Property and Evidence Technician

Duties

Essential Duties are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills. They are intended to be accurate summaries of what the job classification involves and what is required to perform it. Employees are responsible for all other duties as assigned.

• Demonstrate initiative and exercise independent judgment while maintaining complete confidentiality.
• Cultivate and sustain effective working relationships with management, co-workers, other City departments, vendors, and the public.
• Innovate by developing new systems, enhancing existing procedures, and creating improved forms to optimize efficiency.
• Conduct thorough follow-ups on assignments to track progress and completion dates.
• Utilize specialized software to enter data or information into a computer terminal, specifically tailored for police department operations.
• Handle the processing of property received from law enforcement personnel, ensuring utmost integrity and adherence to the chain of evidence.
• Responsibly transport evidence to and from the Department of Public Safety (DPS) for necessary analysis.
• Skillfully photograph, collect, preserve, and present physical evidence from crime scenes, encompassing fingerprints, tire prints, shoe prints, firearms, and biological items.
• Prepare comprehensive departmental reports and supplements with accuracy and precision.
• Attend various meetings as required to stay informed and contribute to organizational efforts.
• Embrace and actively uphold the City's stated mission and values in all aspects of work.
• Exhibit a continuous commitment to improving operations, reducing turnaround times, streamlining processes, and fostering a collaborative approach to delivering exceptional customer service.
• Fulfill any other duties as needed, ensuring the smooth functioning of assigned responsibilities.

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

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Three (3) years of customer service, knowledge of and/or experience in crime scene processing or photography.
• Two (2) years of experience in warehousing and inventory control.
• One (1) year of quality control, inventory and reconciliation.
• Must possess a valid Arizona Driver’s License at time of appointment and maintain a satisfactory driving record.
• Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job, may be substituted for evaluation at the discretion of city management.

Competencies for Successful Performance of Job Duties Knowledge of:

• Police Procedures: Familiarity with general police procedures related to property and evidence handling, impounding, and disposal.
• Legal Regulations: Thorough understanding of federal, state, and local laws and regulations concerning the management and handling of property and evidence.
• Chain of Custody Protocols: Knowledgeable about maintaining and documenting the chain of custody to ensure the admissibility of evidence in legal proceedings.
• Warehousing Practices: Familiarity with basic principles, practices, and methods of warehousing for efficient property storage and retrieval.
• Safety Precautions: Knowledgeable about hazards and safety precautions relevant to property and evidence storage and handling.
• Photographic Techniques: Understanding of photographic methods and equipment related to crime scene investigations and evidence documentation.
• Computer Proficiency: Competent in utilizing computer applications, including Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, and other relevant software to manage evidence and generate reports.

Skill in:

• Inventory Management: Proficient in managing and maintaining an organized inventory of all incoming and outgoing property and evidence, ensuring accurate records and chain of custody.
• Attention to Detail: Demonstrates meticulous attention to detail when handling and documenting evidence to avoid errors and maintain the integrity of the chain of custody.
• Data Entry and Record-Keeping: Skilled in accurately entering information into computer systems, maintaining thorough records, and generating reports as required.
• Photography and Documentation: Capable of capturing high-quality photographs and maintaining comprehensive documentation of evidence and crime scenes.
• Evidence Handling Techniques: Knowledgeable in various evidence handling techniques, including packaging, sealing, and preserving evidence to prevent contamination or degradation.
• Technical Equipment Operation: Proficient in operating technical equipment, such as fingerprint scanners, drug testing kits, and surveillance systems, ensuring accurate and efficient processes.
• Customer Service: Possesses strong customer service skills to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders, providing assistance and responding to inquiries.
• Conflict Resolution: Able to handle emotionally charged situations with sensitivity, using effective communication and conflict resolution techniques.
• Collaboration: Works collaboratively with law enforcement personnel, legal professionals, and other stakeholders to facilitate the property and evidence management process.
• Analytical Thinking: Exhibits analytical thinking to assess and interpret evidence-related data, ensuring accuracy and adherence to protocols.
• Organizational Skills: Manages multiple tasks and assignments efficiently, prioritizing and meeting deadlines while maintaining the integrity of evidence and property.
• Chain of Custody Compliance: Knowledgeable about maintaining a secure and continuous chain of custody for evidence, from collection to presentation in court.
• Safety Procedures: Demonstrates an understanding of safety protocols, including handling hazardous materials and contaminated property, ensuring the well-being of self and others.

Ability to:

• Communicate orally with internal/external customers and the public effectively in the English language, bridging educational, cultural, and social barriers.
• Make decisions and demonstrate resourcefulness in addressing new challenges while managing multiple priorities.
• Produce well-structured written documents with accurate sentence construction, punctuation, and grammar.
• Organize and manage tasks efficiently.
• Process items for conversion, destruction, or auction in accordance with Operations Orders.
• Assist with annual inventories and reconciliation procedures.
• Learn job-related material primarily through oral instructions and on-the-job training.
• Operate a computer using a keyboard or other input devices.
• Maintain a standing or sitting position for extended periods.
• Lift and move objects weighing less than 50 pounds over short or long distances.
• Work with contaminated property and/or hazardous waste materials while adhering to safety protocols.
• Perform duties in a variety of weather conditions, exposed to the elements.
• Handle emotionally charged situations, including dealing with decomposing bodies, strong odors, insects, hostility, child and animal victims.
• Value and respect diversity in all interactions.
• Promote the mission and values set by the City of Maricopa.
• Respond to sensitive situations in a positive and empathetic manner.
• Work safely without presenting a direct threat to oneself or others.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• The position is generally sedentary.
• Employees sit most of the time but may walk or stand for brief periods of time.

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