Property and Evidence Technician I

City of Watsonville•Watsonville, CA

About The Position

Under general supervision, the Property and Evidence Technician I works in the Police Department’s property and evidence bureau. The role receives, records, stores, safeguards, loads, transports, verifies, releases, and disburses evidence and found or abandoned property; maintains separate property areas; and performs related work as required. This is a non-peace officer position responsible for property and evidence held by the Police Department, including at off-site locations. The role handles confidential and sensitive records and preserves the integrity and security of criminal evidence, including hazardous and bio-hazardous substances, narcotics, firearms, and other weapons. The position reports to the Property and Evidence Supervisor. The recruitment is for one part-time, temporary-hourly, non-benefited vacancy and will also establish an eligibility list for future full-time vacancies. Appointment requires successful completion of a background investigation and medical examination.

Requirements

High school graduation or tested equivalent.
One year of experience as a Police Officer, Municipal Court Clerk, Police Records Clerk, or related property/evidence room experience; equivalent combinations of training and experience may qualify.
Possess and maintain a valid California Class C driver’s license at the time of hire.
Knowledge of federal and state laws and court decisions concerning property recovery and evidence preservation.
Knowledge of techniques and procedures for receiving, inventorying, safeguarding, storing, and handling property.
Knowledge of basic recordkeeping and filing systems, rules of evidence, laws concerning evidence maintenance, release and destruction, local government operations related to law enforcement, legal terminology and process, basic criminal law, court-order request procedures, and procedures for handling and disposing of hazardous materials and firearms.
Ability to work quickly and accurately on multiple tasks; communicate clearly orally and in writing; follow oral and written directions; maintain confidentiality and accurate records; properly handle large sums of money, hazardous materials, firearms, biohazards, and unusual items; use common office and applicable specialized law enforcement software; keep current on evidence and property procedures; and establish effective working relationships.
Successful completion of a background investigation and medical examination prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Ability to speak English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

Receive, load, transport, verify, code, store, and safeguard evidence and property.
Maintain accurate records of stored property and evidence to support security and retrieval for court and audit purposes.
Maintain confidential files and records concerning property in custody and its disposition.
Release property for use as court evidence or return it to owners.
Forward and hand-deliver evidence to laboratories or experts for analysis.
Maintain chain-of-custody records and testify in court if necessary.
Coordinate and prepare usable unclaimed property for auction in accordance with State Penal Code provisions.
Purge property regularly using prescribed methods.
Keep records current regarding property location and movement within the department, in court, or at other locations.
Confer with sworn personnel, the City Attorney’s office, investigators, the District Attorney’s office, courts, and other law enforcement agencies about property matters.
Store, package, catalog, and destroy narcotics according to prescribed methods.
Destroy illegal and nuisance weapons and transport evidence for disposal or destruction.
Use a computer for extended periods to input and access data.
Operate standard office equipment.
Maintain cooperative working relationships with employees, sworn personnel, representatives of other law enforcement agencies, and the public.
Perform other related duties as assigned.