Property and Evidence Technician

Duties

Representative Duties

• Receive, document, and securely store property and evidence while maintaining an accurate tracking system. Ensure legal releases and dispositions, protecting items from contamination, theft, or loss while preserving chain of custody.
• Maintain accurate records, control access to sensitive files, and conduct regular inventories of weapons, drugs, and money. Arrange and document interim releases for court, investigations, or lab analysis, transporting evidence as needed.
• Manage the property and evidence room, maintain security, and limit access to authorized personnel. Serve as a liaison between the Department and law enforcement agencies, handling documentation, court appearances, and inquiries.
• Process releases and dispositions per legal requirements, research case information, and prepare related reports. Arrange for auction, destruction, or return of property as authorized.
• Maintain professional relationships within the Department and among external contacts such as the County crime lab, courts, and District Attorney’s Office.
• Prepare various forms and reports, assist with policy updates, and collect evidence in the field under police direction. Operate office and department-specific equipment and may supervise volunteers or train personnel as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of, or the ability to learn and apply, laws, regulations, policies, and best practices related to receiving, tracking, storing, and releasing property and evidence in the Police Department's custody.
• Knowledge of business English, grammar, spelling, arithmetic, modern office practices, procedures, and equipment.
• Knowledge of and the ability to effectively utilize computer applications and technology related to the work.
• Knowledge of the basic organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of computerized inventory control and modern record-keeping.
• Skill in communicating effectively in English both orally and in writing.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others.
• Ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in handling sensitive, graphic, and confidential information.
• Ability to act with resourcefulness, initiative, and work independently without immediate supervision.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other professional contacts and provide a high level of customer service.
• Ability to prepare and maintain accurate reports and records.
• Ability to systematically organize information and property and maintain effective control of property and evidence.
• Ability to safely operate a City vehicle.
• Ability to learn and operate a computer, radio, and other communication and office equipment.

The Ideal Candidate

• The ideal candidate is eager to join the City of Walnut Creek Police Department, bringing prior experience in a police support role. They have a background in inventory management or data tracking, and have demonstrated integrity, attention to detail, and excellent organizational skills. While they’re motivated by independent work, professional communication with the community, public officials, and Police Officers comes naturally.

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

Requirements

Qualifications Guidelines

• Graduation from high school, and two (2) years of experience performing office support or technical police support work. Any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. Familiarity with a law enforcement or criminal justice environment and/or training or coursework in police science, administration of justice, evidence collection, or a related field are desirable.

Special Requirements

• Possession of, or ability to obtain prior to employment, a valid Class C California Driver's License, a good driving record, and the ability to safely operate a City vehicle.
• Ability to successfully complete a background check and maintain any required security clearances.
• May be required to work various shifts and weekends.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirement

• Work is performed in a temperature-controlled storage room, and, among other physical demands, this employee is required to be able to lift and carry property and evidence weighing up to 60 pound.

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