Title:  Digital Evidence Technician

ANTICIPATED HIRING RANGE:

While the full salary range for the Digital Evidence Technician position is $26.58 - $39.88 hourly / $55,286.40 - $82,950.40 annually, the anticipated hiring range is $26.58 - $33.22 hourly / $55,286.40 - $69,097.60 annually.  Final salary is DOQ.

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under the general supervision of the Evidence Supervisor this position uses best practices for the highly detailed preservation and archiving of digital evidence and operates digital evidence processing equipment.  Performs skilled and complex digital and non-digital media (video, photo and audio) processing, reproduction and data maintenance work to respond to internal and external requests.  Performs skilled work operating equipment, downloading digital files from the computer, maintaining digital storage and retrieving property/evidence to provide services for other departments/office staff and external sources.  Works with the Agency Body Worn Camera (BWC) administrator to store, maintain and process the Agency BWC media files.  Performs a variety of duties associated with crime lab functions and evidence accountability and processing.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The following duty statements are illustrative of the essential functions of the job and do not include other non-essential or marginal duties that may be required.  In addition, the Sheriff's Office reserves the right to change the duties and essential functions of this job at any time.

• Provides discovery to the District Attorney’s Office which consist of body worn camera video and photos uploaded from Patrol, Investigators and Crime Lab, audio from telephone and radios of calls for service in dispatch, and any other digital data stored at the Sheriff’s Office needed for discovery.
• Is able to assess deadlines required of the requested discovery and determines completion priority.
• Knowledge of the rules for discovery requests and how digital evidence is affected. Ability to use digital evidence management systems to interface and manage electronic video, photos and documents.
• Knowledge of evidence handling procedures for the continuity and chain of custody of evidence.
• Ability to Operates computer system hardware and software to process digital media (video, photo and audio) evidence.  Is able to investigate and locate digital evidence inside a complex computer storage systems.  Has the ability to recognize and solve problems that are not easily recognizable.
• Demonstrates a full understanding of job-required computer systems and software applications. Utilizes the related department-specific procedures to complete daily assignments.
• Able to adapt to changing practices and discovery processes, evolving computer software and storage systems and can accommodate these changes.
• Maintains security of imaging evidence.
• Maintains negatives and digital files containing photographic evidence from crime scenes and accidents.
• Adjusts and edit images to aid in the identification of persons or objects in photographs and video.
• Assists outside agencies with photo requests.
• Orders and maintain inventory, if necessary.
• Assists in copying audio/video recordings in Evidence when requested.
• Prepares audio/video requests made by the public, including redaction.
• Prepares reports for lab requests requiring a progress/supplemental report.
• Provides witness testimony as required by courts concerning processing procedures and security of digital evidence.
• Enters statistics into Agency databases and enter case activities for all requests.
• Maintains regular and acceptable attendance at such level as determined at the Sheriff’s Office discretion.
• Is available and willing to work such overtime per day or per week as the Sheriff’s Office determines is necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
• Is available and willing to work such weekends and holidays as the Sheriff’s Office determines are necessary or desirable to meet its needs.
• Performs duties onsite, except those job duties that are customarily or by nature performed offsite.
• Operates computers and standard office equipment including multiple computer software applications.
• Follows and supports the mission, values, organizational philosophies, operational principals, code of conduct, and policies and procedures of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Interacts effectively with others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of different digital storage devices, digital image file types, digital media practices, processes, and equipment. 
• Knowledge of standard photography skills/practices.
• Ability to effectively maintain, organize, and distribute mass quantities of agency, DA and public requests, digital images, and other digital evidence files.
• Ability to track inventory, locate part numbers and contact appropriate vendor.
• Ability to operate photographic equipment.
• Ability to operate multiple computers and commonly used computer software programs, as well as any other standard office equipment as required by the position.
• Ability to apply sound reasoning and decision-making.
• Ability to interact in a professional manner with all staff.
• Ability to get along well with others.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written English.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: High School graduate or G.E.D. equivalent.

EXPERIENCE: One (1) year of general office experience.

OR

Any combination of education and experience that satisfy the requirements of the job as approved by the Sheriff.

CERTIFICATIONS / LICENSES: None.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience with digital photography and computerized digital processing, and video processing, investigative or forensic investigative experience and/or police crime lab background preferred.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must possess a valid Colorado driver’s license.
• Must possess CPR and First Aid certification within the initial status period.
• Must be able to type 30 WPM corrected.
• Must possess sufficient strength to move and carry required equipment within the work environment.
• Must be available for on-call work schedule assignments that require working nights, weekends and holidays.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The following are some of the physical demands commonly associated with this position.  They are included for informational purposes and are not all inclusive.

Occasionally:  Activity exists less than 1/3 of the time.

Frequently:    Activity exists between 1/3 and 2/3 of the time.

Constantly:    Activity exists more than 2/3 of the time.

• Spends 60% of the time sitting and 40% of the time standing, or walking while in the field or office.
• Constantly involved in oral and auditory interaction, enabling interpersonal communication.
• Constantly uses visual and fine/gross motor skills enabling the use of office and field equipment.
• Frequently uses auditory capacity enabling the detection of sounds related to criminal or suspicious activity.
• Frequently pushes, pulls, climbs, balances, stoops, kneels, crouches, reaches, handles and feels while in the field and office.
• Frequently uses visual capacity including color vision in order to distinguish color and descriptions of vehicles, suspects, victims and other relevant objects.
• Occasionally uses olfactory sensory capabilities to detect criminal and hazardous situations.
• Occasionally lifts or carries up to 20 lbs. when moving office supplies, equipment or files.

JOB-RELATED CONTACTS:

Personal contacts with individuals occur on a daily basis.  Contacts include interaction with supervisors, subordinates, co-workers, other law enforcement/judicial personnel, public, and suspects.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Work is performed in a standard office environment. (Admin building, Administrative position)  Exposure to chemicals carcinogenic substances and fumes is possible.  Exposure to graphic details of law enforcement encounters and crimes, including homicides, assaults, and sexual assaults, is probable.

BIO-HAZARD NOTICE:

This position has been determined to be a MODERATE exposure risk to "biohazards" including, but not limited to, viruses, toxins, and blood-borne pathogens, such as HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), HBV (hepatitis B virus), and air-borne transmissions of TB (tuberculosis).   Members are advised that exposure to a "biohazard" may result in severe illness and/or death.  Members are required by agency policy to use protective equipment and clothing.  Inoculation may be required to prevent and/or treat exposures to "biohazards".