, cell phone allowance, uniform allowance, relocation, awards, standby, call out, compensatory time off, tuition, overtime, extra duty, incentive, holiday premium, proficiency, and vacation sell back.

Physical Demands: The ability to lift up to 30 pounds overhead is required.

Environmental Conditions: Work is performed primarily in an office environment with some travel and possible exposure to extreme weather conditions, dust, noise, vibrations, and biohazards.

The City does not sponsor applicants for work visas. If hired, you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the United States.

Apply to Join Our Team

• 
  Please visit Colorado Springs Jobs and click on �??Apply for a City Career�?? > �??City Career Postings �?? Apply Now�?? button to complete an online application. All job applicants will need to create a new login and online application (unless you already have a NEOGOV/governmentjobs.com user ID and password).
• Completing your application in full, including the entire work experience section, will assist Human Resources (HR) in the applicant screening process. Your application may not be considered if all of the information requested for each employer you list is not provided.
• Our NEOGOV application system does not allow you to edit your application after it has been submitted for a position. If you want to make changes, you may submit another application prior to the position�??s closing date and time listed in the job posting. HR will review the last application you submit for a position.

The City's job classifications, including physical demands and descriptions, can be found on the website.

You can view the status of your application here.

To be notified of future career opportunities, go to coloradosprings.gov/jic