Police Crime Scene Unit Technician

Summary

Under close supervision, performs a wide variety of tasks associated with the collection, processing, tracking, handling, and safekeeping of crime scene evidence for the Odessa Police Department (OPD); performs duties in compliance with state laws and OPD policies.

Essential Functions

• Responds to crime scenes as directed, and assists OPD officers with investigations by processing the crime scene for evidence; collects and preserves crime scene and accident scene evidence to aid in the prosecution of criminals and crimes; performs work in compliance with state laws, City policies, and OPD quality standards; duties may vary according to job assignment and training.
• Collects, preserves, logs, and secures evidence as directed by officers and investigators; documents all handling of evidence and property; maintains activity logs and generates reports as needed.
• Assists with the identification of evidence at crime scenes, and mapping of the crime scene.
• Assists with documenting crime scenes by taking photos and video as directed by OPD Officers and other law enforcement agencies; responds to requests for photographs and videos.
• Receives property and evidence from law enforcement officers; documents receipt of items; maintains the chain of custody from intake to disposition.
• Collects fingerprint evidence and enters information into Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Creates case notes and narrative summaries; maintains logs of services, cases, and information requests; requests additional information from OPD sources in order to supplement case notes.
• Assists and coordinates with other emergency services personnel, outside organizations and businesses, and Federal, state and local law enforcement organizations.
• Maintains the absolute confidentiality of all records and information.
• Supports the departmental operations with regular and timely attendance.
• Supports the relationship between the City of Odessa and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with visitors and City staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and City information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma or GED required; one year of computer experience desired. Successful completion of a background investigation and polygraph is required.

Knowledge Of

• Rules for collecting, preserving, processing, and securing physical evidence.
• Federal and state laws governing the entry, storage, and transfer of evidence and property.
• State and Federal laws, regulations, and statutes governing management of property and evidence.
• Principles and practices of photographing and documenting crime scenes.
• Police radio, dispatch, and communication protocols and procedures.
• Principles of record keeping and confidential records management.
• Geography, roads, and landmarks of City and surrounding areas.

Skill In

• Packaging and organizing numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for storage and retrieval.
• Carefully collecting, processing, and preserving crime scene evidence.
• Closely following verbal and written instructions.
• Operating a personal computer utilizing standard and specialized software.
• Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

License and Certification Requirements

A valid Texas State Driver's License is required. Certification for access to Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) from Texas Department of Public Safety may be required; additional technical training and certifications may also be required for some incumbents.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, and sit.
• Occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Work on slippery and uneven surfaces and exposed to loud noise, odors, and dirt.
• Exposure to indoor, outdoor weather conditions and exposed to hazardous chemicals or communicable diseases while attending to crime scenes.
• Specific vision abilities required include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Must be on-call 24 hours, seven days a week including holidays.
• Work is performed in a standard office environment and at City facilities; requires moderate physical efforts, may be exposed to safety hazards and dangerous tools and equipment; safety precautions must be followed, including use of safety equipment.