STATE POLICE EVIDENCE TECH II - EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN

Position Overview

Performs casework tasks such as preliminary screening and the preparation of evidence (swabbing, cutting, etc.) to support forensic scientist analyses. Handles, collects and prepares evidence according to established policy and procedures. Performs assigned duties involving the receipt, transportation, storage and return of evidence in the areas of toxicology, latent prints, firearms, forensic biology, and drug chemistry. Maintains and updates proper chain of custody records. Enters data in the Bar-Coded Evidence Analysis Statistics and Tracking (BEAST) and other Statewide or Federal databases reflecting casework activity. Maintains case records in BEAST as appropriate for establishing chain of custody information. Prepares physical evidence for transfer and transports the evidence to forensic science laboratories; ensures proper transfer results. Assists in instructing Department personnel in the proper procedures for submitting physical evidence. Assists staff with preparing case records and evidence packaging. Assists with Department vault inspections. Audits evidence in accordance with statutory, court-directed, and departmental procedures. Prepares, coordinates, tracks, transports, and participates in evidence (drugs, firearms, electronics, biological specimens, etc.) disposal. Respond to inquiries from Department personnel concerning the status of cases and the anticipated completion dates of analytical examinations. If needed, testifies in court.

About the Agency

The Illinois State Police strives for excellence seeking to be one of the premiere policing agencies in the country. Our core values are Integrity, Service, and Pride. We are seeking individuals with similar values to join us on our mission to promote public safety.

Essential Functions

• Under direct supervision, receives forensic evidence in criminal cases.
• Assists staff with preparing and maintaining Department case records.
• Prepares and maintains evidence for various purposes.
• Maintains communication with user agencies.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, including but not limited to the duties enumerated above

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge, skill and mental development equivalent to the completion of two (2) years of college, preferably in one of the physical/biological sciences, supplemented with one (1) year of experience in related evidence and/or sample tracking processes, OR Requires knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of three (3) years of college, preferably in one of the physical or biological sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one (1) year of experience screening and/or identifying physical evidence and other materials, including but not limited to: firearms, biological fluids, sexual assault kit, controlled substances, latent prints, etc.
• At least one (1) year of experience analyzing and correlating data contained in evidentiary documents including but not limited to: evidence submission report, crime scene report, police report, medical report, etc.
• At least one (1) year of experience analyzing and correlating data to present it convincingly in reports, both verbally and in writing, including but not limited to: notes of processing tasks, chain of custody administrative records, etc.
• At least one (1) year of elementary knowledge in laboratory techniques used for scientific examination of physical evidence
• At least three (3) years of experience using computer software programs and various types of hardware
• At least one (1) year of elementary knowledge of physical evidence processes such as can be obtained in introductory courses to law enforcement or through exposure to evidence processes by working in a law enforcement agency in other support roles
• At least one (1) year of elementary knowledge on court testimony and preparing court records or court exhibits such as can be obtained in introductory courses to law enforcement or through exposure to court testimony by working in a law enforcement agency in other support roles

Conditions of Employment

• Successful completion of initial and on-going, random, alcohol and drug screens
• Successful completion of a background investigation
• Successful completion of a polygraph examination
• Ability to maintain credibility in providing courtroom testimony
  • Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's ethical standards
  • Ability to adhere to Illinois State Police's policies and procedures
• Ability to travel on an as-needed basis
• Ability to maintain proficiency in forensic science casework on an as-needed basis
• No felony or misdemeanor convictions
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job descriptions

Benefits Package

The Illinois State Police offers a robust benefit package including:

• • Flexible work schedules in many program areas

  • Health, life, vision, and dental insurance.

  • 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave.

  • Pension Plan

  • Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs.

  • Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually.

  • Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service.

  • Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.

  • Thirteen-Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually.