Job Details
Identification Technician/ Evidence Clerk
2024-11-25 City of Big Spring, TX Big Spring,TX
Description:
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Identification Division Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The work is reviewed for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include departmental standard operating procedures, federal, state and local laws and supervisor instructions. These guidelines are clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY
This position consists of related technical crime scene identification tasks and management of the property room. The need for accuracy contributes to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence from crime scenes. Successful performance helps assist in the processing and solving of criminal cases.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors or court personnel and members of the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are typically to exchange information, provide services, and resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is typically performed with the employee sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must be able to lift light or heavy objects, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguish between shades of color.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in an office and outdoors at crime scenes. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as gloves.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None
There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.
The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:
The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.
Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows:
5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement
2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package
7.70% Total matched funds
Health Insurance
The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates:
Family Coverage $755.06/Monthly $377.53/Bi-Weekly
Spouse Coverage $557.72/Monthly $278.86/Bi-Weekly
Child Coverage $277.05/Monthly $138.53/Bi-Weekly
Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:
Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-Weekly
Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:
Employee Only $7.22/Monthly $3.61/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $14.43/Monthly $7.21/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $13.71/Monthly $6.85/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $18.40/Monthly $9.20/Bi-Weekly
Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.
Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.
Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)
The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.
Workman's Compensation
The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.
Longevity Pay for Years of Service
City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly
1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77
10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70
15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62
20+ years $144.00 $5.54
Uniforms
The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.
Stand By Pay
City employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Paid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:
Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 15 days per year
10 to 14 17 days per year
15 to 19 18 days per year
20 to 24 19 days per year
20 + 20 days per year
The City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule:
Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 12 days per year
10 + 15 days per year
Paid Holidays
The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day following
Christmas (two days given)
Recreation Privileges
City employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.
Wellness Program
In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:
The City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.
Salary : $49,558.08 Annually
Location : Big Spring, TX
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2024-00082
Department: Police
Division: Police Department
Opening Date: 10/25/2024
This position is responsible for recovering and storing evidence from crime scenes.
Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the following representative duties, knowledge and skills. Factors such as regular attendance at the job not routinely listed in job descriptions but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Conducts crime scene searches; receives, categorizes, stores and maintains custody of a wide variety of evidence, property, weapons and other items in accordance with applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations.
- Exercises independent judgment and initiative and performs duties assigned with a minimum of direction and supervision maintaining integrity of evidencestored.
- Assists with or provides for the transportation of weapons, sexual assault kits and other evidence for physical analysis and/or court proceedings.
- Photographs crime scenes, lifts and classifies fingerprints, makes composites, compares and classifies fingerprints.
- Maintains custody of seized firearms, prepares requests regarding the stolen status and ownership of seized firearms and places firearms and other weapons in secured lockers.
- Release evidence and property to the Crime Lab and to sworn staff for court purposes, rightful owners upon authorization and to contract vendors for auction purposes.
- Maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property; writes thorough and accurate case reports.
- Thoroughly documents property intake and release maintaining integrity of property within the Identification division of the department.
- Uses a computer and applicable software to enter and maintain data and produce a variety of correspondence and reports.
- Attends court sessions and testifies as required. Collect and prepare evidence, reports, or recordings for court purposes.
- Attend autopsies as needed.
- Fingerprint and take images of sex offenders.
- Fingerprint and take images of applicants for alcohol and other licensing, as well as job applicants.
- Selects released property for disposal or auction; contacts contract auctioneer; provides for the transfer of property into the auction process and coordinates the resulting deposit of funds.
- Directs or provides for the transportation of items to and from City storage facilities and/or labs.
- Assist other agencies when requested.
- Attend continuing education classes.
- May rotate on call after hours, weekends and holidays to respond and process scenes.
- In the interest of the department, the employee may be assigned to perform the duties of Identification Technician or Evidence Clerk.
- Respond to inquiries and requests from department staff, law enforcement agencies and others.
- Communicates with property owners, victims, vendors and court and legal representatives regarding property and evidence questions.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
- High School diploma or GED.
- Knowledge and level of competency commonly associated with completion of specialized training in the field of work, in addition to basic skills typically associated with a high school education.
- Completion of a computer skills test PRIOR to submitting application. Applicants must submit results of Skills Testing with Application for Employment. Skills test can be taken at the Texas Workforce Commission located at Howard College, 1001 Birdwell Lane, Suite 106, Big Spring, Texas 79720 (next door to Howard Cottage day care).
- Sufficient experience to understand the basic principles relevant to the major duties of the position usually associated with the completion of an apprenticeship/internship or having had a similar position for one to two years.
- Possession of a valid driver's license issued by the State of Texas.
- A polygraph exam will be conducted on all applicants under final consideration for this position.
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Knowledge of techniques and methods for processing crime scenes and maintaining records of physical evidence.
- Knowledge of federal, state and local laws, city ordinances, and any other laws relating to the duties assigned.
- Knowledge of city, departmental and safety policies and procedures.
- Skill in organizing and decision making.
- Skill in maintaining records and preparing reports.
- Skill in oral and written communication.
- Skill in the use of modern office equipment and crime scene equipment to include computer, and police software, digital camera, fingerprint powders and brushes, metal detector, and evidence vacuum.
- Lifts and carries a variety of property, evidence and other items weighing up to 50 pounds.
SUPERVISORY CONTROLS
The Identification Division Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The work is reviewed for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.
GUIDELINES
Guidelines include departmental standard operating procedures, federal, state and local laws and supervisor instructions. These guidelines are clear and specific, but require some interpretation in application.
COMPLEXITY
This position consists of related technical crime scene identification tasks and management of the property room. The need for accuracy contributes to the complexity of the work.
SCOPE AND EFFECT
The purpose of this position is to collect, analyze, and preserve evidence from crime scenes. Successful performance helps assist in the processing and solving of criminal cases.
PERSONAL CONTACTS
Contacts are typically with co-workers, law enforcement officers, prosecutors or court personnel and members of the general public.
PURPOSE OF CONTACTS
Contacts are typically to exchange information, provide services, and resolve problems.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The work is typically performed with the employee sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching or stooping. The employee must be able to lift light or heavy objects, use tools or equipment requiring a high degree of dexterity, and distinguish between shades of color.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in an office and outdoors at crime scenes. The employee may be exposed to noise, dust, dirt, contagious or infectious diseases, irritating chemicals, and inclement weather. The work requires the use of protective devices such as gloves.
SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY
None
There are a wide variety of benefits available to City of Big Spring employees. These benefits include health, dental, life and disability insurance, optional life insurance plans, flexible spending account for health expenses, an Employee Assistance Program, and a Tuition Reimbursement Program.
The City of Big Spring provides the following benefits to all regular, full-time employees:
- Texas Municipal Retirement System
- Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
- Health Insurance
- Dental Insurance
- Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
- Cafeteria Plan
- Workman's Compensation
- Longevity Pay for years of service
- Paid Uniforms
- Stand By Pay
- Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
- Paid Holidays
- Recreation Privileges
- Wellness Program
- Tuition Reimbursement Program
The City of Big Spring is a member of the Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS). Employee/employer supported retirement begins at the date of employment. An employee contributes seven percent of their monthly wages to TMRS. The City then matches the employee contribution two to 1 upon retirement. Employees are eligible to retire after 20 years of service. Retirement becomes vested after five years of participation in TMRS.
- Applicants with prior or current military could receive up to 60 months towards their retirement for TMRS.
Deferred Compensation (Retirement)
The 457b Deferred Compensation plan is provided to City employees in lieu of Social Security. Employees pay 6.7% of their adjusted gross salary. This amount is matched by the City as follows:
5.51% Contributed to the deferred compensation retirement
2.19% Pays for the life and disability insurance package
7.70% Total matched funds
Health Insurance
The City of Big Spring pays the cost of employees insurance and supplements the cost of dependent insurance. Dependent health insurance coverage is available at the following rates:
Family Coverage $755.06/Monthly $377.53/Bi-Weekly
Spouse Coverage $557.72/Monthly $278.86/Bi-Weekly
Child Coverage $277.05/Monthly $138.53/Bi-Weekly
Payment for dependent health insurance coverage is deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Pharmacy cards are included in the health insurance package. If dependent insurance coverage is purchased, dependents will also receive the pharmacy card.
Dental Insurance
Dental insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:
Employee Only $22.08/Monthly $11.04/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $44.78/Monthly $22.39/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $49.64/Monthly $24.82/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $72.40/Monthly $36.20/Bi-Weekly
Payments for dental insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks. Employees enrolled in the dental plan will also be eligible for the discount Vision Access program and receive discounts on vision care services or supplies.
Vision Insurance
Vision insurance coverage is available to City employees at the following rates:
Employee Only $7.22/Monthly $3.61/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Spouse $14.43/Monthly $7.21/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Children $13.71/Monthly $6.85/Bi-Weekly
Employee and Family $18.40/Monthly $9.20/Bi-Weekly
Payments for vision insurance are deducted from employees' bi-weekly paychecks.
Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
The City of Big Spring's life insurance policy provides for a death benefit equal to four times the employee's annual salary. In addition to the standard life insurance, employees may purchase optional life insurance. The long term disability package ensures that in the event of a permanent disability , a maximum of 20% of the employee's monthly salary is paid up to a maximum or $3,000.00 per month.
Cafeteria Plan (AFLAC)
The City provides a program to allow employees to tax shelter day care and certain medical expenses. This insurance provides a tax savings increasing the employee's take home pay.
Workman's Compensation
The City of Big Spring meets the standard state requirements for Workman's Compensation. If an employee is injured on the job, he/she report the incident to the department supervisor immediately.
Longevity Pay for Years of Service
City employees are given longevity pay based on their length of service with the City of Big Spring. After one year of service, City employees receive longevity payments on their bi-weekly paycheck. After two years of service, employees are given the option to continue to receive a bi-weekly payment or they can elect to bank their longevity payments. Employees who bank their longevity payments will receive a lump sum payment once a year, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Years of service Annual Bi-Weekly
1 to 9 $72.00 $2.77
10 to 14 $96.00 $3.70
15 to 19 $120.00 $4.62
20+ years $144.00 $5.54
Uniforms
The City provides uniforms for employees who are required to wear certain attire to work. Three to five uniforms are furnished to employees, along with other suitable foul weather and safety gear. Police and Fire Department personnel may have different benefits.
Stand By Pay
City employees in certain positions are eligible for stand-by pay. Stand-by pay is $75 for each week the employee is required to serve on stand-by time. Stand-by time means a period of time outside an employee's regularly scheduled work hours, during which the employee is required to remain available within a specified response time. Each employee on stand-by who is called in to work shall be compensated for the actual hours worked at the appropriate rate of pay.
Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
Paid vacation days are time off work that the City of Big Spring voluntarily provides its employees as a benefit. The number of paid vacation days is accrued by full-time, permanent employees based on years of service. Vacation time is accrued based on the following schedule:
Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 15 days per year
10 to 14 17 days per year
15 to 19 18 days per year
20 to 24 19 days per year
20 + 20 days per year
The City of Big Spring also offers full-time permanent employees paid sick days as part of its comprehensive benefits package. Sick leave is accrued based on the following schedule:
Years of Service
1 to 2 5 days per year
3 to 4 10 days per year
5 to 9 12 days per year
10 + 15 days per year
Paid Holidays
The City of Big Spring recognizes the following public holidays for City employees. Please note that most City employees work on a Monday through Friday schedule. As such, when a holiday falls on a non workday -- Saturday or Sunday -- the holiday usually is observed on Monday (if the holiday falls on Sunday) or Friday (if the holiday falls on Saturday).
New Year's Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Presidents Day
Good Friday
Memorial Day
Independence Day
Labor Day
Veterans Day
Thanksgiving Day and the day following
Christmas (two days given)
Recreation Privileges
City employees and their dependents receive free admission to Moss Lake. City employees must present their City identification card.
Wellness Program
In an effort to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors, the City of Big Spring has implemented a Wellness Program for its employees. By joining the Wellness Program, employees receive access to the following benefits:
- Tobacco Cessation Program
- Employee Assistance - counseling for chemical and/or alcohol abuse and mental health screenings
- Reduced cost gym memberships to the YMCA of Big Spring
The City of Big Spring offers its full-time permanent employees a college Tuition Reimbursement Program. This program is designed to support employees with their personal and professional development by increasing their knowledge and skill level. The City reimburses employees for college tuition and books based on grades.