What are the responsibilities and job description for the Crime Scene/Evidence Technician position at San Marcos, TX?
JOB SUMMARY
The Crime Scene/Evidence Technician supports criminal investigations and evidence management by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Marshal’s Office. The role performs crime scene processing, maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence, ensures compliance with laws and departmental procedures, and provides documentation and testimony for court proceedings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent standing, sitting, walking, handling, and fine dexterity; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, and balancing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work involves exposure to crime scenes, firearms, edged weapons, hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and infectious diseases. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to health and safety protocols.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.
Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2026 11:59 PM Central
The Crime Scene/Evidence Technician supports criminal investigations and evidence management by collecting, analyzing, preserving, storing, and documenting physical evidence for the Police Department, Fire Department, and Marshal’s Office. The role performs crime scene processing, maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence, ensures compliance with laws and departmental procedures, and provides documentation and testimony for court proceedings.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
- Processes crime scenes by collecting, analyzing, photographing, and documenting physical and biological evidence, including impressions, trace materials, firearms, and wound patterns, using specialized forensic techniques.
- Documents scenes through sketches, scans, measurements, and detailed reports to support accurate reconstruction and court testimony.
- Attends autopsies as needed to collect, secure, and document evidence from the Medical Examiner’s Office.
- Determines appropriate forensic laboratory testing, prepares evidence for submission, and transports items to accredited labs and the District Attorney’s Office.
- Maintains the chain of custody for all property and evidence; manages intake, storage, tracking, release, and returns in compliance with laws and departmental policies.
- Collects SAFE kits from hospitals in accordance with Texas law.
- Processes digital and physical evidence requested by prosecutorial agencies.
- Reviews case files to identify evidence eligible for destruction and prepares property and evidence for destruction or disposal, including hazardous and biological materials.
- Supports evidence and property operations by organizing and maintaining storage areas, supplies, inventories, and evidence management systems, including annual audits.
- Assists with firearms-related evidence by supporting test-fires and preparing items for NIBIN submission.
- Supports investigative units during search warrants and specialized operations by processing scenes and handling evidence.
- Trains new Patrol Officers and Police Support Specialists in crime scene processing, evidence packaging, documentation, and submission procedures; provides refresher training as needed.
- Engages with the community through presentations related to crime scene and evidence procedures and supports public safety outreach efforts.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
- High school diploma or equivalent.
- Sixty (60) college hours in Criminal Justice or a related field.
- One (1) year of experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, forensics, evidence handling, or related public safety work; OR completion of formal training in forensics, evidence handling, or crime scene processing .
- Valid Texas driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain Property and Evidence Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
- Ability to obtain Crime Scene Technician Certification within 2 years of hire.
- Ability to work variable hours, respond to call-outs, and work in environments involving hazardous materials, biohazards, and crime scenes.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
- Three (3) years of experience as an evidence technician, crime scene technician, or in a related law enforcement field.
- Prior experience testifying in court or interacting with prosecutors.
- Experience with crime scene photography, fingerprinting, or evidence management systems.
- Bilingual in English/Spanish.
COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to read and interpret regulations, criminal codes, laboratory reports, and evidence documentation.
- Ability to maintain high levels of quality and precision in fast-paced or high-volume environments.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with law enforcement personnel, prosecutors, crime laboratories, vendors, and the public.
- Knowledge of proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous and biological materials.
- Ability to respond to varying work hours and on-call assignments.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds; frequent standing, sitting, walking, handling, and fine dexterity; occasional bending, kneeling, climbing, and balancing.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work involves exposure to crime scenes, firearms, edged weapons, hazardous chemicals, biological materials, and infectious diseases. This is a safety-sensitive position requiring adherence to health and safety protocols.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance. 2023 Benefits Guide
BENEFITS
Medical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- United Healthcare
- Choice Plus PPO Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
- Dental Plan
- Davis Vision Insurance
- Base Vision Plan
- Premium Vision Plan
- Laser Vision Correction discounts
- Texas MunicipalRetirement System (TMRS)
- Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- City paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long Term Disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Longevity Pay
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Activity Center Membership
- Direct Deposit
The City of San Marcos strives to provide employees with an opportunity for a flexible and positive work/life balance. Employees in eligible positions are offered remote telework options of up to two days per week or 40% of an employee's scheduled work hours. Remote telework eligibility will be determined by department directors to ensure the City provides quality services.
Closing Date/Time: 5/13/2026 11:59 PM Central