Property And Evidence Technician

The duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to this class.

• Receives, stores, retrieves, inventories, and maintains custody of evidence and other property in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• May testify in court regarding chain of custody.
• Maintains adequate supplies of necessary materials; contacts vendors regarding purchase of materials and equipment; orders supplies and maintains records of related transactions.
• Trains assigned staff; develops standards and procedures for property receipt, storage, issuance, and custody.
• Receives and returns stolen/recovered firearms to other public agencies; arranges destruction of firearms.
• Disposes of evidence as directed; researches and processes unclaimed and non-returnable items.
• Duplicates audio and/or video recordings.
• Releases evidence and property to officers, detectives, district attorneys, and rightful owners upon authorization or to periodic auctions as directed; packages and ships evidence and property.
• Prepares blood, urine, and/or narcotics for lab work.
• Prepares and records articles for periodic auctions.
• Receives, releases, records, deposits, and balances cash held in custody.
• Maintains detailed records of chain of custody of all evidence.
• Conducts audits of property and evidence records; arranges and lays out storage of property.
• Operates forklift to transport physical evidence, storage containers, palettes, and other materials.
• Enters and maintains evidence and property data in computer; maintains current status and location of evidence and property; maintains files and records regarding evidence and property and its disposition.
• Responds to inquiries from the public regarding property custody.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING 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:
Education, Training and Experience:
Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade; an Associate's Degree or certification in criminalistics, evidence, report writing and courtroom testimony is highly desired. Three years of support work in a law enforcement agency. Experience in receiving, cataloging, storing, releasing and disposing of evidence and property in a law enforcement agency is desirable.
Licenses; Certificates; Special Requirements:
A valid California Class C driver's license and the ability to maintain insurability under the City's vehicle insurance program.
A Certification as a Property and Evidence Specialist from the International Association for Property & Evidence (IAPE), or equivalent course work at a recognized college or university is highly desirable.
Knowledge of:

• Inventory processes and related internal controls.
• Uses and operations of computers, standard business software and specialized database and spreadsheet applications.
• Pertinent federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations governing evidence chain of custody and firearm handling and disposal.
• Methods and techniques of evidence collection and preservation.
• Operations, services and functions of a municipal police department serving a large community.
• Principles and practices of sound business communication; correct English usage, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
• Technical and administrative methods of law enforcement including identification, care and custody of property.
• Safety policies and safe work practices applicable to the work.
• Records management, recordkeeping, filing and basic purchasing practices and procedures.

• Understand and follow written and oral instructions.
• Ensure application of pertinent federal, state, and local laws governing acceptance, storing, and release of evidence and firearms.
• Perform evidence and property control duties with a high degree of accuracy and safety.
• Operate a computer, standard business software and a variety of computer software programs and databases related to area of assignment.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with all those encountered in the course of work.
• Interpret and apply departmental policies and procedures related to work assignment.
• Prepare requisitions for unit supplies, maintains supply inventory in computer system, and determines replacement or re-stocking needs, picks up unit supplies as needed.
• Respond to requests and inquiries from the public.
• Prepare clear and accurate reports, documents, data entries and files.
• Reach sound decisions in accordance with City policies and procedures.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Provide assistance in processing and maintaining evidence and property.

This benefits overview is a summary and is not to be considered all-inclusive or applicable to all employees.

THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.