Evidence Technician I/II

General Recruitment Information Recruitments for County positions are typically conducted to establish eligibility lists to fill countywide vacancies that occur during the active status of those lists (approximately 3 -12 months).
Any person on a promotional eligibility list will be considered first by the hiring department(s) before persons on an open eligibility list.
The County of Lake only accepts applications for permanent positions when actively recruiting.
Only online applications are accepted.
It is the responsibility of each applicant to review the full job description and requirements.
The County is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer.
Veteran's Preference.
To apply for County examinations - All applications for County examinations must be submitted through the County's online application system.
A completed Supplemental Questionnaire must be submitted with each online application.
All permanent County recruitments will be posted at www.
co.
lake.
ca.
us with a link to the online application.
The County of Lake reserves the right to limit the number of applications that will be accepted for any open recruitment, and any such limit will be included on the job posting.
When a limit is posted, the recruitment is subject to close at any time prior to the final filing date.
Completed online application packets must be submitted by the close of business on the date that the recruitment closes.
All relevant experience must be included on the application to be considered – resumes and other attached documents will not be used to qualify an applicant.
Relevant experience and/or education may be substituted at a ratio of 2 to 1 for the purpose of meeting minimum qualifications and applicants should contact the Human Resources department for details.
Important Notice - The provisions listed on job postings, job descriptions, or other recruitment materials do not constitute an expressed or implied contract.
Benefits may vary between bargaining units.
Any provisions contained within job postings, job descriptions or other recruitment material may be modified or revoked without notice.
All County of Lake applicants who are given a conditional employment offer must comply with the County's pre-employment medical review program before they may be appointed to the County position.
Minimum Qualifications EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN I Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience in law enforcement support work or a closely related area in a position comparable to a Law Enforcement Records Technician II with the County of Lake.
OR At least five (5) years of experience providing office and administrative support or law enforcement work with at least one (1) year equivalent to a Law Enforcement Records Technician with the County of Lake.
Training in the operation and use of the CLETS terminal is required.
Experience that would provide a background in evidence gathering, preservation, and release work is strongly preferred.
The successful completion of POST training in evidence gathering, management, and disposition is highly desirable.
EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN II Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience in law enforcement support work or a closely related area that would provide background in evidence gathering, preservation, and release work in a classification comparable to that of an Evidence Technician I with the County of Lake.
Training in the operation and use of the CLETS terminal is required.
The successful completion of POST training in evidence gathering, management, and disposition is highly desirable.
Full Job Description EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN I DEFINITION Under direct supervision, learns and performs a variety of duties in the receipt, storage, release, and maintenance of property, evidence, and requisite control records; preserves the chain of custody for evidence; responsible for the safekeeping of property and evidence; issues, checks, and maintains inventory records of police property used by field staff; visits crime scenes and gathers and preserves evidence; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the entry and first working level in the Evidence Technician series.
Incumbents perform a variety of assignments in receiving, issuing, and maintaining control records for Sheriff’s Office evidence and property, such as drugs, cash, jewelry, weapons, and bio-hazardous materials (i.
e.
, syringes, bloody clothes, blood, and urine).
Incumbents may also be called to crime scenes for the gathering and preservation of evidence, as well as to testify in court regarding evidence collected.
The incumbent is expected to have basic knowledge of the policies, procedures, and special requirements of the Sheriff’s Office and the evidence unit.
This class is distinguished from Evidence Technician II in that the latter is more experienced and performs more complex duties, as well as provides lead direction, work coordination, and training.
Positions in the Evidence Technician series are flexibly staffed.
Incumbents may advance to the higher classifications after gaining the knowledge, skill, experience, licenses, and certifications which meet the qualifications for and demonstrating the ability to perform the work of the higher-level class.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.
Exercises no supervision over staff EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Learns to receive, store, and maintain the chain of custody for Sheriff’s Office evidence and the safekeeping of property.
Reviews property, evidence, invoice, and records and receipt forms for property description and accuracy.
Alerts Deputy Sheriffs regarding the need to correct forms and comply with Office procedures.
Releases evidence to Detectives, Deputy Sheriffs, and Attorneys for court purposes.
Prepares evidence for transport to crime labs and other agencies.
Processes returned samples.
Releases property to owners.
Maintains records of property and evidence transactions and final disposition.
Disposes of property and contraband items in accordance with state laws and Office policies and procedures.
Assists with search warrant activities by tagging, packaging, and transporting evidence to storage areas.
Reviews case evidence with attorneys and victims to identify recovered stolen property.
Makes copies of evidence cassette tapes as requested by attorneys.
Appears in court to testify regarding the chain of evidence.
Operates computer equipment to input evidence records and to track evidence and property in the Office’s custody.
Casts footprints, tire treads, and other impressions.
Processes fingerprints.
May prepare items for auction.
May respond to inquiries from the public and staff regarding property and evidence in the Office’s custody.
May visit crime scenes to gather and preserve evidence.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Basic law enforcement principles and practices.
Basic knowledge of proper methods of receipt, issue, and records control for Sheriff’s Office property and evidence.
Evidence preservation and identification techniques.
Records maintenance and files development.
Chain of custody for property and evidence.
Health considerations when handling and processing evidence categorized as hazardous materials.
Good public relations techniques Modern office methods and procedures.
Customer service principles and techniques.
Written and oral communications skills.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computers and software programs (e.
g.
, Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to: Maintain accurate records to locate, gather, identify, document, and preserve physical evidence, including the use of a computerized database.
Safely handle and process evidence categorized as hazardous materials.
Read and understand codes, statutes, and information related to property and evidence gathering, preservation, and recordkeeping work.
Effectively file and index a variety of property items.
Organize and maintain detailed and accurate records of inventory items.
Work with computerized information systems and use a computer for recordkeeping work.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the functions and policies of the Sheriff’s Office and the work area where assigned.
Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate and valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience: Three (3) years of full-time experience in law enforcement support work or a closely related area in a position comparable to a Law Enforcement Records Technician II with the County of Lake.
OR At least five (5) years of experience providing office and administrative support or law enforcement work with at least one (1) year equivalent to a Law Enforcement Records Technician with the County of Lake.
Training in the operation and use of the CLETS terminal is required.
Experience that would provide a background in evidence gathering, preservation, and release work is strongly preferred.
The successful completion of POST training in evidence gathering, management, and disposition is highly desirable.
EVIDENCE TECHNICIAN II DEFINITION Under direct supervision, performs a variety of the more complex duties in the receipt, storage, release, and maintenance of property, evidence, and requisite control records; preserves the chain of custody for evidence; responsible for the safekeeping of property and evidence; issues, checks, and maintains inventory records of police property used by field staff; visits crime scenes and gathers and preserves evidence; and performs related duties as assigned.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS This is the journey level classification in the Evidence Technician series.
Incumbents perform a variety of assignments, including the more complex work in receiving, issuing, and maintaining control records for Sheriff’s Office evidence and property, such as drugs, cash, jewelry, weapons, and bio-hazardous materials (i.
e.
, syringes, bloody clothes, blood, and urine).
Incumbents may also be called to crime scenes for the gathering and preservation of evidence, as well as to testify in court regarding evidence collected.
The incumbent is expected to have substantial knowledge of the policies, procedures, and special requirements of the Sheriff’s Office and the evidence unit.
This class is distinguished from Evidence Technician I in that incumbents are responsible for performing the more complex duties under minimal supervision, and may provide lead direction, work coordination, and training, as assigned.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management staff.
Exercises no supervision over staff.
May provide lead direction, work coordination, and training to staff, as assigned.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the scope of duties performed by employees in this class and are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Receives, stores, and maintains the chain of custody for the Sheriff’s Office evidence and the safekeeping of property.
Reviews property, evidence, invoices, and records and receipt forms for property description and accuracy.
Alerts Deputy Sheriffs regarding the need to correct forms and comply with Office procedures.
Releases evidence to Detectives, Deputy Sheriffs, and Attorneys for court purposes.
Prepares evidence for transport to crime labs and other agencies.
Processes returned samples.
Releases property to owners.
Maintains records of property and evidence transactions and final disposition.
Disposes of property and contraband items in accordance with state laws and office policies and procedures.
Assists with search warrant activities by tagging, packaging, and transporting evidence to storage areas.
Reviews case evidence with attorneys and victims to identify recovered stolen property.
Makes copies of evidence cassette tapes as requested by attorneys.
Appears in court to testify regarding the chain of evidence.
Operates computer equipment to input evidence records and to track evidence and property in the Office’s custody.
Casts footprints, tire treads, and other impressions.
Processes fingerprints.
May respond to inquiries from the public and staff regarding property and evidence in the office’s custody.
May prepare items for auction.
May visit crime scenes to gather and preserve evidence.
May provide lead direction, work coordination, and training, as assigned.
Performs related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Knowledge of: Basic law enforcement principles and practices.
Proper methods of receipt, issue, and records control for sheriff’s office property and evidence.
Evidence preservation and identification techniques Records maintenance and files development.
Chain of custody for property and evidence.
Health consideration for handling and processing evidence categorized as hazardous materials.
Good public relations techniques.
Modern office methods and procedures.
Principles of lead direction, work coordination, and training.
Customer service principles and techniques.
Written and oral communications skills.
Proper English spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
Computers and software programs (e.
g.
, Microsoft software applications) to conduct research, assess information, and/or prepare documentation.
Principles and techniques for working with groups and fostering effective team interaction.
Ability to: Maintain accurate records to locate, gather, identify, document, and preserve physical evidence, including use of a computerized database.
Provide lead direction, work coordination, and training, as assigned.
Safely handle and process evidence categorized as hazardous materials.
Read and understand codes, statutes, and information related to property and evidence gathering, preservation, and recordkeeping work.
Effectively file and index a variety of property items.
Organize and maintain detailed and accurate records of inventory items.
Work with computerized information systems and use a computer for recordkeeping work.
Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the functions and policies of the Sheriff’s Office and the work area where assigned.
Regularly work well under pressure, meeting multiple and sometimes conflicting deadlines.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Utilize a computer, relevant software applications, and/or other equipment as assigned to perform a variety of work tasks.
Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Licensing and Certifications: Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California driver’s license.
Education and Experience: Two (2) years of full-time experience in law enforcement support work or a closely related area that would provide background in evidence gathering, preservation, and release work in a classification comparable to that of an Evidence Technician I with the County of Lake.
Training in the operation and use of the CLETS terminal is required.
The successful completion of POST training in evidence gathering, management, and disposition is highly desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS, ADA, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS The County of Lake is an equal opportunity employer and will comply with its obligations under the law to provide equal employment opportunities to qualified individuals with disabilities.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
Incumbents generally work partially in an office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature conditions and partially in the field.
As such, incumbents may have occasional exposure to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, inclement weather conditions, and direct exposure to hazardous physical condition, various bio-hazardous materials, weapons and drugs.
Incumbents may also be subject to clients or members of the public afflicted with behavioral disorders or who are under emotionally stressful conditions.
Positions in this class typically require: sitting, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.
Sedentary Work: Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.
Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time.
Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
If the use of arm and/or leg controls requires exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for light work.
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
Positions in this class may require local and statewide travel as necessary.
Incumbents in this class must be willing and able to work off-hours, weekends, and holiday shifts.
Incumbents may be “on-call” to respond to emergency situations.
A successful candidate will be required to submit to and pass a background check prior to the appointment.
Depending upon the position and/or assigned department, the background check may include but is not limited to civil and criminal history check, reference check, Live Scan, and/or credit check (as allowed under state law).
Disaster Service Workers: As members of the County of Lake Emergency Services Organization, all Lake County employees are designated as Disaster Service Workers during a proclaimed emergency and may be required to perform certain emergency services at the direction of the department and / or County.
The contents of this class specification shall not be construed to constitute any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee, nor shall it constitute a contract of employment.
The County of Lake assumes no responsibility beyond the general accuracy of the document, nor does it assume responsibility for any errors or omissions in the information contained herein.
The contents of this specification may be modified or revoked without notice.
Terms and conditions of employment are determined through a “meet and confer” process and are subject to the Memorandum of Understanding currently in effect.
RETIREMENT - County employees are members of the California Public Employee Retirement system (CalPERS).
CalPERS provides a defined benefit pension at retirement for County employees.
The pension formulas and employee contribution amounts may vary by bargaining unit, date of hire, prior qualifying service, and classification.
Please contact Human Resources for more information.
HEALTH AND INSURANCE BENEFITS - Medical, dental, hospital, vision, life and disability coverage is available to employees and their dependents.
The County contributes $1,500 of the monthly premiums for the insurance plan options.
VACATION ACCRUAL may be adjusted for current city or county government employees.
VACATION – 80 hours per year during the first five years of service, 120 hours per year after five years, and additional accruals based on years of service beyond fifteen years.
Pro-rated for part-time employees.
SICK LEAVE - Accrues at a rate of 96 hours per year.
Pro-rated for part-time employees.
HOLIDAYS- An average of twelve paid 8-hour holidays per year.
Pro-rated for part-time employees.
SALARY - Lake County has an adopted salary schedule.
The salary range for most classifications is in five increments with a provision for longevity increases.
Appointments are normally made at the first step of the salary range.
SOCIAL SECURITY - County employees participate in Social Security.
CALIFORNIA STATE DISABILITY INSURANCE – SDI is available to some County employees.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLANS and CREDIT UNION MEMBERSHIPS are available to County employees.
Agency County of Lake Address 255 N.
Forbes Street Lakeport, California, 95453 Phone 707-263-2213