Property & Evidence Technician

Duties

TASKS:

• Accountable for assuming the proper care, custody, and control for all property, evidence, and/or contraband submitted to the Property Room. Receive, store, safeguard and gather property and evidence of various categories to include paraphernalia, narcotics, currency, biohazard and genetic material, weaponry, graphic material, jewelry and audio/visual tapes; ensure incoming items are property labeled by assigned officer and maintain the chain of custody of evidence.
• Conducts an accurate inventory of all incoming property and evidence on a daily basis. Maintains property log, evidence packaging, and secure storage of all incoming property and evidence on a daily basis. Maintains accurate records and logs of all evidence; classify evidence in appropriate categories; maintain integrity of evidence by ensuring security within restricted area; tracking of evidence through laboratory and judicial proceedings.
• Operates department computer equipment and software programs to input data, track and review evidence and property records, and research case disposition for future disposal. Coordinates, separate and inventory property and evidence using computerized and manual processes; ensure items are labeled, entered into the database and storage in the appropriate locations based on storage requirements and types of evidence.
• Delivers to and retrieve from the State labs, items as needed for analysis, either in person, or by mail. If assigned the collateral duties of transportation of evidence, the Property/Evidence Technician shall qualify and maintain proficiency with a departmental issued pistol.
• Works with investigators, courts (municipal, county, district, and federal), and other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to property and evidence. Responds to inquiries from citizens regarding property and evidence in accordance with Tennessee's Code Annotated. Coordinates and releases property to the owner owner(s) in as much as possible an unchanged condition.
• Reviews, researches and summarizes a variety of statistical information; assist in the preparation of related reports and correspondence. Prepares, completes and reviews a variety of documents necessary to ensure accurate records and classification of evidence.
• Exercises good judgment while working in stressful situations, i.e. deadlines, court ordered destructions, etc. Testifies in court as needed with proper courtroom demeanor. Responds to after-hours callouts as required. Perform all other duties as assigned.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A high school diploma or GED, two (2) years of work experience related to the position functions preferred but other occupations that include knowledge of housing and locating items may be substituted for law enforcement property room experience, and must be able to pass an extensive background check and be determined not to have criminal convictions that may jeopardize the credibility of the position of the technician.

Required Licenses and Certifications:

• Valid Tennessee Driver's License
• Must be able to obtain an IAPE (International Association of Property & Evidence) certification within one (1) year from date of transfer or hire.
• Must be able to obtain a Lift Truck Operator's Certification within one (1) year from date of transfer or hire.

Physical Requirements; Knowledge, Skills and Other Characteristics

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

• Knowledge of the Tennessee Code Annotated regarding the lawful storage and disposal of property and evidence.
• Knowledge of the various Hamilton County government, sheriff's office, and courts.
• Knowledge of proper care, custody, and control for all property and evidence.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the criminal justice system.
• Knowledge of analytical and statistical analysis of data.
• Knowledge of personal computer and related software, and filing systems.
• Skill in maintaining one's personal and professional standards.
• Skill,in reading, writing, understanding and following oral and written instructions.
• Skill in communicating effectively, clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Skill in setting priorities and managing time effectively.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective interpersonal relationships.
• Skill in keyboarding for word processing and/or computer data entry.
• Skill in maintaining confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Repeatedly performs a variety of physical maneuvers and activities which include, but are not limited to, walking, stooping, squatting, bending, climbing, lifting up to 50+lbs, carrying items. Safely operating assigned equipment which include but are not limited to, a vehicle, truck, van, dolly, step ladder, fax machine, phone, computer, and hand held scanner.

Environment:

• Work is primarily performed indoors in office, property/evidence room, or meeting room setting. Continuous exposure to dust from paperwork, noise from office and communication equipment. Occasional exposure to chemicals and biohazards associated with property/evidence processing and/or storage. Work setting is frequently fast-paced with variable tasks and deadlines.

The Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office promotes a drug/alcohol-free work environment through the use of pre-employment and random drug testing.

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