Property & Evidence Technician

Fairfax County•Fairfax (Fj19), VA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

This position receives, processes, stores (and is responsible for safekeeping of) property and evidence from law enforcement personnel to preserve all incoming property from contamination, theft, or loss. Maintains and updates property documentation with tracking information, commonly referred to as the “chain of custody." safeguards and maintains proper integrity and chain of evidence. Monitors the collection of evidence from police officers and rejects improperly collected evidence. Inspects and observes evidence received from officers to determine compliance with prescribed packaging standards and to ensure all items are accounted for; catalogs evidence and found property for storage and easy retrieval according to prescribed procedures and regulations. Conducts purges to destroy unwanted evidence as required by law or regulations and properly documents the final disposition on departmental forms or memorandums. Tracks and accounts for high valued items recovered by officers in assigned areas. Inventories and issues a variety of evidence supplies/materials. Responds to inquiries from both law enforcement personnel and community members concerning property in custody. Prepares and forwards property-related forms to requesting units and agencies. Serves as liaison between the department and other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Complies with court subpoenas and testifies on the disposition of evidence when necessary. Ensures that all releases and dispositions of property are legal and properly documented. Arranges and documents interim releases and returns of property for court, crime lab analysis, or investigative use. Properly operates equipment such as forklifts, motor vehicles, hand carts, dollies and any other equipment needed to move, store, document or safeguard recovered evidence or property. Other duties as deemed necessary by the unit supervisor.

Requirements

High school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education
Two years' experience in warehouse operations such as receiving, issuing and storing materials, inventory/supply administration, storage and records management; OR handling and processing sensitive and confidential documents, material, or information.
Knowledge of Property Room procedures and polices
Knowledge of Federal, State and County criminal and civil codes and regulations
Knowledge of basic principles and practices of warehousing
Knowledge of computer terminal data input and retrieval processes
Knowledge of modern evidence storage practices
Knowledge of Federal, State, and local laws related to property management and storage
Knowledge of State, County and Federal laws to ensure proper destruction methods are followed
Ability to understand and follow handling, retrieval and disposal procedures
Ability to conduct accurate inventories of all property and evidence
Ability to communicate effectively with staff and the public
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information, material or evidence
Ability to perform required tasks including lifting, stooping, bending and working in uncomfortable positions
Ability to operate a forklift
Ability to maintain a high level of ethical standards
Ability to demonstrate a high level of integrity and be truthful at all times
Driver's License (Required)
Must complete a criminal background check, credit check, driving record check, pre-employment medical evaluation, polygraph exam and tuberculosis test to the satisfaction of the employer.
Incumbent is subject to random drug testing.
Operate keyboard-driven equipment
Drive a motor vehicle
Operate a forklift
Climb a latter and climb into the cargo area of a large truck/trailer.
Work requires ability to walk, stand, bend, and lift moderately heavy items up to 50 lbs.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with police department policies and procedures.
Bilingual in English and another language

Responsibilities

Oversees the processing of property and evidence from law enforcement personnel
Tracks and accounts for high valued items recovered by officers in assigned areas
Inventories and issues a variety of documents, forms and police equipment
Inspects and observes evidence received to determine compliance with prescribed packaging standards and to ensure all items are accounted for
Catalogs evidence and found property for storage and easy retrieval according to prescribed procedures and regulations
Oversees the collection of evidence from Police Department cadets and rejects improperly collected evidence
Conducts purges to destroy unwanted evidence as required by law or regulation
Preserves all incoming property from contamination, theft, or loss
Maintains and updates property documentation with tracking information, commonly referred to as the “chain of custody”
Safeguards and maintains proper integrity and chain of evidence
Ensures that all releases and dispositions of property are legal and properly documented
Arranges and documents interim releases and returns of property for court, crime lab analysis, or investigative use
Responds to inquires from both law enforcement personnel and citizens concerning property in custody
Enters information pertaining to property and evidence status into computer terminals for evidence tracking and management
Prepares and forwards property-related forms to requesting units and agencies
Serves as liaison between the department and other local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies
Provides for maintenance of the storage facility
Inventories property based on the policy demands of the department
Ensures that all efforts are taken to make the property room as safe as possible for employees as well as property
Prepares evidence and recovered property for Destruction, Auctions, Charitable Contributions or conversion to County Use
Audits station property rooms to ensure compliance with rules of evidence, state code and departmental regulations
Releases property and evidence to designated personnel following prescribed procedures
Performs physical inventories of the property and evidence
Collects, produces and maintains written documentation
Contacts vendors, coordinate deliveries and corrects shipment errors
Maintains computerized records on the disposition of evidence and other impounded property
Delivers evidence to courts and testifies on the disposition of evidence when necessary
May operate a forklift to move impounded property