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Job Description
Position Description This individual is responsible for assisting with the operation of the department's Evidence and Property facilities as well as many of the functions and protocols related to property and evidence handling. This individual receives property and evidence, logs it in, stores and processes it as necessary, utilizing comprehensive procedures to assure legal, safety, and other logistical considerations, and releases or disposes of said property to appropriate law enforcement personnel, the courts, or the property owners. This job requires various security clearances.
Primary Responsibilities Scope of Responsibility:
The Evidence/Property Assistant is responsible for safeguarding evidence and property. Attention to detail and precise accountability are essential for future use of critical evidence and to safeguard against significant monetary loss.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Assists the Evidence and Property Manager (EPM) with researching, developing, writing and implementing department policies and procedures concerning evidence and property handling, storage, tracking, analysis, disposition and audits; Assists with the development of various computerized tracking systems to compile, track, maintain, and retrieve data related to seized evidence and found property; Catalogs, files, and records such data according to federal, state, and city requirements, as well as to departmental policies and procedures; Obtains specialized training and continuing education related to evidence collection, handling, and storage; legal considerations; employee health and safety concerns; inventory management; and property-tracking technology in order to maintain policies based on professional standards. Assists in the immediate and long-range planning process for the department's property and evidence handling needs. Assists the EPM with the updating, renovation, and development of the department's evidence and property facilities, including the Evidence and Property Room within police headquarters, storage areas for flammables and explosives, biohazard processing and storage units, etc. Assists the EPM with the order and cleanliness of all departmental Evidence and Property facilities; Stocks general evidence supplies and materials. Assists EPM with the security and integrity of the Evidence and Property Room. Educates, trains, and explains evidentiary procedures and property handling practices to department personnel, other law enforcement personnel, and the general public as appropriate; Follows strict departmental policies and procedures on evidence and property intake, classification, storage, handling, and disposition; Assists the EPM with the responsibility for the logging in, securing, storing, and maintenance of all evidence and property items submitted by department personnel; preserves the critical "chain of evidence"; testifies in court about "chain of custody" and other evidentiary issues; Assists the EPM with coordination with other police department personnel, appropriate city agencies, and the general public regarding the disposition of property—as specified by department procedures. Communicates and maintains working relationships with others in carrying out job functions. Frequently interacts with others in the work unit, vendors or across departments to exchange detailed and/or technical information; Builds and maintains a positive and productive relationship with allied agencies and professionals, other outside laboratories, the state and local health departments, the district courts, investigations personnel, etc. Performs all job duties in compliance with safety guidelines and with an ongoing awareness of safety practices. Knows and follows department and city rules as well as sound work and safety practices in order to accomplish the job objectives and avoid injury or loss; Wears proper protective equipment when policy requires or conditions indicate a need exists and utilizes proper body mechanics and ergonomics while performing work; When potentially unsafe conditions are observed makes efforts to avoid or correct them if they are controllable and draws them to the attention of the responsible supervisor or safety representative in a timely manner. Performs other duties and activities as assigned. Minimum Qualifications The job requires one year of specialized technical training and two years of specialized training or experience in any of the following areas: systems management, criminal justice, inventory or stock handling and management, recordkeeping/ maintenance, forensic science or evidence and property management. Other combinations of education and experience which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the work will be considered. The incumbent must complete a basic property and evidence handling training course within six months of employment. Knowledge, skills and ability include: Knowledge of principles and methods of receiving, storing and conducting inventories of property and evidence. Knowledge of business and/or inventory system management. Knowledge of basic safety requirements related to the handling of dangerous materials, controlled substances and firearms. Knowledge of general clerical/office practices and procedures including basic office workflow procedures. Knowledge of data processing methods, information storage and retrieval techniques. Knowledge of common practices and procedures of processing and disseminating information and supporting documentation. Knowledge of basic record keeping practices. Ability to maintain strict confidentiality. Knowledge of police department supply and acquisition procedures. Knowledge of proper inventory procedures. Knowledge of internet use, email and credit card transactions for ordering. Skill in operating a computer system to process and record evidence handling. Skill in operating basic PC based software applications such as, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel. Skill in communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with coworkers, supervisors, the general public, prosecutors, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work direction. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others. Physical Demands Most work is performed indoors in a controlled environment. There is frequent exposure to hazardous and/or unpleasant elements that may be associated with evidence, such as noxious fumes, human body substances—such as excrement, blood, etc., dangerous drugs, bio-hazardous materials, flammables, contaminated clothing, etc. Care is required in the safe handling and storage of these materials. Protective gear is occasionally required. There is frequent exposure to materials such as photographs, weapons, crime scene evidence, etc. that may be unpleasant to view or handle. Drives daily while performing position functions. Activities include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing/listening, seeing/observing.
Medium Work:
Work is classified as medium work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently for lifting and moving of items. The worker will usually be moving around to process and store evidence, or handle supply needs. Occasionally, the worker will spend extended periods of time involved in sedentary work to conduct necessary bookkeeping in both supply and evidence positions. Some requirements in this job description may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or other employees. All requirements are subject to modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. Requirements are representative of minimum levels of knowledge, skills, and experience required. To perform this job successfully, the worker must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each duty proficiently. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an "at will" employment relationship. The City Administrator retains the discretion to add duties or change the duties of this position at any time.
