Property & Evidence Specialist

Duties

Examples of Duties

• Perform a variety of tasks related to the preservation, disposal, and maintenance of property and evidence inventory.
• Intake and store evidence; log evidence into database; check items in and out for court and investigation purposes.
• Determine when to dispose of evidence and prepare appropriate forms; maintain and update knowledge of evidence handling requirements. Perform research as necessary on adjudicated cases.
• Deliver and retrieve evidence to forensic laboratories for analysis.
• Perform fingerprinting duties including those for applicants, citizens, and victims.
• Courteously and tactfully assist the public at a public counter and by telephone. Answer questions and provide information concerning regulations, procedures, and general information. Fulfill requests for copies of documents, as appropriate.
• Coordinate the return of property to individuals.
• Accurately and promptly retrieve information from computer terminal (files regarding property, vehicle, missing person, wanted person, arrest report, crime report, traffic citation and other information.)
• Input, edit and maintain crime, arrest, and incident report files. Update criminal justice information systems using the computer terminal. Apply appropriate procedures required to input and retrieve data from the computer.
• Provide research and prepare a variety of clear and concise reports on activities to the Police Department administration as requested.
• Deliver subpoenas for court in compliance with department regulations. Receive arrest warrants and maintain accurate records, files and logs.
• May deliver reports, evidence and other materials to local courts, district attorney offices, evidence testing services and other related entities.
• Open, sort and route all incoming mail and documents for the Department, and order supplies for the Department.
• Transport property to and from offsite storage.
• Coordination with auction company to dispose of property.
• Represent the department on city, county, and regional committees.
• Be assigned to fill in as a substitute Crossing Guard when needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge of:

• Procedures and methods used in property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and disposition.
• Principles and practices of program development and administration.
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation.
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications.
• Court procedures regarding the handling and storage of evidence.
• Legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence.
• Records management and inventory techniques.
• Occupational hazards and standard workplace safety practices.
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations.

Ability to:

• Coordinate and direct the services and activities related to property and evidence.
• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Understand, interpret, and apply, laws, policies, rules and regulations.
• Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines.
• Exercise sound judgment in a variety of situations.
• Research, analyze and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques.
• Maintain accurate records of property and evidence.
• Maintain a current knowledge of property and evidence processing, storage and disposal procedures.
• Establish and maintain confidentiality.
• Understand the criminal and civil judicial systems; and testify in court.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computers and applicable software.
• Safely handle firearms and narcotics in accordance with policy and procedures.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, with tact, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with employees, other agencies, and the public.
• Maintain physical and mental capacities appropriate to the performance of assigned duties and responsibilities.

Physical Demands

• Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; to operate a motor vehicle and to visit various City and meeting sites; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. This is primarily a sedentary office classification, although standing and walking between work areas may be required. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard, or calculator and to operate standard office equipment.

Special Requirements

• Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve and file information. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 30 pounds with the use of proper equipment. Special Requirements Positions in this classification requires independently travel within and outside of City limits to fulfill the assigned duties and responsibilities and must possess a valid California driver’s license with satisfactory driving record; may be required to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays, and work overtime; and successful completion of Background Investigation, Polygraph, and Psychological Evaluation as needed.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications - Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Education:
• Highschool diploma or completion of a G.E.D.
• College level course work in criminal justice or related field or have the above experience.
• Experience:
• At least three years’ work experience performing clerical, receptionist, logistic planning and/or inventory responsibilities.
• Experience with evidence and property management at a law enforcement agency is highly desirable.

Other Requirements:

• Possess a current and valid California Driver’s License with satisfactory driving records.

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