Property and Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Duties of the Position

• Receives, processes and stores evidence; maintains evidence in a secure manner and is responsible for the overall security of the evidence room and its contents.
• Prepares and transmits items of evidence that require certified laboratory analysis to CMPD, the State Bureau of Investigation and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratories; Collects evidence as it comes back from the lab; ensures appropriate authorities have proper paperwork from the lab;
• Tracks evidence when it is checked in and out of area; ensures the chain of custody is never broken or compromised; Keeps abreast of status of investigations pertaining to evidence; Signs evidence in and out for officers/investigators for court purposes;
• Testifies as an evidence custodian expert in any type of court of law proceedings;
• Reviews Evidence Forms to determine current evidentiary value; Prepares and disseminates periodic disposition sheet for evidence tracking purposes;
• Coordinates evidence viewings with DA, defense attorneys and investigators;
• Keeps informed of all regulations pertaining to evidence; Conducts briefings to new department personnel regarding evidence procedures;
• Purges evidence and recovered property in accordance with applicable laws by destroying, returning items to owner or submitting for auction; Uses AOC Computer to determine disposition of court cases; Coordinates with agencies and individuals reference disposal of property and evidence no longer needed; Conducts file checks to initiate final disposition actions; Interprets and applies state laws and regulations regarding the use and disposition of evidence; prepares letters for return of property to owners; checks proof of identification and/or ownership of property and releases as appropriate; performs background check for weapon release (DCI); Releases seized and/or impounded vehicles; maintains appropriate records and mails seized driver’s licenses to Department of Motor Vehicles; Ships recovered stolen property to owners and other agencies;
• Plans and coordinates the auction sale for unclaimed property.
• Files cases upon completion;
• Responsible for and maintains the inventory of all agency owned/maintained property.
• Works on special assignments and projects as needed;
• Demonstrates regular and predictable attendance.
• Performs other duties as apparent or assigned.

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

Requirements

Minimum Required Education and Experience

• Thorough knowledge of applicable regulations and directives pertaining to security of evidence; thorough knowledge of local and state laws and ordinances pertaining to evidence procedures; general knowledge of police methods, practices and procedures; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written form; ability to type accurately and neatly. General knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures for custody, storage, tracking and handling of records, general knowledge of law enforcement records processing, and records and reports maintenance requirements, and legal requirements for release of criminal records information; general knowledge of principles and procedures of record keeping; general knowledge of operational procedures of police records computer system; general knowledge of standard office equipment and procedures including database and word processing computer applications; ability to plan and organize multiple tasks, to prioritize tasks and to meet deadlines; ability to communicate effectively in oral and written forms; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates and the general public.
• High school diploma or GED and some experience in criminal evidence maintenance and/or property management, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Supplemental Information

• This work requires the occasional exertion of over 50 pounds of force; work requires sitting, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel, reaching with hands and arms and repetitive motions and requires standing and walking; work requires climbing a ladder, close visitation, distance vision, depth perception and color perception; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data; work has no exposure to environmental conditions; work has a potential for exposure to toxic or hazardous materials; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office with computer printers, light traffic).
• High school diploma or GED and 3 to 5 years of experience in criminal evidence maintenance and/or property management, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Associates degree in criminal justice or related field is preferred.
• Possession of an appropriate driver's license valid in the State of North Carolina.

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