Evidence & Property Technician

Description:

DEFINITION

The Evidence and Property Technician is responsible for the intake, documentation, storage, security, and final disposition of all property and evidence in the custody of the Police Department. This position ensures that all items are safeguarded in compliance with state laws, department policies, and court requirements, while maintaining accurate records and chain of custody to support criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from Chief of Police and Police Captain, or his/her designee.

ESSENTIAL AND MARGINAL FUNCTION STATEMENTS

- Essential and other important responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following: Essential functions : 1. Receive, process, and properly store property and evidence submitted by officers and detectives. 2. Safeguard all property and evidence in compliance with applicable laws, policies, and procedures. 3. Maintain the chain of custody for all evidence to ensure integrity for court presentation. 4. Provide access to evidence for officers, detectives, and authorized personnel for review, investigation, or trial preparation. 5. Coordinate with courts, attorneys, and investigators regarding evidence handling, presentation, and release. 6. Identify, track, and return found property and evidence to rightful owners when legally permissible. 7. Send notifications to owners of property eligible for release, and coordinate return of property. 8. Oversee the storage, release, and documentation of impounded vehicles in accordance with department procedures. 9. Disposes of all property and evidence in accordance with all state laws and agency policy and procedures. Coordinates all drug destruction, operates the drug incinerator, and tracks and completes all associated paperwork. Oversee the maintenance of files and records regarding the disposition of property and/or evidence in custody. 10. Maintain accurate records, databases, and documentation for all property and evidence transactions. 11. Assist with audits, inventories, and inspections of property and evidence for accountability and compliance. 12. Coordinates the process of transporting evidence to the crime lab for testing and analysis. Operates city vehicle when necessary for transporting evidence. 13. Performs routine clerical work; duties may include logging in materials and documents, entering data and information into computerized files, filing and retrieving materials from manual or computerized filing system, typing correspondence, memos and other short documents, and sorting documents. 14. Operates a personal computer, typewriter, calculator, photocopier, facsimile, and other office equipment to perform duties required as an evidence custodian. 15. Testifies in court or at depositions regarding the integrity of property storage, preservation, and transportation. Responds to subpoena Duces Tecum and makes court appearances. 16. Participates in training of personnel and as a presenter for in-services classes pertaining to collection, packaging and safe handling of property and evidence. 17. Monitors body/in-car camera video storage. 18. As trained, may serve as an in-field evidence collection technician at crime scenes. 19. The employee must work the days and hours necessary to perform all assigned responsibilities and tasks. Must be available (especially during regular business hours or shifts) to communicate with subordinates, supervisors, customers, vendors and any other persons or organization with whom interaction is required. 20. Gather information and prepare supplemental reports as assigned. 21. Perform matron duties as needed.

Marginal Functions :

Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of evidence collection, packaging, and storage. Perform a variety of special projects as assigned. Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.

Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be a US citizen, must be at least 18 years of age, must have not been convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor. Must have a valid driver's license. Must successfully pass oral interview, extensive background investigation, polygraph, drug screening, and any other requirements established by the Police Department. Must have the ability to obtain and maintain a valid drivers license. High school diploma or GED required; additional training in criminal justice, law enforcement, records or evidence management preferred.

Knowledge of:

Applicable state laws, rules, and regulations regarding evidence and property handling. Principles of law enforcement protocol involving confidentiality. Basic principles and procedures of record keeping. English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation. Operations, services and activities of the City. Basic problem solving techniques. Geography and surrounding area of the City. Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes and regulations. Occupational hazards and standard safety precautions necessary in the work. Ability to : Prepare clear and concise reports. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work. Process information and make sound decisions in stressful situations. Deal and cope with high levels of stress. Interpret City maps and geographical locations. Maintain confidentiality of material in various situations. Interpret and apply federal, state and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations. Act quickly and calmly in emergencies. Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals. Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to maintain confidentiality and integrity in handling sensitive materials. Proficiency with computers, databases, and evidence tracking systems. | Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Follow all safety rules and regulations of the Police Department. Interpret, explain, and enforce departmental policies and procedures. Understand and follow oral and written instructions. Maintain physical condition appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities which may include the following: Standing or sitting for extended periods of time Operating office equipment including computer, copier and telephones Communicating on the telephone for extended periods of time Maintain mental capacity which permits: Making sound decisions and using good judgment Communicating clearly Responding to questions Thinking clearly in emergency situations. Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for: Making observations Communicating with others Reading and writing Operating assigned equipment Answering questions Speaking in a clear and audible voice effectively working with numbers Effectively handle a work environment and conditions which involve: Working closely with others Working with the public

SKILLS:

Typing and keyboarding skills Intermediate computer skills Ability to utilize technical equipment and corresponding software programs such as ITI, CAD, Excel, Word, etc. Attend training as assigned to be an in-field evidence collection technician. Must maintain certification in 1st Aid and NARCAN administration. Analytical skills Organizational skills Ability to work independently Ability to work in hectic environment with many interruptions Ability to calmly deal with angry or frustrated people Ability to comprehend and protect confidential and sensitive information Ability to lift 50lbs

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in an office, storage, and secure facility environment indoors and outdoors. May involve exposure to hazardous materials, biohazards (body fluids and deceased persons), weapons, and contraband. Requires bending, lifting, and moving property or evidence of varying size and weight. May be required to respond outside regular business hours for urgent evidence/property needs. License or Certificate Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate evidence technician certification/certificate. Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate, NCIC terminal operators permit. Possession of, or ability to obtain

NIMS 100 & 700

Certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental Conditions:

Office environment; emergency peace control environment; exposure to computer screens. May work in stressful situations.

Physical Conditions :

Essential and marginal functions and other important responsibilities and duties may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting for prolonged periods of time; general manual dexterity; ability to distinguish color.