Property & Evidence Specialist

City of Albany•Albany, OR

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The City of Albany Police Department is seeking an organized and dependable Property & Evidence Specialist. This position plays an important role in receiving, documenting, storing, tracking, and disposing of evidence and found property while maintaining accurate records and chain of custody. If you’re organized, dependable, and comfortable following detailed procedures, we encourage you to apply! Applications will be reviewed as received and this recruitment may close at any time after September 29 without prior notice.

Requirements

A high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent
Two years of experience in general office administration, communications, or records management, including at least one year in a law enforcement setting; or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Must successfully pass a background investigation including criminal history and driving check; and records of felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories are prohibited.
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, a valid Oregon driver's license and a driving record that meets the City’s driving standards.
Possession of, or ability to obtain and maintain, Law Enforcement Data System (LEDS) certification and satisfy all applicable Criminal Justice Information Systems (CJIS) security requirements.
The individual shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of themselves or others.
Knowledge of methods used in the collection, tabulation, review and distribution of evidence and property, forms, reports, and documents, and disposition practices.
Knowledge of functions, terminology, services, and principles and practices of law enforcement work.
Knowledge of laboratory techniques, finger printing techniques, techniques, skills for maintaining organized records, inventories and tracking systems.
Skill in modern office equipment including computer equipment and associated software programs, as well as modern still and video photography techniques and equipment.
Skill in multi-line phone system; bar coder; copy and fax machines; and other related tools and equipment.
Ability to learn technical and specialized rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and activities related to the property and evidence functions.
Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, other departments, and the public.
Ability to operate computers for data entry.
Ability to follow verbal and written instructions and follow strict and proper procedures to preserve and maintain custody of evidence, records and to dispose of evidence/property.
Ability to comprehend and use English effectively to prepare police reports, evidence descriptions and other documents in a clear and concise manner.

Nice To Haves

Preference may be given to individuals with bilingual skills.

Responsibilities

Tracking, handling, and safeguarding evidence and found property for the Police Department.
Maintaining the physical integrity and control of items in the City’s custody.
Entering data.
Cataloging, processing, and disposing of materials.
Maintaining the chain of custody of evidence.
Receives found property and evidence, documents the receipt, maintains the physical integrity, control, and the chain of custody, and physically stores the property and evidence in the designated location.
Operates and maintains computerized record system of all physical evidence and property taken into custody by the Police Department and other agencies as assigned.
Disposes of property by return to owner, destruction, or auction based upon judicial case clearance and in accordance with state and local rules and statutes regarding property disposition.
Maintains inventory of property and evidence room supplies.
Receives, stores, and transports body fluids retained as evidence.
May testify in court on property and evidence chain of custody issues.
Able to safely handle all types of firearms for storage and retrieval purposes.
Provides a variety of property and evidence information to the public and governmental agencies through verbal and written communication.
Receives incoming calls, determines nature and urgency of calls, and coordinates appropriate response pertaining to property and evidence section.
Receives a variety of requests from officers for specific information on property and evidence; researches the answer and follows up with appropriate information.
Composes a variety of correspondence, reports, and other materials requiring independent judgment as to content, accuracy, and completeness.
Assists with maintenance, repair, and replacement of department property and equipment as required.
Provides training and technical assistance to co-workers, including providing instruction on proper evidence collection, maintenance, and destruction techniques.
Provides backup to records clerk as needed.
Represents the City of Albany by responding to the public, citizens, its employees, and others in a prompt, professional, and courteous manner while continuously maintaining a positive customer service demeanor.
Works to create a high-performance work culture by demonstrating a positive attitude and modeling the City’s mission, vision, and values.
Conducts self with high integrity, proactive in conserving City resources, and seeks and incorporates customer feedback for ongoing performance improvement.
Demonstrates continuous effort to improve operations, decrease turnaround times, streamline work processes, and work cooperatively and jointly to provide quality customer service.
Serves as a member of various City committees as assigned.
Assists other staff in the performance of their duties as assigned; and may provide training and orientation to new assigned personnel.
Maintains regular job attendance and adherence to working hours including arriving to work, meetings, and other related work functions on time.
Adheres to appropriate attire, grooming, and hygiene standards established for the position.
Operates a motor vehicle safely and legally.
Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

Benefits

6% incentive for Bachelor's Degree
3% incentive for Associate's Degree
5% incentive for Spanish or Sign Language Advanced Level
3% incentive for Spanish or Sign Language Intermediate Level
City-provided uniforms, equipment, and uniform cleaning.
Onsite fitness facility
Excellent medical, vision and dental benefit package for the employee and qualified family members with low monthly out-of-pocket cost.
City-paid contribution to a VEBA Trust account for out-of-pocket healthcare expenses.
Paid time off: 18 hours of vacation leave per month, with progressive increases based on years of service (8-hour or 10-hour shift employees)
8 hours of sick leave per month ( (8-hour or 10-hour shift employees )
Excellent retirement benefits: City-paid participation in the Oregon Public Employee Retirement System (OPSRP and IAP)
City-paid contribution (2.5%) into a pre-tax deferred compensation plan
Education reimbursement
Employee assistance program
Basic life insurance
Short-term disability
Long-term disability
Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and childcare expenses.