Evidence Specialist

Description

Responsible for the proper intake, handling, preservation, storage and disposition of all evidence held by the Sheriff’s department. Ensuring proper chain of custody and maintaining the evidence and property room’s integrity and security.

Duties

• Verifies packaging or packages of incoming items, including hazardous and bio-hazardous items. Ensures accurate chain of custody and that accurate and current documentation exists in the records management system: provides care, custody and control of items to ensure its integrity from receipt to final disposition.
• Collect evidence from all evidence submission locations on and off-site. Transports evidence in a secure manner from collection points throughout the county to the evidence unit and to offsite testing facilities, such as FDLE. As well as, transport to facilities for destruction.
• Accept all evidence submissions into the property room, assigning a property record number and proper storage location. Scan all submission documents to maintain computer records.
• Provides internal and external customer service by means of in person contact, telephone or email. Answers questions and resolves issues with sworn staff, state liaison’s, attorneys, other agencies and the public in a confidential manner.
• Pull and submit evidence to the lab for processing.
• Determines the disposition of each case and enters such in the computer database in accordance with agency policy and state statutes.
• Conducts successful inquiries into various databases and other appropriate information/records systems to retrieve the requested information in accordance with agency policy.
• Documents and carefully maintains the security and control of all collected evidence, ensuring the integrity of the evidence and limited accessibility so the evidence may be presented and accepted by a court of law pursuant to state and federal statutes consistent with agency policies and procedures.
• Completes property/evidence receipts to reflect chain of custody and all pertinent evidence/property information pursuant to agency policy.
• Ensures that all persons entering and leaving the evidence room are authorized, and if applicable, escorted and/or signed in/out in accordance with agency policies/procedures.
• Verifies that all required information and forms on evidence/property envelopes/packages are complete and packaged correctly. Evidence not meeting this criteria are placed in the rejection/problem bin and if applicable entered in to the computer system, and the appropriate personnel notified of such pursuant to agency policy. To ensure all evidence is corrected and submitted in a timely manner.
• Assists deputies and detectives with processing requests for CCSO lab and FDLE lab.
• Informs owners and/or other applicable parties of the procedures for claiming property and will answer any pertinent questions and provide additional assistance to the requesting party in accordance with agency policies/procedures.
• Obtains and verifies the appropriate court orders to destroy drugs and/or drug evidence.
• Completes all required documentation/forms supporting the destruction/disposal of evidence.
• Documents the destruction/disposal in the evidence management system.
• Researches case status in order to effect release, destruction and donation of property no longer needed for evidentiary purposes pursuant to agency policy and in accordance with state laws.
• Processes requests and/or conduct viewings of evidentiary property for authorized personnel pursuant to agency policy and in accordance with state laws.
• Assists the State Attorney’s Office with viewing evidence and checking in/out evidence for trials.
• Performs annual audits, inspections, and inventories of the evidence unit as required.
• Performs custodial duties, such as sweeping, mopping and removal of trash.
• On call for submission of high liability items in accordance with agency policies.
• Relocating evidence to additional storage locations
• Court appearance when requested to testify to chain of custody.
• Processes applicable incoming and outgoing documents and/or files in a timely manner consistent with supervisory direction and/or agency policies/procedures.
• Participates in cross-training with other co-workers; assists those co-workers when the need arises and learns new tasks by working together as a team.
• Reports identified or potential maintenance, safety, and/or non-compliance findings, hazards, and incidents to the appropriate personnel and/or department.
• Timely completes all assignments, special projects, and budgetary requirements (if applicable) as directed, adhering to applicable agency policies.
• Adheres to leave and attendance policies, including punctual arrival and completing full shifts. Informs the supervisor about illness or untimely incidents, reports overtime hours worked, and timely submits timesheet, attendance, and leave requests.
• Regularly checks assigned mailbox, phone calls, PowerDMS, and email messages, responding promptly and professionally.
• Makes assigned chain of command aware of anything noteworthy.
• Responds to supervision, guidance, direction, and feedback from executive staff and superiors in a receptive manner and in accordance with agency policies.
• Conducts themselves in a polite, helpful, courteous, ethical, and professional manner, abiding by the established code of ethics, and demonstrates a courteous and professional image when engaged in any activity with the public.
• Cultivates positive working relationships with colleagues and other agency units to enhance work area output and services in line with agency policies.
• Demonstrates an understanding, consideration, and respect of cultural, religious, and gender differences when interacting with the public and coworkers.
• Actively participate in job-specific training.
• Operates and performs minor repairs for office equipment to manufacturer’s specifications and/or within the specified parameters pursuant to agency policies.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements

Minimum Education, Experience and Requirements:

• High school diploma or its equivalent required.
• Two (2) years of relevant work experience required.
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and acceptable driving record.
  
  

Certification, Licenses And Registrations Requirements

• Certification for Evidence Specialist after one (1) year.
  
  

Qualifications And Requirements For All Positions

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proficient in Microsoft office products
• Speak and understand the English language
• Internal candidates must have successfully completed their probationary period
• Internal candidates with punitive disciplinary action within 365 days are ineligible
• Internal candidates must have completed applicable CCSO FTEP requirements

• The following items (or authorized equivalents) may be required at various steps in the application process:
• Driver's License
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Form DD214 for all periods served in the military
• GED or High School Diploma and Sealed Transcripts from the highest level of education
• FDLE Authority for Release (notarized)
  

Supplemental Information

Salary is negotiable for full-time positions prior to initial hire, if requested, based on verified experience up to step five (5) of the assigned pay grade. Current employee salary changes are determined based on internal methodology. Please contact Human Resources with any questions.

Benefits for full time positions include Florida Retirement System, a full suite of very affordable health/life/dental/vision benefits, ancillary insurance policies, college reimbursement, and more. Benefits are effective the 1st of the month after a full 30 days worked. For more information on benefits, please visit https://www.claycountygov.com/government/personnel-services/employee-benefits.

The duration of the selection process may range from one (1) to three (3) months and may vary based on the number of applicants and/or urgency of filling the vacancy.

Applicants are reminded to take note of the close date listed on this job posting. Interviews are not typically requested prior to this date.

If accommodations are required throughout any portion of the hiring process, please contact our Human Resources team at HR@ClaySheriff.com.

All positions at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office have testing requirements to determine eligibility. All selected candidates will complete a drug screening, polygraph examination and a comprehensive background investigation as a condition of employment. Sensitive and/or confidential aspects of candidates’ personal lives may be explored during this process (including driving, drug usage, criminal, employment, and residential histories).

Any job qualifications or requirements listed in this job posting are susceptible to written and/or physical testing. This testing may be included in the competitive selection process.

Reapplication/Retesting of discontinued or disqualified applicants is available after 365 days.

This posting has been reviewed by Human Resources and found to be job related and non-discriminatory. If you are interested in this position, please submit your electronic application at https://www.claysheriff.com/departments/employment/.

Clay County Sheriff's Office offers excellent benefits packages outlined below. Benefits are effective the first day of the month after 30 days worked for benefit-eligible employees.

Coverages are provided through the Clay County Board of County Commissioners. You can visit their benefits page here.

• Medical Coverage
  
  

Comprehensive medical coverage through Florida Blue at competitive rates.Medical coverage is available to all benefit-eligible employees and their eligible dependents.Employees have a choice from two plans, both of which are Preferred Provider Option Plans. In addition to a high subsidy of the premiums, the Sheriff's Office contributes up to 50% of the deductible for the High Deductible- HSA Plan. Family Deductible = $ 4,200.00 Contribution of up to $ 2,100.00 per year

Single Deductible = $ 2,100.00 Contribution of up to $ 1,050.00 per year Dental Coverage

A choice of two dental plans, with the Sheriff's Office covering 100% of the single premium under the Low Plan. The employee will pay the difference in the premium cost if they elect family coverage. Life Insurance

Basic life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) life insurance coverage of $ 20,000 is provided for each benefit-eligible employee. Benefit-eligible employees may purchase additional coverage for themselves, their spouse,and dependent children through the Supplemental Life Insurance program. Long Term Insurance

Benefit-eligible employees may purchase long term insurance through the County's provider for life insurance at affordable rates. Supplemental Insurance

Supplemental Insurances such as short-term disability, hospital, cancer, and accidentare available through Aflac, Colonial Life, and Liberty. Vision Insurance

A voluntary vision plan at affordable rates. Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

A comprehensive employee assistance program, provided by Aetna,which includes counseling, education, and referral services for employees and their eligible family members. EAP services are strictly confidential. Vacation/Sick Leave/Personal Time Off

Full-time employees accrue Personal Time Off (PTO) per year;the accrual rate will increase depending on their length of service with the Sheriff's Office. Holiday Pay

The Sheriff's Office has eleven paid holidays and birthday leave for full-time employees.

• New Year's Day
• Martin Luther King Day
• President's Day
• Memorial Day
• Independence Day
• Labor Day
• Veteran's Day
• Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve
• Christmas Day
  
  

Retirement Plans

The Sheriff's Office participates in the Florida Retirement System. Employees have a choice from two plans under the FRS:Pension Plan and Investment Plan. The Sheriff's Office makes a contribution as set by the Florida legislature towards the plan of choice for each employee and the employee makes a contribution of 3%. Deferred Compensation Plans

Employees may also elect to participate in the County's deferred compensation plan, which offers a choice from two providers:Mass Mutual and Nationwide. Contributions are voluntary by the employee and made on a pre-tax basis. Pre-Tax Benefits

Benefits

Certain payroll deductions can be taken on a before-tax basis. These include medical and dental premiums, FRS plan contributions, and high deductible plan contributions. Other Benefits include:

• Tuition Reimbursement
• Florida Deputy Sheriff's Association Membership
• Onsite Wellness/Fitness Center *not all locations
• Military Service Leave
• Bereavement
• Direct Deposit Payroll
  
  

*Temporary, Part-time, and Seasonal employees are not paid for holidays and are not eligible for benefits.

01

Are you at least 18 years old?

• Yes
• No
  
  

02

Do you possess a valid Driver's License?

• Yes
• No
  
  

03

Do you have a high school diploma or equivalent?

• Yes
• No
  
  

04

Are you legally authorized to work in the United States? In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form (I-9) upon hire.

• Yes
• No
  
  

05

Do you have 2 years of relevant work experience?

• Yes
• No
  
  

06

Have you been convicted of a DUI within the last five (5) years for law enforcement/corrections applicants or three (3) years for civilian applicants, or ever as a law enforcement officer/corrections officer (including military police)?

• Yes
• No
  
  

07

Do you have any convictions for Domestic Violence?

• Yes
• No
  
  

08

Have you ever received a military discharge not classified as "Honorable"? (Ex. General, Administrative, Other Than Honorable, Uncharacterized, etc...)

• Yes
• No
  
  

09

Have you received three (3) or more moving violations within the past 24 months?

• Yes
• No
  
  

10

Have you read and understand the Agency Disqualifiers as listed on our website? Agency Disqualifiers can be found at https://www.claysheriff.com/departments/employment/

• I have read and acknowledge my understanding of the Agency Disqualifiers
• I have not read or understood the Agency Disqualifiers
  
  

11

Visible tattoos determined to be inappropriate or offensive must be covered while at work. Do you have any tattoos above the collarbone (i.e. neck, face or behind the ear)? If yes, describe the tattoo and the location of the tattoo.

12

For the next seven (7) questions --The Clay County Sheriff's Office recognizes an irrevocable responsibility in maintaining the public trust concerning the maintenance of a Drug Free Workplace and the office's responsibility to be in compliance with the Drug-Free Workplace requirements as established in the Anti-Drug Abuse Act enacted by the United States Congress in 1988 and the Florida Drug Free Workplace programs requirements, F.S.S. 440.101 and F.S.S. 440.102 and Chapter 59A of the Florida Administrative Code. The U.S. Court of Appeals, 5th Circuit in Davis v. City of Dallas (no. 84-1814 – November 26, 1985) determined that a requirement prohibiting recent or excessive drug usage is job related. Use of CBD oil can, in some circumstances, result in a positive result for THC during a drug test. A drug test that confirms a positive result for THC will disqualify the applicant from employment. The Sheriff reserves the right to disqualify an individual based upon the totality of the drug use circumstances. Please enter your initials to confirm that you have read and understand these statements.

13

Minor experimentation, as a juvenile, of the drugs listed in the following question, will be considered on a case by case basis. NO chronic usage will be considered. Have you, as an adult, used Cocaine, Illegal steroids (not prescribed), Quaaludes, LSD, M.D.M.A. (Ecstasy, Molly) or PCP within the past 5 years?

• Yes
• No
  
  

14

During your lifetime have you ever used methamphetamine, Rohypnol (Rooffies), GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate, also known as Grievous Bodily Harm) or similar illegal drugs in any amount?

• Yes
• No
  
  

15

During your lifetime have you ever sold, distributed or conspired to distribute illegal drugs, except as required by official law enforcement duties?

• Yes
• No
  
  

16

During your lifetime have you ever used any illicit drug after first employment or appointment in the law enforcement field except in connection with official duties?

• Yes
• No
  
  

17

During your lifetime have you ever fraudulently used prescriptions to obtain or use drugs?

• Yes
• No
  
  

18

Have you used marijuana or hash during the past 12 months?

• Yes
• No
  
  

19

During your lifetime have you ever illegally used heroin, opium, Fentanyl or any derivative of heroin or opiates?

• Yes
• No
• Required Question