Evidence & Property Custodian

Duties

Essential Duties & Responsibilities: The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Receive, process, and maintain all evidence, safe-keeping, and lost/abandoned property in a secure location designated as the property room.
• Ensure all items are correctly marked, packaged, and labeled before placement into storage areas.
• Verify that items are correctly logged into the current evidence program by deputies and/or identify and report any discrepancies to the case agent or case investigator for correction.
• Regularly inspect and empty temporary storage lockers.
• Maintain a sign-in log at the entrance to the secured storage areas and obtain signatures from all individuals entering the secured area.
• Dispose of or destroy property in accordance with standard operating procedures and applicable laws and ordinances.
• Ensure all deputies are updating and accurately entering data into the evidence and property record management system.
• Ensure the evidence and property database is available for audits and inspections.
• Release evidence to the public only at the direction of the Criminal Investigations Division, investigator, or case agent.
• Testify on chain of custody records and procedures as required.
• Maintain the highest level of confidentiality regarding all items brought into evidence.
• Obtain documentation for the destruction or release of any items held in evidence. Follow instructions and guidelines included in office policy and procedures, and execute general orders, special orders, or memorandums without delay.
• Prepare items designated for destruction or release by reviewing case adjudication orders, case material, or directions from case investigators/agents, and present this information to legal authorities (e.g., DA’s office, District Court) for review and approval. Arrange for destruction or release, sign out property to case agents as required for court hearings, and track items for return. Create petitions, motions, and orders for destruction, auction, or conversion to office use.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the Sheriff, Under-Sheriff, or Captains.

Supervision:

• Works under the direct supervision of the Cpt., should any issues or concerns arise, it is the responsibility of the Cpt. to inform the Under-Sheriff and or Sheriff for direction.

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

Requirements

Education, Certification and Experience:

• High School Diploma or GED certificate. Must have a valid driver’s license. Experience in a law enforcement setting performing inventory and evidence collection, property room control, and record keeping, is preferred. Must have Strong organization and record keeping skills.
• Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screen and clear a background check that may involve fingerprinting.

Language Skills:

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and governmental regulations.
• Skill in writing in-depth narrative reports and business correspondence.
• Proficiency in presenting information logically and effectively both orally and in writing, and responding to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of law enforcement procedures, applicable statutes, and the Sheriff's Office Standard Operating Procedures.
• Familiarity with standard computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.

Ability:

• Capability to write detailed narrative reports and correspondence.
• Ability to effectively interact with and inform County officials, employees, citizen boards, and the general public.
• Capacity to earn and maintain the respect of co-workers.
• Proficiency in communicating clearly and logically both orally and in writing, with the ability to follow oral and written instructions with minimal supervision.
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Ability to develop and meet departmental goals and initiatives.
• Competence in speaking effectively on a one-on-one basis.
• Ability to exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision, based on Department procedures, policies, and applicable regulations or statutes.
• Ability to work as a team player and provide superior customer service to both internal and external customers.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to operate a variety of standard office equipment including a motor vehicle, computer, calculator, telephone, cell phone, fax machine, and copier.
• Frequent requirements include sitting, speaking, hearing, and using hands to handle objects, tools, or controls.
• May occasionally be required to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach with hands and arms, climb, and balance.
• Vision requirements include the ability to read routine documents and use a computer. Specific vision abilities required for this job include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.
• Due to the nature of the work, the employee may be required to report to work after hours and on weekends as needed.

Work Environment:

• Office work is generally performed under typical office conditions, with a quiet noise level and some background noise depending on the activity level within the Sheriff's Office. May be required to work alone, with a co-worker, or with several law enforcement agencies and personnel.

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