Property and Evidence Technician (Civilian)

City of Johnston•Johnston, IA

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Performs work under supervision of the Administrative Services Division, overseeing Property and Evidence (P&E) daily operations. Responsible for coordinating, administering, and overseeing physical and digital evidence programs, including but not limited to: intake, cataloguing, security, oversight and management of chain-of-custody, and disposition of all evidence and/or property received by the Johnston Police Department. While this position is not primarily responsible for crime scene processing functions, the incumbent must possess working knowledge of law enforcement criminal investigative practices, crime scene processing, evidence collection, preservation, and chain-of-custody requirements. This position will maintain accurate accountability of all evidence and property providing reports on a scheduled basis as well as upon demand by the Police Chief or authorized designee. These responsibilities do not require police officer certification, but the incumbent may be required to maintain multiple advanced skills certifications and professional credentialing. This is a non-sworn position working under the direction of a Division Commander or designee and routinely collaborating with sworn and non-sworn personnel across all divisions of the Department, and other local, state, and federal law enforcement partners and prosecutors.

Requirements

Completion, or equivalent of an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or technical school and two (2) years of experience in property / evidence handling, crime scene investigations, forensics, law enforcement, or related field
Must demonstrated proficiency in evidence management systems, records management systems, Microsoft Office applications, and digital evidence platforms
Work history of exceptional customer service skills, effective collaboration, and the ability to establish productive professional relationships in a fast-paced setting
Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities within a timely manner
Ability to prioritize and work under pressure
Ability to use independent judgment to make sound decisions
Appropriately exercises discretion and accountability for decision making
Proven work history of integrity and strong work ethic
Ability to maintain a valid State of Iowa Driver’s License, be insurable, and ability to become NCIC certified
Candidates must successfully pass in-depth background investigation and screening, and pre-employment physical and drug screen

Nice To Haves

Professional experience as a State-certified police officer, and/or certifications in property and evidence management, digital evidence management, crime scene investigation, records management, public records administration, or related disciplines are preferred
Experience in urgent demand, multi-disciplinary program management preferred

Responsibilities

Documents, collects, preserves, analyzes, processes, labels, stores, catalogs, and when directed, properly disposes of evidence
Enters and maintains comprehensive records related to evidence and property in the records management system, evidence management system, and other public safety databases to produce various reports and correspondence
Accountable for the security and integrity of the evidence room; responsible for preserving the critical chain of custody
May guide evidence-related activities of non-supervisory sworn personnel assigned to supporting role as property and evidence technician and/or crime scene investigator
Conducts periodic audits, inspections, inventories, and reconciliations of physical and digital evidence to ensure compliance with departmental policy, accreditation standards, legal requirements, and best practices
Assists with accreditation compliance, policy development, inspections, audits, and records retention requirements related to evidence and property management
Testifies in criminal, civil, administrative, and forfeiture proceedings regarding evidence handling, chain of custody, records, and disposition activities
Determines appropriate and lawful disposition of property; supports agency forfeiture and safe-keeping processes; releases property to officers, property owners, the courts and/or other agencies; releases property for sale at public auctions, maintains an accurate accounting of all property transfers and releases
Arranges for and coordinates the transfer/disposal/destruction and transportation of firearms, drugs, money, and other seized items
Assists the Division Commander with the management of seized property to be forfeited, appropriate legal notices to be served, collaboration with the Polk County Attorney’s Office and the Iowa Attorney General’s Office PATC coordinator; aids the City’s Finance Department and the Chief’s Office with appropriate documentation related to monetary deposits, disbursements, record keeping and legal notices
Maintains, replaces, repairs and purchases relative equipment; researches and recommends new equipment and technology purchases; maintains evidence storage areas; trains agency personnel in these procedures and equipment
Attends meetings, conferences, workshops and training sessions and reviews publications and audiovisual materials to become and remain current on the principles, practices and new developments in assigned work area
Makes public presentations demonstrating the technical and evidentiary practices to better inform the public about crime scenes, collection of evidence, and the value of their preservation
Handles, stores, and coordinates disposition of evidence containing biohazardous, hazardous, or potentially infectious materials in accordance with applicable safety standards and departmental procedures
Works directly with the DCI or other law enforcement crime scene units to expedite evidence processing, transporting, evaluating and interpreting results, and acts as liaison between the Johnston Police Department and the DCI Laboratory
Develops and distributes end-of-month activity reports; prepares materials for various attorneys and investigations
Administers digital evidence management systems; maintains digital storage repositories; manages user permissions, retention schedules, software licensing, and evidence transfers; ensures compliance with legal, operational, security, and policy requirements
Prepares and transmits digital evidence as required by the courts
Assists with open records requests involving digital evidence, including record review, redaction, and cost estimates under the direction of the Police Chief or designee