Property and Evidence Technician

Job Title

Property And Evidence Technician

Job Description

Under general supervision, technical and administrative work performs associated with the receipt, documentation, storage, security, maintenance, and disposition of property and evidence maintained by the Police Department. Ensures the integrity and chain of custody of evidence and property in accordance with applicable laws, Town/Department policies, and established procedures. May assist with the identification, collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence at crime and accident scenes.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

• Receives, documents, packages, labels, stores, and safeguards evidence and property submitted by law enforcement personnel.
• Maintains accurate chain-of-custody records from initial receipt through final disposition and ensures evidence and property are handled in accordance with established legal and Department requirements.
• Enters, updates, and maintains property and evidence information in applicable computerized tracking and records systems.
• Maintains the security and organization of evidence and property storage areas and controls access to stored items.
• Conducts or assists with periodic inventories and audits of evidence and property; researches and resolves discrepancies and maintains required documentation.
• Reviews property and evidence for retention requirements and coordinates authorized release, return, destruction, or other final disposition in accordance with applicable laws, court orders, Department policy, and established procedures.
• Prepares and transports evidence to crime laboratories and other authorized facilities for examination or testing; documents transfer and return of evidence.
• Releases property and evidence to authorized persons and agencies after verifying appropriate authorization and completing required documentation.
• May respond to crime and accident scenes to photograph, identify, collect, document, process, and preserve physical evidence.
• May collect and process latent fingerprints and perform other basic forensic evidence processing functions consistent with training and assignment.
• Maintains or assists with Department digital evidence, including photographs, body-worn and in-car video, interview recordings, and other electronic evidence or data, as assigned.
• Responds to requests from officers, investigators, prosecutors, courts, and other authorized agencies regarding the location, status, or availability of evidence and property.
• Prepares evidence and documentation for court proceedings and may testify regarding evidence collection, handling, storage, chain of custody, and Department procedures.
• Maintains records, logs, reports, and other documentation necessary to demonstrate compliance with evidence-handling requirements and Department procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality and safeguards sensitive law enforcement information and evidence.
• Maintains the integrity, professionalism, and values of the Police Department by following established policies and procedures and preserving accountability and public trust.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications Education And Experience

• Associate's degree in criminal justice, Forensic Science, Evidence Technology, or a related field,
• Two years of experience in law enforcement, property and evidence management, criminal justice, records management, or a closely related field,
• An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must successfully complete a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting, polygraph, psychological evaluation, medical examination, and drug screening,
• Must be 21 years of age or older Required Licenses and Certifications
• Valid Arizona driver's license.
• Must successfully complete required Department training and obtain applicable property/evidence management or crime scene/evidence processing training or certification within a timeframe established by the Department.
• Additional specialized training or certification may be required.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of property and evidence receipt, documentation, storage, security, retention, and disposition.
• Chain-of-custody requirements and procedures for maintaining the integrity and admissibility of evidence.
• Proper methods for packaging, labeling, storing, and handling various types of evidence and property.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and procedures governing evidence and property.
• Basic principles and techniques of crime-scene documentation, evidence collection, photography, and preservation.
• Basic fingerprint and forensic evidence-processing methods, as applicable to assignment.
• Records management principles and practices, including accurate documentation and retention of law enforcement records.
• Basic computer systems, databases, digital evidence systems, and standard office software.
• Occupational hazards and appropriate safety precautions associated with handling weapons, controlled substances, biological materials, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous evidence.
• Town and Police Department policies and procedures.

Skill in:

• Receiving, documenting, packaging, storing, retrieving, transferring, and disposing of evidence and property while maintaining an accurate chain of custody.
• Maintaining detailed, accurate, and organized records.
• Handling sensitive, confidential, hazardous, and high-value property appropriately and securely.
• Identifying and resolving discrepancies in property and evidence records.
• Following detailed procedures and legal requirements with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Operating computers, databases, evidence-management systems, digital imaging equipment, and other equipment associated with the position.
• Prioritizing and organizing work and managing multiple tasks and deadlines.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Police Department personnel, prosecutors, courts, other agencies, and members of the public.
• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Exercise sound judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

Physical Demands And Work Environment

Work is generally performed in an office or property and evidence storage areas, Police Department facilities, and occasionally at crime or accident scenes. The position requires sufficient physical ability to stand, walk, bend, stoop, reach, climb, and lift, carry, move, and store evidence and property. The employee may be exposed to unpleasant or disturbing evidence, odors, blood or other biological materials, controlled substances, firearms and other weapons, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous materials. Appropriate personal protective equipment and safety procedures must be used as required. Work may occasionally be performed outdoors in varying weather conditions and on uneven terrain. The employee may be required to work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, or holidays, based upon operational needs. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.