Evidence Technician

Are you detail-oriented, organized, and interested in work that makes a meaningful difference in public safety?

The Missoula Police Department is seeking an Evidence Technician to join its team and play a vital role in the criminal justice process. In this position, you’ll help ensure that physical and digital evidence is accurately documented, securely preserved, and properly managed to support criminal investigations and court proceedings. Your work will help protect the integrity of evidence and contribute to the department’s mission of serving the Missoula community.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, working with technology and databases, and balancing independent responsibilities with teamwork. From assisting with crime scene processing and evidence collection to supporting digital evidence management, training department personnel, and preparing materials for court, you’ll take on a diverse and rewarding range of responsibilities. The ideal candidate brings strong organizational skills, sound judgment, discretion, and a commitment to accuracy and professionalism, along with a willingness to learn.

If you’re looking for a hands‑on role where your attention to detail and dedication can make a real impact, we encourage you to apply!

Starting Pay: New hires start within our entry-to-market range, depending on experience and qualifications. The starting range for the position is $26.25 - $28.85/hour and will increase each year for longevity and cost of living adjustments.

Full Pay Range: Each position also has a full wage range that reflects potential growth over time, including annual increases for longevity and cost‑of‑living. The full range for the position is $26.25 - $30.57/hour.

• Catalog, document, store, and disseminate evidence and/or other property related to a variety of crimes and criminal activities; assist the Digital Evidence Technician with various digital evidence, such as video and audio recordings, digital still photography, all forms of other cellular data, etc.; and ensure preservation of the chain of custody.
• Log and document proper information for received property items; prepare reports, affidavits, and other related technical and/or legal documents relating to evidence and the chain of custody.
• Provide for the disposition of evidence, in accordance with state law, when no longer needed through court orders, registered letters, phone calls, and newspaper or social media advertisements.
• Create standard and ad hoc reports for evidence/property taken in and released or disposed of by the department; conduct inventory procedures; prepare unclaimed property for auction.
• Provide training and departmental updates for any changes to computer systems, databases, and proprietary software programs, including educating officers on the records management system, the video and evidence management system, etc.; develop instruction sheets and procedure manuals.
• Assist the Crime Scene Technician and other authorized personnel with securing, photographing, and video recording crime scenes, including searching for and collecting items of evidentiary value, ensuring preservation of chain of custody, and generating detailed and timely reports, such as photo logs, evidence logs, and crime scene sketches.
• Assist in training other department members on proper evidence gathering and processing methods.
• Testify in court regarding chain of custody and other related data for digital and physical evidence, as needed.
• Operate a motor vehicle to transport evidence and property, including transporting evidence to the Montana State Crime Lab.

• Maintain various supplies; clean and stock crime scene kits.
• Provide applicant fingerprinting services at the police station…