Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
DEFINITION
Perform a variety of technical duties in the receipt, documentation, retention, release, destruction and auction of property and evidence; ensure the preservation and proper disposal of all items submitted to the Police Department; testify in court regarding the chain of custody and integrity of evidence.
JOB CLASSIFICATION
Non-Exempt, Safety Sensitive.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Receives direction from the Police Civilian Manager in Lab/Technology.
PRIMARY DUTIES--The following are examples of primary duties assigned to positions in this classification. Other related duties and responsibilities may be assigned.
1. Maintain custody of property and evidence collected at crime scenes such as drugs, money, firearms and other miscellaneous items; collect evidence for intake from a variety of locations; perform intake procedures including verification of paperwork, packaging, storing, destruction and record keeping on all items; properly package and destroy items with biological and bio-hazard appropriately.
2. Arrange viewing for attorneys or other staff; prepare evidence and supervise viewing to maintain integrity of all evidence handled; document items viewed and return to proper storage.
3. Dispose of or release evidence and property at the conclusion of court action or disposition of a case; coordinate, prepare, document and process all items designated for return to owner, auction or destruction; dispose of and destroy narcotics, weapons and various other items no longer needed for prosecution; ensure compliance with department policies and procedures.
4. Ensure security of evidence and property; retrieve and return evidence needed for internal laboratory work; transport property and evidence to outside forensic examination labs, storage and court as requested; prepare and package evidence for viewing and mailing to outside agencies.
5. Perform tape, CD, DVD, Blu-Ray, body camera footage duplication and redaction as requested by attorneys, investigators, citizens, or other personnel; maintain appropriate documentation and return originals to assigned storage location. Maintain, send, and redact body worn cameras through an outside database.
6. Provide notifications and answer citizen inquiries over the telephone, email and/or in person regarding property dispositions.
7. Maintain and operate a computerized inventory system; input data and update property and evidence files; check out and release evidence to appropriate persons; input disposition data; update and maintain the tracking system to reflect chain of custody for each item.
8. Assist and advise department personnel on laws and policies of evidential property control including proper packaging and documentation; instruct and train new staff.
9. Maintain property room including organizing, labeling and compressing items; move cases to off-site warehouse as needed; assist in the development and modification of inventory and security procedures for property and evidence. Assist in regular audits of property in custody, both physical and digital items.
10. Provide assistance in, and respond to, crime scene investigations as needed.
11. Perform other duties of a similar nature or level.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Methods and techniques of processing, cataloging, documenting, storing and releasing property and evidence.
Methods and procedures in crime scene documentation, collection, and preservation of evidence.
Principles and procedures used in evidence control and destruction.
Rules and regulations governing the release and destruction of property and evidence.
Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation.
Operational characteristics of firearms.
Customer service procedures and principles.
Principles and practices of record keeping.
English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.
Modern office technology and equipment, including computers and related software applications.
Applicable tools and equipment operations.
Applicable Federal, State and local codes, laws and regulations.
Ability to:
Receive, document and process property and evidence.
Maintain the integrity of evidence and chain of custody in accordance with established guidelines.
Release or dispose of evidence and property in accordance with established guidelines.
Read and understand court orders and reports.
Learn safety and security methods and practices involved in handling and storage of firearms, weapons, narcotics, drugs, money and dangerous devices.
Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public and City employees.
Establish and maintain accurate records, logs and files.
Use and care for firearms.
Interpret and apply Federal, State and local policies, laws and regulations.
Operate and use modern office equipment including computer and various software applications.
Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
Speak, read, comprehend, and write the English language fluently.
Experience and Training Guidelines
Minimum Requirements:
Experience:
Two (2) years of experience in evidence collection and maintenance or related police support services experience.
Training:
High School Diploma or G.E.D.
Other combinations of experience and education that meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
License or Certificate
Possession of, or the ability to obtain, a valid Colorado driver’s license.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, CBI certificate of training in Crime Scene Collection and Search.
Possession of, or ability to obtain, International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE) Certified Evidence Specialist certification within two (2) years of employment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Environmental Conditions:
The job is performed in the following working environment:
Office environment; exposure to computer screens.
Field environment.
The following condition(s) may be present on a continuing basis:
Atmospheric Conditions (fumes, odors, dusts, gases, poor ventilation)
Hazardous materials (chemicals, blood and other body fluids, etc.)
Local Travel
Physical Conditions:
The job is characterized by:
Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
The following activities are very or extremely important in accomplishing the job’s purpose and are performed on a daily basis:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to balance, sit, stand, reach, walk on level and slippery surfaces, stoop, kneel, crouch, demonstrate manual dexterity, grasp, talk, hear, and see. The employee may be required to lift and/or carry equipment and supplies weighing 50 pounds or more; may work at crime scenes in wet, hot or cold weather conditions.