HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.E.2. Approval of Evidence Technician Job DescriptionCity of Shakopee
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: Kris Wilson, Assistant City AdministratorNu_
SUBJECT: Approval of Evidence Technician Job Description
DATE: September 1, 2011
Introduction
The City Council is asked to approve the attached job description for the position of Police Evidence
Technician and request that the Civil Service Commission proceed with a hiring process to fill the
position with a part -time employee to work 20 hours per week.
Background
As has been discussed by Chief Tate during the 2012 budgeting process, the Police Department wishes
to eliminate one full -time Community Service Officer position, which is currently vacant, and instead
hire a part -time employee for the new position of Evidence Technician. The Shakopee Police Civil
Service Commission has given the attached job description the two required readings according to Civil
Service rules. Therefore the final step before proceeding to advertise the position is for the City Council
to approve the job description and place the position in the appropriate grade of the Non -Union Pay
Plan.
In order to comply with the state's Pay Equity Law, the City will need to have a formal review and
numerical pointing of the job description. The proposed compensation study will accomplish this later
this fall or winter; in plenty of time for our next pay equity reporting cycle. However, based on the
minimum qualifications and the responsibilities of the position as they relate to other civilian positions
in the Police Department, staff is confident that the formal analysis will place the position in Grade 3,
which currently has a wage range of $17.75 to $22.19 per hour. This is the same pay grade as the
position of Police Records Technician and one grade higher than the position of Community Service
Officer.
Budget Impact
Hiring a half -time Evidence Technician at Grade 3 rather than a full -time Community Service Officer at
Grade 2 will save the City approximately $24,000 per year.
Recommendation
The Shakopee Police Civil Service Commission recommends approval of the attached job description for
the position of Police Evidence Technician.
Relationship to Vision
This item relates to Goal E. Deliver effective and efficient public services by a staff of well- trained,
caring and professional employees.
Requested Action
If the Council concurs, it is asked to offer a motion to approve the attached job description for the
position of Police Evidence Technician and to request that the Civil Service Commission proceed with a
hiring process to fill the position at the part -time status of 20 hours per week.
NOTE: Formal action to place this item on the Non -Union Pay Plan is part of Agenda Item 5E4, which
also incorporates the same action for a new position in the Finance Department.
i ; L
SHAKOPEE
POSITION TITLE:
DEPARTMENT:
EMPLOYMENT STATUS
ACCOUNTABLE TO:
POSITION SUMMARY
Evidence Technician
Police
Part-Time, Non - Union, Non- Exempt
Sergeant Responsible for Property Room
Responsible for coordinating and managing the daily evidence and property function within the
Police Department's Evidence and Property Unit, with the primary goal of effectively and
efficiently maintaining the "chain of custody" of evidence and property that enters into the
control of the Police Department.
ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS
• Directly oversees the "chain of custody" of all evidence and property taken into custody
by the Police Department.
• Manages and maintains accurate records of all stored property, items that have been
disposed of, and evidence that is transported to another agency (i.e., BCA lab, Court,
Finance).
• Manages and performs task requests made by prosecutors, other authorized law
enforcement agencies, court officials and direct police supervisory personnel per policy.
• Coordinates Department's response to official court orders relating to physical evidence
and property and provides court trial testimony regarding the "chain of custody" as
requested.
• Coordinates and oversees the disposal or destruction of property as outlined in
department policy, city ordinance and State law, including the proper destruction of
firearms and narcotics.
• Conducts follow up to determine legal ownership of found /recovered/abandoned property
and provides notification to the identified owner(s).
• Complies with and participates in official audits and inventories as outlined in department
policy.
• Notifies the appropriate police supervisory staff regarding suspected and/or confirmed
errors in the processing, packaging, documentation and/or handling of evidence by
Department personnel.
• Maintains security and cleanliness of the evidence room, bike storage room and property
storage garage.
• Maintains knowledge of current practices and procedures in the area of collection and
retrieval of evidence and property.
• Performs other related duties as apparent or assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED
• Working knowledge of city ordinances and state and federal laws including rules of
evidence.
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly in English, both orally and in
writing.
• Ability to use word processing, e -mail, spreadsheet, database, and other applicable
software programs.
• Ability to operate a variety of audio and visual electronic equipment and learn new
technology, software programs and other related products.
• Knowledge of OSHA requirements related to the handling, packaging and storage of bio-
hazardous materials.
• Ability to work independently and be organized, with excellent documentation and
warehousing skills.
• Ability to prioritize workload by importance and statutory requirement.
• Ability to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical performance at all times.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 50 lbs., including lifting items up to 20 lbs.
overhead.
• Ability to sit, stand or walk for prolonged periods.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
• High school graduate or possess a G.E.D.
• 3 to 5 years of work experience in a position requiring strong organizational,
documentation and inventory skills and a high level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Valid Minnesota Driver's license.
• Ability to successfully pass a background check.
DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
A.A. degree in property management and/or inventory control.
Knowledge of court process and evidence processing, criminal code and law enforcement
operations.
Commission Chair
Commission Secretary
Adopted