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Job Description
Job Summary:
Performs work under supervision of the Administrative Services Division, overseeing Property and Evidence (P&E) daily operations. Responsible for coordinating, administering, and overseeing physical and digital evidence programs, including but not limited to: intake, cataloguing, security, oversight and management of chain-of-custody, and disposition of all evidence and/or property received by the Johnston Police Department. While this position is not primarily responsible for crime scene processing functions, the incumbent must possess working knowledge of law enforcement criminal investigative practices, crime scene processing, evidence collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody requirements. This position will maintain accurate accountability of all evidence and property providing reports on a scheduled basis as well as upon demand by the Police Chief or authorized designee. These responsibilities do not require police officer certification, but the incumbent may be required to maintain multiple advanced skills certifications and professional credentialing. This is a non-sworn position working under the direction of a Division Commander or designee and routinely collaborating with sworn and non-sworn personnel across all divisions of the Department, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and prosecutors. For specific questions related to this posting please email JPDRecruitment@cityofjohnston.com Documents, collects, preserves, analyzes, processes, labels, stores, catalogs, and when directed, properly disposes of evidence; Enters and maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property in the records management system, evidence management system, and other public safety databases to produce various reports and correspondence; Accountable for the security and integrity of the evidence room; responsible for preserving the critical chain of custody; may guide evidence-related activities of non-supervisory sworn personnel assigned to supporting role as property and evidence technician and/or crime scene investigator; Conducts periodic audits, inspections, inventories, and reconciliations of physical and digital evidence to ensure compliance with departmental policy, accreditation standards, legal requirements, and best practices; Assists with accreditation compliance, policy development, inspections, audits, and records retention requirements related to evidence and property management; Testifies in criminal, civil, administrative, and forfeiture proceedings regarding evidence handling, chain of custody, records, and disposition activities; Determines appropriate and lawful disposition of property; supports agency forfeiture and safe-keeping processes; releases property to officers, property owners, the courts and/or other agencies; releases property for sale at public auctions, maintains an accurate accounting of all property transfers and releases; arranges for and coordinates the transfer/disposal/destruction and transportation of firearms, drugs, money, and other seized items; Assists the Division Commander with the management of seized property to be forfeited, appropriate legal notices to be served, collaboration with the Polk County Attorney's Office and the Iowa Attorney General's Office PATC coordinator; aids the City's Finance Department and the Chief's Office with appropriate documentation related to monetary deposits, disbursements, record keeping and legal notices; Maintains, replaces, repairs and purchases relative equipment; researches and recommends new equipment and technology purchases; maintains evidence storage areas; trains agency personnel in these procedures and equipment; Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audiovisual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work area; Makes public presentations demonstrating the technical and evidentiary practices to better inform the public about crime scenes, collection of evidence, and the value of their preservation; Handles, stores, and coordinates disposition of evidence containing biohazardous, hazardous, or potentially infectious materials in accordance with applicable safety standards and departmental procedures; Works directly with the DCI or other law enforcement crime scene units to expedite evidence processing, transporting, evaluating and interpreting results, and acts as liaison between the Johnston Police Department and the DCI Laboratory; Develops and distributes end-of-month activity reports; prepares materials for various attorneys and investigations; Administers digital evidence management systems; maintains digital evidence repositories; manages user permissions, retention schedules, software licensing, and evidence transfers; ensures compliance with legal, operational, security, and policy requirements; Prepares and transmits digital evidence as required by the courts; Assists with open records requests involving digital evidence, including record review, redaction, and cost estimates under the direction of the Police Chief or designee.
Acceptable Experience, Training and Other Qualifications:
Completion, or equivalent of an Associate's degree from an accredited college or technical school and two (2) years of experience in property / evidence handling, crime scene investigations, forensics, law enforcement, or related field; Or Professional experience as a State-certified police officer, and/or certifications in property and evidence management, digital evidence management, crime scene investigation, records management, public records administration, or related disciplines are preferred.
Additional Requirements:
Candidates must successfully pass in-depth background investigation and screening, and pre-employment physical and drug screen. Ability to maintain a valid State of Iowa Driver's License, be insurable, and ability to become NCIC certified.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
Must demonstrated proficiency in evidence management systems, records management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and digital evidence platforms. Experience in urgent demand, multi-disciplinary program management preferred. Work history of exceptional customer service skills, effective collaboration, and the ability to establish productive professional relationships in a fast-paced setting. Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities within a timely manner. Ability to prioritize and work under pressure. Ability to use independent judgment to make sound decisions. Appropriately exercises discretion and accountability for decision making. Proven work history of integrity and strong work ethic.
DATA CONCEPTION
Requires the ability to compare and or judge the readily observable functional, technical, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things.
NTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION
Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange technical or administrative information relating to public safety and technology. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to co-workers or assistants.
LANGUAGE ABILITY
Requires the ability to read and interpret a variety of informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to author reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling, and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to translate technical investigative process and procedure to a lay-person or juror in an effective manner and also to speak articulately with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and a well-modulated voice.
INTELLIGENCE
Requires the ability to learn and understand basic to complex principles and techniques; to make independent judgments in absence of supervision; to acquire knowledge of topics related to the position.
VERBAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to record and deliver information to supervisors, jurors, and officials; to explain procedures and policies; and to follow verbal and written instructions, guidelines, and objectives.
NUMERICAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; determine percentages and averages; determine time and weight; and utilize statistical inference.
FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE
Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, shape, and visually with equipment.
MOTOR COORDINATION
Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes in using automated equipment.
MANUAL DEXTERITY
Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, equipment, control knobs, switches, etc. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have average levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.
COLOR DISCERNMENT
Requires the ability to differentiate colors and shades of color.
INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT
Requires the ability to deal with people (i.e., staff, supervisors, contractors, vendors, general public, and officials) beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency related to the position.
PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION
Requires the ability to talk and hear: talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear.
FORMAL TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION
Shall be able to obtain and maintain any required forensics or specialty skills certifications as determined by the Department. The City of Johnston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the Employer.
