Evidence Custodian

Duties

Essential Job Functions

• Receives, reviews, catalogs, labels, tags, marks, packages, documents, and stores submitted property and evidence; safeguards integrity of chain-of-custody
• Ensures hazardous materials evidence is appropriately handled, identified, contained, stored, transported, and legally disposed of
• Evaluates the worth of adjudicated evidence and unclaimed property in preparation for legal disposal and disbursement; shreds highly sensitive written material no longer essential
• Releases evidentiary items to authorized law enforcement personnel
• Reviews security controls and alarms at primary and alternative property and storage locations
• Answers inquiries and concerns
• Conducts bi-annual inventory of property and evidence warehouse(s) to ensure the safeguarding of and accurate accounting of all items currently stored
• Responds to call-outs as needed to receive property and evidence
• Instructs law enforcement personnel, attorneys and others on procedures of evidential property control
• Conducts needs assessments; updates and implements various guidelines, procedures, and formats required to accommodate legislative changes impacting submission or release of evidence and property
• Conducts compliance audits; makes site inspections, and assists in the set-up and organizing of satellite property units
• Testifies in court as required by subpoena or represents Department at public hearings, meetings

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

Requirements

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of principles and practices of maintaining chain-of-custody for evidence and property
• Knowledge of principles and practices of planning and assigning work
• Knowledge of record keeping procedures and filing systems
• Knowledge of principles and practices of inventory control and warehousing
• Knowledge of safe handling of firearms, ammunition and hazardous materials
• Ability to perform detailed work with a high degree of accuracy
• Ability to exercise good judgement in the safeguarding of confidential or sensitive information
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
• Ability to interpret, exchange, and act upon written and oral information
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing
• Ability to apply active listening techniques in order to obtain complete and accurate information
• Ability to exercise diplomacy when dealing with people in sensitive situations
• Ability to work within stringent deadlines in order to complete assignments within a designated time period
• Ability to operate standard office and technical equipment (e.g. computer, typewriter, calculator, FAX, telephone system, copier, television, VCR, cameras, scales, money counting machine, etc.)
• Ability to speak before groups for the purpose of providing information and explaining policies and procedures
• Ability to operate various portable equipment (e.g. battery chargers, air compressors, etc.) and moving equipment (e.g. dollies, hand trucks, and forklift) in order to prepare vehicles for release or to load and relocate property and evidence
• Ability to develop feasible short and long range plans and goals to project and develop programs and projects
• Ability to learn pertinent state and federal statutes, laws, regulations, and Supreme Court rules governing the function
• Ability to photographing evidence and property in storage locations for release or destruction

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED; AND 2 years of experience as a Police Officer or Evidence Custodian; AND a valid driver's license; AND must successfully pass a background investigation with no felony convictions

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!