Evidence Control Officer

Duties

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

• Receives evidence from officers, precincts and/or from crime scenes; labels and catalogs evidence for storage in property room or other location; enters and retrieves data from computer systems; keeps track of evidence on computer and manual records; maintains detailed chain of custody records.
• Responds to citizen inquiries and concerns regarding their property; prepares evidence for viewing by attorneys, law enforcement personnel or the public.
• Prepares all types of property for release, destruction and/or auction in accordance with established guidelines and authorizations.
• Searches, reviews, uploads, or shares digital media as requested by law enforcement or prosecutor’s office.
• Testifies in court regarding the handling and processing of all evidence as required.
• Prepares evidence to be sent to laboratory for analysis and testing; transports to and from laboratories, uses precaution when handling hazardous materials.
• Complies with current state and federal gun laws; conducts criminal history checks on citizens to determine if they are eligible to possess guns.
• Performs routine audits of items in the property room to ensure proper accountability; reviews inventory records with the Evidence Control Unit Supervisor as needed.
• Transports evidence and property to and from various locations, while observing legal and defensive driving practices. Vehicle operation includes various size vehicles for the purpose of transporting evidence and property. Vehicles type includes but not limited to; Pick-up trucks, courier vans, and 1 ton panel vans.
• Prepares for and may conduct from time to time, auctions of various items as required by statute and/or as needed.
• Responds on a rotating “on call” basis to scenes as requested after hours and on weekends and/or holidays.

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

Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must possess a High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Law enforcement related experience not required but preferred.
• Experience in property handling or inventory control, accounting, records management, or related area; OR any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities also preferred.
• Must be a lawful permanent resident or United States citizen; minimum 18 years of age, no maximum age.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• A valid Washington State Driver’s License, unrestricted except as to vision, is required prior to appointment.
• Must be bondable.
• Must pass a Civil Service examination; AND pre-employment examinations including, but not limited to, a complete background investigation, fingerprinting, criminal record check, polygraph examination and a psychological evaluation.
• Pre-employment drug screening is required.
• Must be willing to accept responsibility for the handling and disposition of large quantities of controlled substances, money, firearms, vehicles, jewelry, and other items of value. Failure to follow or adhere to rules and regulations may result in unsuccessful prosecution of criminal cases, loss of public confidence, civil litigation and/or criminal charging.
• Must be physically fit with the continual ability to sit, stand, walk, climb, and frequently move property weighing up to 50 pounds across the office/warehouse through physical and/or mechanical means or by partnering with other Snohomish County employees. This includes the use of platform ladders, pallet jacks (Manual and electric) and scissor lift.
• Required to be on a rotating “On call” schedule and respond to scenes as requested after hours and on weekends and/or holidays, while maintaining regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.

Knowledge of:

• evidence handling techniques
• inventory and property control
• laws, rules and regulations related to evidence
• basic office practices and procedures
• computer applications and software

Ability to:

• use discretion and maintain confidentiality of information
• keyboard accurately using various computer applications and standard office equipment
• interpret and understand laws, rules and regulations
• communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with people regardless of age, sex, social, cultural, or ethnic background including distraught or traumatized individuals
• maintain accurate and orderly records and files
• perform strenuous physical tasks
• work independently in stressful situations
• problem solve
• deal with crisis and traumatic events
• remain stationary for long periods of time
• move up/downstairs and platform ladders.
• frequently move property weighing up to 50 pounds across the office/warehouse
• operate platform ladders, pallet jacks (Manual and electric) and scissor lift.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Shift, holiday and weekend work may be required; on call assignments are required.

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