Evidence Control Specialist I (Austin Forensic Science)

About This Position

The Evidence Control Specialist position is a position within the Forensic Bureau. Evidence Specialist are responsible for the care, custody and control of all evidence and seized property collected by the Austin Police Department. Evidence Specialist collect evidence/property in person and from unmanned evidence submission points around Austin. Each item is inventoried, packaged and properly documented in electronic tracking as well as handwritten chains of custody. Evidence Specialist are also responsible for the proper storage of items, inventorying of items in long term storage as well at the transfer of custody of items being released for investigative purposes, court or laboratory analysis. Evidence Specialists provide court room testimony, response to request for service in the field, photograph property as needed and provide "on call" after hours support on a rotating basis. Evidence Specialist are also responsible for research of found/safekeeping property, providing customer service to internal/external customers in person, by phone and email as well as the final disposition of property including the release to owners, transfer to auction or destruction. The Evidence Section receives approximately 100,000 new items per year and currently maintains approximately one million items in inventory.

Job Description:

Evidence Control Specialist I

Purpose:

Under general direction, using independent judgment and knowledge, this position follows standardized industry principles, practices, and procedures for the care, custody, and control of property and evidence, including receiving, storing, or final disposition of property and evidence.

Duties, Functions and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• •Verifies packaging or packages of incoming items, including hazardous and bio-hazardous items.
• •Ensures accurate chain of custody and that accurate and current documentation exists in the records management system; provides care, custody, and control of items to ensure its integrity from receipt to final disposition.
• •Updates packaging manual annually and conducts training of sworn personnel in packaging, data entry, and special programs.
• •Maintains, investigates, resolves, and reports on lost/found property and property for safekeeping. Researches, locates, and returns property to appropriate personnel or rightful owners when legally (or by standard operating procedure) authorized to do so, or disposes of property in accordance with legal requirements.
• •Assigns lab numbers and storage locations to evidence or stored property. Performs evidence and inventory control management procedures. Develops evidence statistics and property record spreadsheets as needed.
• •Photographs evidence for police investigators or documentation purposes.
• •Transports evidence in a secure manner from collection points throughout the City to the evidence warehouse. Conducts routine and unplanned evidence transport to and from other law enforcement agencies, multiple judicial jurisdictions, outsourced forensic laboratories, and commercial shipping vendors.
• •Provides internal and external customer service by means of in-person contact, telephone, or email. Answers questions and resolves issues with other City employees, sworn staff, attorneys, and the public in a confidential manner.
• •Responds to after-hours service requests, building security issues, facility operational needs, and other emergency events.
• •Completes warehouse management activities in accordance with City, State, and Federal policies and procedures, industry best practices, and laws that govern evidence or property. Coordinates with Central Records on the expunction of property and records and complies with all other official court orders.
• •Operates City vehicles and warehouse equipment.
• •Testifies in court as a witness. Performs pretrial or on appeal requests for examination of property and evidence by counsel.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

None.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• •Knowledge of City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, and ordinances.
• •Knowledge of fundamental evidence control techniques, procedures, and systems.
• •Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• •Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• •Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• •Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• •Skill in oral and written communication.
• •Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• •Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• •Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• •Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of relevant experience in warehouse/inventory control.
• •Education may substitute for experience up to four (4) years.

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• •Valid Texas Class C Driver License.
• •Must be able to obtain Forklift Operator Certification within six (6) months of hire.

Preferred Qualifications:

• •Completion of a Basic Property/Evidence Technician training course from an accredited training program such as TAPEIT or TEEX.
• •Experience working in a law enforcement evidence room, forensic science setting, or commercial warehousing operation.
• •Experience working with Versadex Property Management System or other similar evidence management or asset tracking systems.

Notes to Candidate:

Work Location: 4708 E. MLK Jr. Blvd Austin 78721

Days and Hours: Shift work – varies. Work hours consist of 8-hour, 10-hour, and 12-hour shifts. Shift assignments and days off rotate and are varied to meet the needs of a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week operation in an emergency response environment. To be considered for this position, candidates must be available for various shifts and various days off. Weekend and holiday work are required.

Payrate: $24.19 - $27.94 per hour

City of Austin Application:

A complete and detailed City of Austin employment application is required to help us better evaluate your qualifications. For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications. Please be thorough in completing the employment application and list all experience and education that is relevant to this position. Starting salary will be based on overall relevant experience and education. Application must include job titles, job duties performed, full or part-time status. Your work history should include the duties you performed, any supervisory or lead responsibilities, and any equipment or computer software used.

A resume and cover letter must be submitted to be considered for this position but will not substitute for a complete employment application. Please verify the employment history dates on your resume exactly match your online application.

CBI:

Must pass a Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) fingerprint-based background check and maintain CJIS eligibility. Due to CJIS requirements related to system access, the following will result in being disqualified for this position: Felony Convictions, Felony Deferred Adjudication, Class A & B Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication, Class B Misdemeanor Convictions, an Open Arrest for Any Criminal Offense (Felony or Misdemeanor), and Family Violence Convictions. Please Click here to find more information.

Secondary Employment:

All Austin Police employees are prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an