Property Room Technician

Duties

Examples of Important and Essential Duties
(The following is used as a partial description and is not restrictive as to duties required.)

• Receives, stores and maintains the chain of custody for the Sheriff’s Department evidence and the safekeeping of property;
• reviews property/evidence invoice/records and receipt forms for property description and accuracy;
• alerts Deputy Sheriffs regarding the need to correct forms and comply with Department procedures;
• releases evidence to Attorneys for court purposes; prepares evidence for transport to crime labs and other agencies; processes returned samples;
• releases property to owners;
• may prepare items for auction;
• maintains records of property and evidence transactions and final disposition;
• disposes of property and contraband items in accordance with State laws and Department policies and procedures;
• reviews case evidence with attorneys and victims to identify recovered stolen property;
• makes copies of evidence cassette tapes/CD’s/DVD’s as requested by attorneys;
• appears in court to testify regarding the chain of evidence;
• may respond to inquiries from the public and staff regarding property and evidence in the Departments custody;
• operates computer equipment to evidence records and to track evidence/property in the department custody.

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

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications Knowledge of:

• Basic law enforcement principles and practices.
• Good public relations techniques.
• Proper methods of receipt, issue, and records control for Sheriff Department property and evidence.
• Evidence preservation and identification techniques.
• Records maintenance and files development.
• Chain of custody for property and evidence.
• Health consideration for handling and processing evidence categorized as hazardous materials.
• Modern office methods and procedures.

Ability to:

• Maintain accurate records to locate, gather, identify, document and preserve physical evidence, including use of a computerized data base.
• Read and understand codes, statutes, and information related to property and evidence gathering, preservation, and record keeping work.
• Gather and organize data and information.
• Work with computerized information systems and use a computer for record keeping work.
• Deal tactfully and courteously with the public and other staff when explaining the functions and policies of the Sheriff’s Department and the work area where assigned.

Training and Experience:
Any combination of training and experience which would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and abilities would be:

• One (1) year of previous work experience in law enforcement support work or a closely related area that would provide background in evidence gathering, preservation, and release.

Special Requirements:

• Possession of, or ability to obtain, an appropriate valid California Driver's License.
• Possession of, or ability to obtain, a High School Diploma or G.E.D.
• Pass a Background Investigation.
• Ability to undertake and successfully complete P.O.S.T. or STC training in Property Room management within the first 24 months of employment.

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