Evidence Custodian

Duties

Essential Job Functions: 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.

• Ensure the procedure to receive property and evidence from law enforcement officers; document receipt of items; maintains the chain of possession from intake to final disposition is handled effectively, efficiently and in a compliant manner.
• Receives evidence by submitting items into evidence software application; documenting location, description, owner’s name, chain of custody/possession release, disposition, and destruction; updating status of evidence as needed; and verifying and depositing all seized monies.
• Operates within established procedures within the evidence and property system and maintains tracking records of individual property items to ensure chain of custody.
• Processes evidence by packaging and preparing evidence for shipping to criminalistics testing and evaluation labs; picking up or receiving evidence property; and informing authorities of discrepancies.
• Determines the appropriate disposition of property in compliance with court orders, departmental standard operating procedures, and applicable laws.
• Destroys and disposes of evidence by obtaining legal authorization; reviewing and tracking dispositions for disposal or release; locating owners of released property and evidence and requesting pick-up; preparing unclaimed property for disposal; and ensuring property being released is done under current policy and related statutory guidelines.
• Responds to inquiries and requests from department personnel, criminal justice agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other relevant entities in regard to evidence and property items.
• Tracks evidence by preparing inventory list or receipt copy for deputies and other agencies collecting evidence; storing crime related items in locked containers or storage areas; testifies on chain of custody records and procedures, as required.
• Performs a variety of complex related administrative and professional duties, projects, and research as assigned.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities -

• Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to the entry, storage, transfer and disposal of evidence and property.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of County and Sheriff’s office policies and procedures.
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology
• Ability to package and organize numerous items of evidence in compliance for efficient storage and retrieval.
• Ability to maintain accurate evidence records and generate periodic reports
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, county staff, and the public.
• Skill in the proficient use of a computer, basic office equipment, camera, and other related equipment.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications -

• High School Diploma or GED
• Two (2) years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience relating to above essential job functions. Or,
• An equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications -

• A degree from an accredited institution in a related field.
• Experience in warehousing, inventory, or records management.
• Experience working in a law enforcement setting
• Bilingual (Navajo, Zuni, or Spanish)
• Experience working in a county/local government environment.

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