Property & Evidence Technician (0.6 FTE / 24 hours per week)

City of Lake Forest Park • Lake Forest Park, WA

11d

About The Position

The Property & Evidence Technician is a non-commissioned civilian, non-exempt position that performs specialized property and evidence duties in support of the Police Department. Under the direction of the Support Services Division Commander, the technician receives, records, safeguards, inventories, and maintains custody of evidence, found property, and inmate property, documenting chain of custody through final disposition. The position also supports crime-scene and evidence processing for Patrol and Investigations staff, including fingerprint and trace evidence collection, and processes public records requests for officer body-worn camera footage. Other administrative duties include conducting the Police Department’s annual equipment inventory and assisting with WASPC reaccreditation every four years.

This part-time position is 24 hours per week, with a choice of three 8-hour shifts or four 6-hour shifts. Occasional evening, night, or weekend work may be required. The position is eligible for healthcare and time-off benefits and is covered by the Police Guild Collective Bargaining Agreement. New hires must pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation, including a satisfactory driving record and psychological evaluation, as well as pre-employment drug screening.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent and at least five years of clerical, administrative, or record-keeping work experience, or equivalent education and experience.
• Valid Washington State Driver’s License and ability to maintain insurability with the City upon hire.
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification within six months of hire.
• Successfully pass a comprehensive criminal background investigation and drug screening; the background investigation includes a satisfactory driving record and psychological evaluation.
• Obtain Washington State Patrol ACCESS certification within 30 days of hire.
• Complete the Washington Criminal Justice Training Commission Property and Evidence Technician course within 12 months of hire.
• Knowledge of procedures, regulations, best practices, and applicable laws concerning police property and evidence, including court procedures and federal, state, and local laws.
• Proficiency with computers and applicable software, including Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel; working knowledge of administrative office procedures, methods, and equipment.
• Business letter writing and basic report preparation skills, with proficient spelling and grammar.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and analytical skills; attention to detail and ability to work in a busy, sometimes stressful environment with changing priorities.
• Ability to use initiative and independent judgment within established guidelines; handle confidential information with discretion and integrity; and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic with whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.
• Ability to work effectively in an organization committed to equity and anti-racism; interact courteously and effectively with the public, coworkers, and representatives of other agencies; and maintain cooperative working relationships.
• Ability to safely operate a city-owned transport vehicle and successfully complete required position-related training.
• Regular, reliable, and punctual attendance; ability to work independently with reliability, accuracy, and productivity, and as part of a team.
• Ability to provide customer service, respond promptly to inquiries and concerns, prioritize multiple projects, meet deadlines, and work through frequent interruptions.
• Ability to understand, interpret, and apply instructions, policies, procedures, and governmental regulations; follow safety requirements; identify hazards; and work near potentially hazardous materials using appropriate precautions.
• Ability to adapt to changes in the work environment and organizational expectations and communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively in English, orally and in writing.
• Ability to walk, stand, reach, talk, hear, and operate a motorized vehicle; occasionally lift up to 50 pounds and frequently lift up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work in an office environment at a computer and outdoors on varied terrain and in sun, rain, wind, mud, and snow; the position may involve exposure to communicable diseases, hazardous materials, and physical or verbal abuse from hostile citizens.

Nice To Haves

• Associate degree in Criminal Justice or a related field.
• Prior experience with evidence handling and law enforcement procedures.
• Records management experience.

Responsibilities

• Receive, inventory, protect, store, and maintain custody of crime-scene materials and evidence submitted by commissioned personnel.
• Document the chain of custody for property and evidence from intake through final disposition; maintain accurate manual and automated inventory systems, records, statistics, and reports.
• Transport evidence to outside laboratories for examination.
• Conduct property release and disposal procedures, including identifying and notifying owners, releasing or transferring property, and purging evidence or recovered property in accordance with applicable laws.
• Prepare property for return to owners, destruction, transportation to other law enforcement agencies, or disposal at public auctions.
• Respond to inquiries from the public, law enforcement agencies, and prosecutorial offices; assist citizens with the return of stolen or confiscated property.
• Initiate inquiries to establish ownership and support the release or disposition of property and evidence.
• Process fingerprint and trace evidence at crime scenes in support of Patrol and Detectives, as needed.
• Process public records requests for officer body-worn camera video footage.
• Complete general and technical administrative duties assigned by the Commander.
• Conduct the Police Department’s yearly equipment inventory.
• Assist the Commander with WASPC reaccreditation every four years.
• Testify in court concerning evidence handling and chain of custody when required.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Life insurance and long-term disability (LTD).
• Employee assistance program (EAP).
• HRA, HSA, and FSA options.
• Enrollment in Washington State’s DRS PERS plan.
• 401(a) retirement plan (Social Security replacement plan) with matching employer contribution.
• Optional 457 deferred compensation plan (DCP).
• Time-off benefits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Education Level: High school or GED