EVIDENCE SPECIALIST - 9260
GRADE - 108
PAY RANGE - $24.01 - $34.23/hr - plus a comprehensive benefits package
GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:
Maintains security of all evidence used in criminal investigation and prosecution; performs directly related work as required.
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:
The principal function of an employee in this class is to ensure a secure chain of evidence in any investigation. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of an assigned command officer but considerable leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other City employees, representatives from other law enforcement jurisdictions and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment with potential exposure to hazardous materials and conditions.
EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:
- Inventories all evidence brought into the Police Department, including classifying and storing according to types of evidence; maintains security and documentation of all evidence and other property in possession of the Police Department;
- Prepares evidence for City, State, and Federal authorities and court procedures;
- Supervises the intake, inventory, storage, and release and/or legally-compliant disposal of confiscated, recovered, stolen, and found evidence;
- Determines the eligibility of property for release and/or destruction;
- Ensures security within the Police Property Management section;
- Maintains inventories at multiple evidence storage facilities, including several off-site locations;
- Coordinates the destruction of weapons, narcotics, and related;
- Testifies in court as to evidence handling and security;
- Coordinates auctions for the sale of confiscated property no longer pertinent to any investigation;
- Responds to requests for information from the public regarding all aspects of property management within the Police Department;
- Prepares evidence for lab transport;
- Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
- Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
- Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
- Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
- Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
- Performs additional duties as required by the classification.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Thorough knowledge of local, State, and Federal laws;
- Thorough knowledge of legal and law-enforcement language;
- Thorough knowledge of current principles and practices involved in property management within the police department;
- Thorough knowledge of safe handling procedures for dealing with blood borne pathogens, narcotics, drug paraphernalia, weapons and related;
- Thorough knowledge of all procedures needed for secure chain of evidence requirements within a criminal prosecution;
- Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
- Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures, and instructions;
- Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds;
- Ability to operate or quickly learn to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
- Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and/or oral instructions;
- Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
- Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
- Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.
ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
- Graduation from High School or possession of a GED, supplemented by additional training in Criminal Justice as applied to evidence handling; and
- Three to five years of experience in related operations; or
- Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.
REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:
- Ability to pass a criminal background check;
- Ability to pass a polygraph test.
ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:
- Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
- Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor all evidence within custody;
- Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer, transport and store evidence, and related;
- Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to turn, reach and grasp repetitively;
- Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 100 pounds occasionally, 50 pounds frequently and 20 pounds consistently;
- Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to have access to all assigned evidence areas.