Job Description

Department: Police Reports to: Crime Scene Supervisor

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 Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following

• 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.

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the representative duties, knowledge, and skills. This is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class; employees may be assigned duties which are not listed; reasonable accommodations will be made as required. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement and is subject to change at any time by the employer.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience Guidelines: 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 environments: The physical and work environment 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 regularly required to sit; use hands to operate equipment, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, and sit. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employee work on slippery and uneven surfaces and are exposed to loud noise, odors, and dirt. This job requires exposure to indoor, outdoor weather conditions and exposed to any hazardous chemicals or communicable diseases while attending to crime scenes. Specific vision abilities required by this job 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.