Property & Evidence Technician

Title: Property & Evidence Technician

Supervisor: Park County Sheriff

Part-Time 0.5 FTE Non-Exempt

Pay Grade 11: Range $21.70 - $26.70

I. ASSIGNED DUTIES & TASKS:

Position overview:

This position is responsible for performing a variety of technical duties involved in the maintenance and processing of criminal evidence; testifying in court as an expert witness as required; and performing general technical duties in support of the Park County Sheriff’s Department.

All duties below are essential functions unless otherwise indicated. Duties of the position are not all inclusive and subject to change.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handles confidential and sensitive information without unauthorized disclosure;
• Secures, transports, categorizes, releases, logs, tags and photographs property and evidence for the Sheriff’s Department;
• Checks serial number on items received to ascertain whether items are stolen; sets aside items for fingerprinting;
• Disposes and releases property from property system in accordance with applicable laws including auction, conversion and destruction; determines ownership of found or unclaimed property when possible;
• Receives, reviews, sorts, catalogs, inventories, marks, documents, and securely stores submitted property and evidence (including, but not limited to weapons, bodily fluids, narcotics, volatile chemicals, currency, large and/or heavy items) in a manner such that the individual items are secure from theft, loss or contamination and safeguards the integrity of the chain of custody;
• Inputs various detailed records into a computer terminal including the maintenance of accurate and detailed data, verifying accuracy of information and updating information;
• Releases vehicles from impound lot;
• Coordinates property and evidence functions with other law enforcement jurisdictions when required;
• Makes inquiries into the NCIC and CJIN regarding information on vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, wanted persons, and criminal history record in accordance with NCIC operation manual;
• Coordinates evidence viewing, including scheduling appointments for attorneys and defendants to view videos; and show videos, evidence, and property as necessary;
• Testifies in Court, including preparing evidence and presenting expert testimony in court regarding the maintenance and processing of evidence and test results and findings;
• Processes requests for evidence related to discovery for attorneys.
• OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED:

Performs other duties as assigned by the Sheriff or Undersheriff. This includes special projects and a variety of other functions as determined.

II. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

The Property & Evidence Technician makes routine daily and weekly choices under readily available supervision. This position is able to perform basic troubleshooting or analysis and provides basic information on a frequent basis and on an occasional basis provides detailed procedural explanations.

Skills and Abilities

Skill in the use of personal computer including data entry, word-processing, database. Skill with camera, digital media and modern office equipment. Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision. Ability to maintain confidentiality and to disseminate property and evidence. Ability to establish and maintain an organized work environment.

Education and Experience

This position requires specialized training beyond high school that can be obtained in one year or less, and three years of related work experience. Must complete training in proper evidence handling and storage techniques and become certified as a Property and Evidence Specialist within one year of appointment.

Certification, Licenses, etc.

Valid Montana Driver’s license.

Must become a certified CJIN/NCIC operator within six months and maintain certification. Must be able to pass a thorough background investigation, to include a Federal fingerprint based criminal history check.