Job Descriptions

DEFINITION

To perform administrative and technical duties associated with the maintenance and control of Police property, evidence, found property, supplies; and to protect the integrity of evidence throughout the judicial process.

This classification is assigned to the T.A.P.O. bargaining unit for labor relations purposes and is subject to overtime, call back and standby assignments.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Evidence and Property Specialist I: Positions in this classification will usually perform most of the duties required by the E&PS I and E&PS II; however, as compared to the E&PS II, is not expected to function at the same skill level and will usually exercise less independent discretion and judgment on matters related to work procedures and methods.Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits a pattern, which has been established and explained before the work is started.Generally, changes in procedures or exceptions are explained in detail as they arise.

Evidence and Property Specialist II: This is the journey level in the Evidence and Property Specialist series.Positions in this classification are flexibly staffed and are filled by advancement from the E&PS I classification.Appointment to the higher classification requires that the employee be performing the full range of technical duties and meet the qualification standards for the classification.All positions in this classification require the ability to work independently and exercise judgment and initiative.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from high level Management and Supervisory staff.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as evidence custodian; receive, catalog and store evidence observing all the applicable rules, laws and regulations related to the chain of custody.
• Dispose of evidence according to established rules, procedures and time schedules.
• Periodically sends disposition notices to authorized persons (e.g., Investigating Officers, District Attorney’s, or private counsel) for authority to hold or dispose of property; disposes of property when authorized and/or required retention period has elapsed, either by releasing to owner or releasing for auction or destruction.
• Work with superiors to develop, maintain, and modify inventory and security procedures of Police property, evidence, and supplies.
• Receive laboratory samples, maintain accurate chain of custody, and coordinate evidence testing activities and services with outside agencies and laboratories.
• Testify in Court regarding handling and chain of custody of evidence.
• Maintain records and files, including latent fingerprints; type, sort, index, record, verify, and file a variety of documents.
• Assist at public counter in taking reports of crime.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

Basic English grammar, spelling, punctuation and report writing techniques

Ability to:

• Type at an acceptable rate of speed.
• Compile, analyze, interpret and report information accurately and quickly.
• Operate computerized software, related to both the entry and retrieval of information pertaining to property and evidence.
• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with the public and fellow workers.
• Act resourcefully with a minimum of supervision.
• Understand and carry out written and verbal instructions.
• Knowledge of safe method of handling, storing and safeguarding of property and materials, including hazardous materials.
• Ability to lift safely and carry moderately heavy and bulky objects.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Evidence and Property Specialist I

Experience:

Two years experience working with the general public, recordkeeping, information intake, report writing, etc.

Education:

Completion of thirty (30) units of college course work in sociology, psychology, criminal justice, business administration, public administration or related field.

Evidence and Property Specialist II

Experience:

Two years experience as an Evidence and Property Specialist I with the City of Turlock.

Education:

Completion of thirty (30) units of college course work in sociology, psychology, criminal justice, business administration, public administration or related field.

In addition to experience, promotion to the Evidence and Property Specialist II classification may require a practical test process to demonstrate the ability to perform the full range of technical duties at the journey level.

LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE

Possession of an appropriate, valid California Driver’s License at the time of appointment, to be maintained as a condition of continued employment.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS

Specialized training in Criminology, Police Science or a related field.

Training or experience in Property or Inventory Control.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed primarily in an office setting with occasional off-site assignments.The incumbent may routinely handle items containing odors, chemicals, blood, hazardous substances and bodily fluids.Work is occasionally performed within confined areas.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Maintain physical ability and stamina to meet job duties including:see well enough to drive vehicles, obtain evidence; hear well enough to converse on the radio, telephone and in person; ability to distinguish odors and colors for identification purposes; bodily mobility to reach, stoop, lift, carry objects and climb a ladder to store and retrieve property and evidence on a shelf with multiple levels; use of hands and fingers to write reports and drive vehicles; must be able to lift and properly place 50 pounds of weight including but not limited to crime scene evidence and property.

Reviewed and Approved:_____________________________________________

Personnel OfficerDate