Property/Evidence Clerk

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Job Description:

Performs a variety of working level technical clerical, and routine administrative duties as needed to expedite the processing, storage, retention, and destruction of evidence and property obtained in connection with law enforcement activities within the city.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Works under the general supervision of the Professional Standards and Logistics Bureau Sergeant.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

Essential functions

Receives, stores, releases, inventories, controls, disposes and maintains security of a wide variety of property and evidence seized by officers. Maintains records of all property/evidence transactions; initiates inquiries on property and evidence to obtain information on ownership possible release and disposition; handle and responsible for: firearms, narcotics, dangerous drugs, biohazards and large sums of money.

Works with Police Investigators to log all evidence, obtain dispositions, obtain evidence destruction orders, and destroy evidence in accordance with policy and applicable law; enter property/evidence into evidence system making sure of proper packaging and labeling. Responsible for the proper disposition of all property and evidence according to policy, laws and court orders; transports destroyed items to proper disposal facility.

Responsible for packaging and mailing of evidence (including but not limited to drugs and biological samples) to state laboratories; receive and reenter into evidence upon its return. Maintain and account for chain of custody; Instructs officers and volunteers in evidence procedures. Photographs property as needed for documentation and for return to victims with prosecutor approval.

Transfers drugs and firearms to authorized state agents or other agencies for legal disposal or examination. Disposes of unwanted/non-returnable property such as paraphernalia.

Prepares unwanted/unclaimed property for transfer to contracted auction agency. Researches, prepares paperwork and forwards to prosecutor's office for approval to return personal property/evidence to citizen upon their request; Responds to inquiries about items from other law enforcement agencies and prosecutorial offices.

Provide testimony at legal proceedings related to criminal cases concerning evidence and property; accountability of chain of custody. Communicates with Officers concerning their submissions.

Responsible for the security and daily routine operations of the evidence room. Performs other duties related to maintaining and accounting for equipment supplies, and other inventory.

Logs all subpoenas and document dates and times on calendar; prepares follow-up requests for DA's Office i.e. copy of reports, copy of in-car video, photos, and interviews.

Tracks the retention of biological evidence and sexual assault evidence; prepares and sends required notifications before destruction, including certified mail, and maintains the related records in accordance with policy and state law.

Requests disposition or status from case officers on property held more than 120 days; contacts owners of found and safekeeping property and processes unclaimed property in accordance with policy.

Receives, counts and accounts for cash and prepares cash for deposit with the City Treasurer's Office in accordance with policy.

Maintains the property room access log and key control records; participates in scheduled inspections, audits and custodian-change inventories; maintains records of narcotics training aids.

Performs other related duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1.         Education and Experience:

            A.      Graduation from high school;

AND

            B.      One (1) year of responsible experience performing above or related duties;

OR

C.      An equivalent combination of education and experience.

2.     Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of law enforcement and court procedures, and relevant regulations and laws pertaining to property and evidence in the custody of the Idaho Falls Police Department, including chain of custody and the retention and disposition of evidence; modern office practices and procedures; of grammar, spelling and punctuation; of modern filing systems related to alphabetical and numeric files; personal computer operations and various program applications such as Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel and Word, and property and evidence management software; customer service and telephone etiquette; standard office equipment; of legal processes associated with the maintenance of public records and documents; interpersonal communication skills, bookkeeping and basic accounting.

Skills upon training: After training, certified in using NCIC/ILETS in obtaining criminal histories and serial numbers for research regarding the return of firearms. 

Ability to work with or near potentially hazardous material using appropriate safety precautions; exercise initiative, independent judgment and to act resourcefully under varying conditions; deal tactfully and courteously with the public, co-workers and representatives of other public agencies.  Ability to work independently with little supervision.  Ability to use standard office machinery such as telephone/fax, personal computer, printer and scanner; to work independently or as part of a team as required; ability to maintain accuracy and attention to detail; to research various files for proper disposition of evidence; and keep data confidential.

3.         Special Qualifications:

 Must be certified within two years as an Evidence Technician by International Association for Property and Evidence. 

Must be able to type 40 wpm.

Must pass a thorough background investigation and meet criminal justice information (CJIS) security requirements.

May be required to be a notary public.

4.         Work Environment:

Incumbent of the position performs in an office and evidence storage setting with appropriate climate controls.  Tasks require variety of physical activities related to walking, standing, stooping, sitting, reaching, and lifting and carrying up to 50 lb.  May be exposed to infectious diseases, biohazards, hazardous materials, controlled substances, and unpleasant images and odors, and must use appropriate protective equipment.  Essential functions generally require communications such as talking, hearing and seeing.  Rapid work speed required to perform keyboard operations.  Common eye, hand, finger, leg and foot dexterity exist.  Mental application utilizes memory for details, verbal instructions, the ability to perform effectively under stress, discriminating thinking and some creative problem solving.

*****

Disclaimer:  The above statements describe the general nature, level, and type of work performed by the incumbent(s) assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, demands, and skills required of personnel so classified.  Job descriptions are not intended to and do not imply or create any employment, compensation, or contract rights to any person or persons.  Management reserves the right to add, delete, or modify any and/or all provisions of this description at any time as needed without notice.  This job description supersedes earlier versions.

Pay Range:

Benefits:
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program which includes medical, dental, vision and life coverage. You will also be eligible for retirement benefits through PERSI.  PERSI is a defined benefit plan that offers guaranteed retirement benefits for full-time employees.