Property & Evidence Specialist

Largo•Largo, FL

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This technical work involves collecting, recording, storing, and releasing property and evidence obtained by officers investigating crimes and other incidents. Work involves ensuring a legal chain of custody of evidence until it is court-certified for return to the owner or destruction. Transports evidence for processing to various labs and courts. Presents testimony regarding evidence to the courts. Duplicates video, audio, CD/DVDs, and photos for attorneys, investigators, media, citizens, and City officials. Prepares court orders for destruction of property and evidence items such as guns, drugs, and gambling paraphernalia. Provides training for all officers. Work is performed under the general direction of the Records Supervisor. All employees share components of leadership, management, technical, and team skills to assist in making the City of Largo the community of choice in Tampa Bay. This position also provides public records support for various digital evidence requests (e.g. body worn cameras and 911 calls) and video editing and redaction. Reviews digital evidence records and related documents for redaction and dissemination in compliance with agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations and public records law. Researches and reviews digital evidence classification to ensure compliance with prescribed procedures and guidelines. Works with agency departments and the State Attorney's Office regarding the viewing, reproduction, redaction, release, and the final disposition of digital evidence. Performs related work as required. As a condition of employment, City of Largo employees will be required to work as directed during an undeclared and/or a declared emergency. All employees are subject to recall around the clock for emergency response operations, which may require irregular work hours, work at locations other than the normal work location, and may include duties other than those specified in the official job description.

Requirements

Completion of high school or General Education Diploma (GED), preferably with some post-secondary education or training in criminal justice or property and evidence procedures
Ability to obtain Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) access and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)/Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC) Limited Access certification
Valid Driver's License
Minimum 5 years experience with body worn cameras and/Property and Evidence.
Knowledge of proper procedures for receiving and recording evidence and property
Knowledge of state laws and Police standard operating procedures regarding the release of evidence in criminal cases
Knowledge of internal and external computer systems and databases
Knowledge of laws and procedures governing the maintenance and release of evidence
Ability to perform moderate to heavy manual labor
Knowledge of warehousing and storage techniques
Ability to communicate with public and law enforcement officials
Ability to work in a secured area and maintain the integrity of the unit
Ability to make oral presentations
Ability to multi-task
Ability to work around strong chemicals and odors; to work with and not be sensitive to evidence depicting graphic scenes of violence
Knowledge of Police standard operating procedures and local, state, and federal laws pertaining to evidence handling, storage, and disposal
Knowledge of Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards (OSHA)
Ability to understand what others are saying in normal conversation in person and on the telephone, and ability to detect specific noises and proper equipment operation.
Ability to communicate orally with others in person, on the phone, and while giving formal presentations to groups.
Ability to see and read computer monitor screens, operate a vehicle, and read fine print.
Requires frequent driving and possession of a valid Florida Driver's License.
The work requires the ability to operate telephones, smartphones, tablets, photocopiers, printers, desktop and/or laptop computers, calculators, and all associated software. It also requires proficiency with computer hardware and software programs, including word processing, spreadsheet and/or database applications, internet applications, and database management.
The work requires the ability to operate the following machines: VCRs, DVDs, CDs, Audio/Visual duplicators, and camcorders.
The work requires proficiency with blowers, radios, and hand carts.

Nice To Haves

Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CPES), International Association of Property and Evidence (IAPE) Certification, and a member of the Property and Evidence Association of Florida (PEAF) preferred
Florida Records Management Association certification preferred

Responsibilities

Accepts and logs all evidence items
Returns evidence items to Officers for correction
Packages and submits evidence and property
Delivers, pickups, and files all the lab items
Duplicates the evidence items
Prepares property and evidence for destruction
Testifies in court when needed on behalf of the evidence
Provides training for Officers and Volunteers and attends other training classes as needed
Prepares and releases property and evidence items to the correct party
Performs audits, maintains inventories, prepares quotes for budgetary items, orders supplies, and answers and responds to incoming calls, faxes, and correspondence from outside agencies
Reviews digital evidence records and related documents for redaction and dissemination in compliance with agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations and public records law
Researches and reviews digital evidence classification to ensure compliance with prescribed procedures and guidelines
Works with agency departments and the State Attorney's Office regarding the viewing, reproduction, redaction, release, and the final disposition of digital evidence