Property and Evidence Technician (INTERNAL ONLY)

The Property and Evidence Technician performs complex and highly responsible duties related to receiving, maintaining, and releasing property and evidence which is recovered by the police department; to include the preservation of all such items; ensuring security; and preventing tampering. The Property and Evidence Technician monitors the purging and releasing of property and evidence; maintains process documentation and computer data accurately and completely to satisfy department and legal standards.

• Responsible for the appropriate receipt, security, storage, maintenance, release, and disposal of all logged property and evidence generated from Police activity entrusted to the City of Commerce City Police Department
• Possesses knowledge of evidence and property collection, packaging, handling, storage, forensic practices, and evidence preservation
• Coordinates the submittal and transportation of evidence to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation and other outside law enforcement partners
• Manage and facilitate digital media evidence and public records requests of the Body Worn Camera
• Serves as property and evidence liaison between Police Services and court officials, attorneys, other law enforcement agencies, and the public
• Updates and maintains records of property and evidence as required
• Researches, analyzes, and determines rightful owners of property, evidence, and found items to include notification, scheduling appointments, release, and mailings
• Responsible for receiving property and evidence items collected by department members; inventories; documents and other records; marks and stores all evidence according to established procedures
• Communicates concerns and ideas appropriately to the supervisor
• Trains, assists, and advises department personnel as to proper evidence procedures, packaging, laws, and statutes
• Maintains and operates a computerized inventory system and completes regularly scheduled audits and inventories
• Assist with the destruction, disposal, and releases of property and evidence
• Determines appropriate case disposition and obtains supporting documentation from the courts and case officer
• Manages property and evidence intake and releases according to department policy
• Participates with scheduled inventories and audits of drugs, guns, and money
• Communicates appropriately to others in a timely, respectful, and professional manner
• Reviews processes to keep current with industry and legal standards and practices
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with co-workers; the public, and the law enforcement community
• Manages evidence to maintain the chain-of-custody in accordance to law and procedure
• Prepares documents and records accurately and completely
• Performs duties and responsibilities in accordance with established city and departmental policies and procedures, common municipal codes and ordinances, and federal and state regulating entities
• Testifies in court regarding management of property and evidence
• Answers subpoenas and appears in court and other legal hearings as required
• Conducts NCIC/CCIC computer file searches and queries on weapons and other items of evidence for information and performs CBI background checks on firearms owners prior to transfer and release
• Assists in the development of basic and complex reports for unit statistics and data tracking purposes
• Learns and uses safety practices to prevent injury or death including the use of personal protective equipment; maintains a secure environment
• Promotes a culture of safety in the workplace and reports safety hazards immediately
• Keeps supervisor apprised of issues and concerns within the organization
• Accepts constructive input and provides suggestions for improvement
• Creates an inclusive environment by acknowledging the differences, perspectives and ideas of other people
• Performs other duties as assigned
  
  

High School Diploma or GED with a minimum of two years customer service, clerical or support staff experience. Experience in a law enforcement or public safety environment preferred. Inventory control experience preferred. Must possess a valid Colorado State driver’s license. Must obtain National and Colorado Crime Computer (NCIC/CCIC) certifications within 90 days. Must obtain International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE) Certification within 2 years. An equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may be considered.

Knowledge Of

• Knowledge of evidence/property collection, packaging, handling, storage, forensic practices, and evidence preservation.
• Knowledge of law enforcement and legal terminology; and police inventory systems
• Knowledge of the laws, regulations and procedures for collecting, securing, and disposing of property and evidence
  
  

Skills In

• Demonstrates skill in the use of computers, data entry, and databases
• Uses strong organizational skills and demonstrates an attention to detail
• Works respectfully and effectively with persons of different ethnic, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds; and uses strong analytical and customer service skills
• Communicates clearly and concisely with proper English grammar, both orally and in writing; understands and follows oral and written instructions
• Demonstrates integrity, flexibility and ingenuity in the performance of all tasks
• Performs a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and acceptable speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Records and delivers information; can understand and explain procedures adequately
• Performs light to moderate physical work daily.
  
  

Ability To

• Ability to analyze information and determine case status
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with team members, citizens, customers, other agencies, city departments, and staff.
• Ability to work well, independently, and as a team member; handle multiple tasks simultaneously; and meet deadlines and time-sensitive parameters.
• Ability to present testimony in criminal court as a professional and articulate representative of CCPD
• Driving: Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle safely in the performance of duties
• Office equipment: copier, fax, calculator, shredder, printer, scanner, and phone
• Computer equipment: personal computer, laptop, and Microsoft Office
• Other equipment: Operates digital cameras to obtain photographs and videos
• Language skills: Reads and understands English, including documents and instructions. Writes notes and correspondence in English using proper spelling and grammar; communicates appropriately with individuals and groups.
• Mathematical skills: The ability to utilize mathematical formulas; to add and subtract totals; to multiply and divide; and to determine percentages and decimals
• Reasoning ability: Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagrammatic, or schedule forms
• Physical activities: May sit for extended periods of time; may stoop, reach, bend, squat, climb; lift and move objects of various sizes up to 30 pounds without assistance.
• Lifting: Must be able to lift and move large pieces of evidence and property weighing up to 50 pounds with the assistance of a handcart
• Vision and hearing: Requires the ability to inspect items Must be able to see and read paper and electronic documents; must be able to answer telephones, hear conversation and respond to verbal inquiries
• Frequent contact with weapons, firearms, syringes, drugs; bloody materials and other biohazards; graphic photos and videos; odors; and chemicals. Must be able to wear carbon filtered respiration mask. Work is performed in a secured, restricted area. Requires working with property and evidence; attorneys; defendants; victims; and law enforcement officials. Involves sensitive and confidential information.
  
  

This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and qualifications. Employees are accountable for all duties associated with this position.