Property and Evidence Specialist

Duties

Essential Functions:

• Coordinate the organization, security, maintenance and operational activities for property and evidence; to ensure compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and departmental procedures Participate in the development and implementation of departmental goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
• Identify opportunities for improving service delivery methods and procedures and identify resource needs to review with appropriate management staff prior to implementation.
• Participate in forecasting funds needed for equipment, materials, and supplies; purchase property and evidence equipment, materials and supplies; monitor expenditures and recommend adjustments as necessary.
• Research providers and makes recommendations regarding contract services.
• Process, handle and verify currency received; maintain reports and deposit money to the Finance Division.
• Enter property data into records and property management systems; research case status in CLETS; process property dispositions and update property and evidence computer databases with release information; and send property release letters to owners.
• Research firearms ownership history and ensure compliance with Department of Justice Law Enforcement Gun Release background check procedures before release of firearms.
• Coordinate property and evidence activities with other divisions and outside agencies; recommend property for release or disposal; maintain chain of custody.
• Coordinate with Professional Standards to facilitate periodic audits and inventories of the property and evidence operation.
• Coordinate with the District Attorney’s Office regarding firearms confiscation petitions; enter gun information into CLETS; receive status updates on firearms after court hearings; send release letters or prepares firearm for destruction; secure court orders for the destruction of controlled substances and firearms on adjudicated cases.
• Perform routine office functions such as word processing, filing, and record keeping; prepare reports of property and evidence, disposed of property, unclaimed property, and property available for auction or destruction.
• Identify, document, and notify appropriate staff of errors in management software systems; identify problems and changes to enhance the property and evidence module of the records management system.
• Testify in court regarding the chain of custody of evidence, as necessary.
• Administer the Preliminary Alcohol Screening Device program; test devices weekly for accuracy; calibrate devises as necessary; maintains logs and records of program to ensure compliance with regulations; testify in court as required regarding the accuracy and maintenances of devices in DUI cases.
• Provide staff assistance to the Police Management Team; participate on a variety of meetings, committees, and forums; prepare and present staff reports and other correspondence as appropriate and necessary.
• Direct contact with public to coordinate return of property and evidence, including firearms, money and high value property.

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

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Procedures and methods used in property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and disposition
• Principles of business letter writing and report preparation
• Court procedures regarding the handling and storage of evidence
• Legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence
• Records management and inventory techniques
• Federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations

Ability to:

• Maintain accurate records of property and evidence
• Maintain a current knowledge of property and evidence processing, storage and disposal procedures
• Understand the criminal and civil judicial systems
• 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
• Establish and maintain confidentiality

Experience and Education Guidelines: Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Experience: Three (3) years of increasingly responsible experience in law enforcement support or administrative services that include some experience in handling property and evidence.
• Education: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training related to property and evidence. A college degree is desirable.

License or Certificate:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain within eighteen (18) months of appointment, a valid Certified Property and Evidence Specialist certification from the International Association for Property and Evidence, to be maintained throughout employment.

Other requirements:

• Pass a qualification appraisal interview; psychological evaluation; and extensive background investigation which will include polygraph and drug testing.

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