POLICE EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN

Receive, store and safeguard evidence of various categories including biohazard materials (blood, semen, fecal matter, chemicals, gas, oil, unknown substances) narcotics (methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, fentanyl), graphic material, firearms, currency, paraphernalia, bicycles, and various other items.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Retrieves evidence placed in temporary secured storage lockers, barcodes and scans each item, downloads into a data tracking system, and places items in a secure location. 
• Makes copies of each evidence sheet and files chronologically. Obtains signature for receipt of property. Returned items are scanned back in, and secured into evidence. 
• Logs out evidence to various labs as requested by the case detective or officer. Scans out items, properly packaged according to United States Postal Service regulations for registered mail, and delivers to the post office. 
• Documents and maintains the chain of custody procedures when handling all evidence. Obtains signatures from Officers/Detectives when retrieving/returning items for court or internal investigations upon case agent request. The chain of custody is kept by using the barcode system.
• Organizes lab appointments for the Department of Public Safety laboratories; documents and maintains the chain of custody procedures when sending items to/from the lab. Assures all paperwork is done properly and uploaded to the correct systems. (Quetel/Spillman)
• Performs quarterly audits to include verification evidence is properly stored in correct locations. 
• Review and copy time-sensitive materials to include: videos, audio tapes, documents, and photographs as requested by IPRA Coordinator, public defenders, attorney offices, outsideagencies, courts, and the public. Participates in scheduled appointments with attorneys and public defenders to present and safeguard evidence. 
• Track all Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) kits using the Sexual Assault Kit Tracking website provided by the New Mexico Department of Public Safety. This ensures each evidence kit is processed in a time efficient manner. 
• Oversees the entire process of evidence/ property destruction which includes: Preparing reports for narcotic and firearm destructions, assisting with arrangements for time and location of disposal, ensuring security from transportation through destruction, and documenting witnesses of destruction.  
• Conducts extensive research pertaining to cases for destruction; provides New Mexico court documents of case findings, Triple I reports, firearm e-trace reports, and any additional information required. This research is continuous to ensure the evidence room does not become over crowded. 
• Contacts owners via certified mail once disposition is located and property can be released. 
• Initiates background checks on owners claiming firearms before releasing, determining if firearms may be released or placed on the destruct list. Places narcotics on destruct list once case is closed, forwards list to detectives for review and signature to ensure the case has not been re-filed. 
• Lists unclaimed property on the auction list, excluding firearms. Oversees the entire process of destruction which includes: 
• Preparing reports for narcotic and firearm destructions, assisting with arrangements for time and location of disposal, ensuring security from transportation through destruction, and documenting witnesses of destruction. 
• Documents and prepares evidence in order to receive a District Court destruction orders. 
• Makes copies of audiotapes and videotapes as requested by public defenders, agencies, courts, and defense attorneys.  
• Maintain a high level of quality assurance within the evidence room that can pass accreditation standards at anytime. 

Education and Experience:
Graduation from high school or GED equivalent required. Two years of increasingly responsible related experience preferred. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of Standard Microsoft Software.
Basic knowledge of laws and criminal procedures.
Ability to maintain confidentiality of matters related to the department at all times.
Ability to perform duties with a high degree of attention to detail with a high degree of accuracy.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police staff, Judicial staff, and general public.

LICENSING AND CERTIFICATIONS
Valid state issued driver’s license.
Ability to obtain International Association for Property and Evidence Certification within two years from date of hire. 

PHYSICAL 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 frequently required to sit, stand, talk and hear, use hands to finger, handle, or operate objects, tools, or control; reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell.
Deals with the highly potent/ deadly opioid fentanyl daily. This requires extreme caution to ensure an exposure does not occur.  
The employee must occasionally lift and/or move more than 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.

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 office/ warehouse environment is a high traffic area and is moderate to noisy.  
Frequent exposure to evidence that may contain sharp objects, biohazards and/or fungi. May be exposed to safety hazards, dangerous pathogens, and chemicals.

Salary : $21 - $24