Police Evidence Specialist

City of Eugene•Eugene, OR

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Eugene Police Department (EPD) is seeking applicants for a Police Evidence Specialist role. This position is crucial for the Evidence Control Unit, which handles the receiving, cataloging, safeguarding, and management of thousands of pieces of property and evidence. The unit processes approximately 15,000 pieces of new physical property and evidence, along with over 300,000 new pieces of digital evidence annually. Joining EPD means becoming part of a progressive law enforcement agency committed to community safety, law enforcement, crime prevention, and safeguarding constitutional rights. The department serves a vibrant city and operates 24/7 with a team of sworn officers and civilian staff. This role offers a fast-paced, collaborative environment with opportunities for community engagement and crime prevention initiatives.

Requirements

Two years’ experience in a retail store or warehouse environment performing inventory related tasks such as shipment receiving, stocking, property management, data entry and/or computerized inventory management.
High school diploma or G.E.D.
Must pass a police background investigation.
Valid Oregon driver’s license (or, the ability to obtain by date of hire); must pass driving records check and, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City’s standard.
Ability to obtain LEDS Certification within 90 days of hire.
Knowledge of methods and procedures used in receiving and storing property.
Knowledge of departmental policies and procedures as applied to property and evidence storage as well as confidentiality.
Knowledge of applicable City, State and federal laws and statutes covering evidence and property, including disposal, statute of limitation, State Finders Law.
Knowledge of general court systems process and use of evidence.
Knowledge of maintaining organized records, inventories, and tracking systems.
Knowledge of police computer systems and other computer programs.
Knowledge of proper handling of sensitive and dangerous evidence, such as drugs and firearms.
Ability to properly store criminal evidence and property.
Ability to follow procedures to preserve and maintain custody of evidence, and to maintain accurate records.
Ability to ensure proper disposition of evidence/property.
Ability to apply laws, policies, and procedures related to the receipt, storage, redaction, release, and disposition of digital evidence.
Ability to handle confidential matters appropriately.
Ability to explain department and city ordinances and procedures as to property releases, evidence, found property and disposals.
Ability to interpret court orders, subpoenas, discovery rules, and retention schedules as they relate to digital media.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to work effectively with criminal justice professionals and the public.
Ability to follow written and oral instructions.
Ability to use on-line police computer systems.
Ability to use digital evidence management systems to upload, tag, track, search, export, and redact electronic media accordingly.
Ability to operate a variety of business machines, such as computers, Audio/Visual (A/V) duplication equipment including audio cassette, VHS, 8mm, CD & DVD and other digital equipment, copier, scales, shredder, etc.
Ability to troubleshoot common digital-media issues, including file format problems, playback difficulties, and system software errors.
Ability to operate property/evidence vehicle.
Ability to simultaneously handle numerous inquiries or requests.
Ability to photograph property/evidence prior to release or for court purposes.
Ability to maintain physical agility to stock, lift, and retrieve evidence or property.
Ability to maintain a safe working environment.

Nice To Haves

Police experience is preferred.
May supervise volunteers.
May require use of City vehicles.

Responsibilities

Receives, inventories, stores, and disposes of stolen, abandoned, and found property, including diverse personal property items, computers, firearms, jewelry, and money.
Manages crime scene materials collected for analysis and/or evidence, which may include hazardous materials such as medical/biological waste, illegal drugs, computers, pharmaceuticals, blood, semen, urine, clothing, marijuana, and marijuana plants.
Ensures property and evidence is secure from theft, loss, or contamination.
Maintains accurate manual and automated inventory systems and records of all property and evidence.
Properly marks, tags, and packages evidence and property as required.
May retrieve and transport evidence from crime scenes and to state laboratories for analysis.
Responsible for the safe storage of evidence and ensuring chain of custody is clearly preserved.
May assist detectives and/or officers with showing and identifying evidence in court and may testify as to chain of custody, policy, and procedures.
Determines ownership of property or evidence by checking police reports, law enforcement computer systems, and other public records.
Works directly with the public, both on the telephone and in person, answering questions about evidence being held and lost property.
Maintains clean and orderly property storage facilities.
Evaluates public requests for release of evidence and property, checking for case completion, statute of limitations, outstanding warrants, and authorization before releasing property.
Photographs property and evidence used in criminal cases before releasing it to owners.
Checks case reports for authorization to dispose of evidence and property.
Assists in the disposal of evidence and unclaimed property through various disposal processes or auctions.
Purges items from inventory records.
Stays abreast of local, state, and federal laws involving property-evidence handling and recommends appropriate changes.
Processes and manages digital evidence from department systems and external submissions in compliance with legal and policy requirements.
Retrieves, reviews, and redacts digital media for authorized release to courts, other agencies, and attorneys.
Uploads, categorizes, and validates digital media and metadata in the digital evidence management system.
Monitors incoming files and ensures accurate routing and tagging.
Initiates digital evidence disposition by reviewing court orders, case status, statutory retention requirements, and other governing regulations.
Provides general technical guidance and basic troubleshooting for digital evidence systems to end users.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with Department personnel and the general public.
Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
May supervise volunteers.
May require use of City vehicles.
Performs other related duties as required.