Sheriff - Evidence Specialist

Shawano County•Shawano, WI

21h•$27 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

Shawano County is seeking an Evidence Specialist to manage the receipt, labeling, classification, and storage of all evidence and recovered property for the Sheriff's Office. This role involves maintaining detailed records and tracking systems, providing technical support during field operations to ensure proper chain of custody, and coordinating with external criminal justice system elements. The Evidence Specialist will also prepare evidence for court proceedings, provide testimony, and handle the return, forfeiture, or disposal of evidence. This position serves as the primary contact for individuals needing to provide fingerprints or biological samples and coordinates firearm surrenders. Additionally, the role requires obtaining certifications in substance testing and training staff in these procedures.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Wisconsin State Driver’s License
certification, or the ability to be certified, in the International Association for Property and Evidence.

Nice To Haves

Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field is preferred.
Prior experience handling, storing and maintaining records of an evidentiary nature is preferred.

Responsibilities

Receive, label, store, and document evidence and recovered property seized or retained by the Sheriff’s Office; maintaining detailed database records regarding the status of evidence or recovered property through case disposition or as required by law or Office policy.
Collect and correlate information from criminal court records to determine evidentiary status; working collectively with external agencies or offices to ensure the integrity of required documentation.
Communicate with Wisconsin State Crime Lab and/or other law enforcement agencies regarding the transmittal and receipt of evidence, and maintain records relating to the chain of custody.
Correspond with stakeholders regarding the status of recovered or evidentiary property being held and arranging for return of the same after case disposition.
Dispose of unreturnable items upon case disposition in a manner prescribed by Office policy/procedure, court orders, and all applicable state or federal laws.
Collaborate with the Detective Lieutenant on maintaining the integrity and orderliness of the Evidence Lab & Storage facilities, and buildings or areas used to house recovered property.
Ensures the proper maintenance of databases relating to DNA & fingerprint collection and communicating upon direction with outside entities regarding the information stored.
Provides testimony during court proceedings, as needed, regarding records pertaining to chain of custody, the outcome of any scientific or field testing conducted, and providing supporting documents regarding the same.
As deemed appropriate by supervising personnel assists sworn law enforcement personnel at significant crime scenes or during the execution of search warrants to initiate and document the appropriate chain of custody pertaining to evidence or recovered property. This includes the collection of evidentiary items from on scene officers, documentation, transportation and proper storage of such items.
Provides instruction and prepares for certification internal and/or external law enforcement personnel in the field testing of controlled substances, proper evidence handling procedures and chain of custody.
Is the primary point of contact for persons, ordered by the court, to provide fingerprints or biological evidence for submission under applicable laws; including coordinating the surrender of firearms when appropriate and maintaining the integrity of databases containing such information and/or collaborating with the State of Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Representative, as may be required.
Provides primary managerial oversight and accounting for all evidence/recovered property storage areas maintained by the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office in accordance with State & Federal Laws and Office policy.
Prepares case files for transmittal to the District Attorney’s Office regarding the seizure of property for forfeiture including but not limited to U.S. Currency, vehicles and additional property which were used in the commission of a crime.
Perform other evidentiary/property related duties as required.
Handles and processes evidence that may include controlled substances, hazardous materials, blood, bodily fluids, biological specimens, and other potentially infectious materials; utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment and follows established safety and evidence-handling protocols.
Maintains the cleanliness, organization, and security of the evidence storage facility, processing areas, and associated workspaces.

Benefits

Paid Time Off
Nine (9) Paid Holidays
Health Insurance including vision coverage with option of a high or low deductible health insurance plan.
County-funded Health Reimbursement Account or HSA depending on health plan selection.
Prescription Drug Plan
Gym Membership Discounts
Dependent Flexible Spending Account
Dental Insurance
Long and Short-Term Disability
Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
Employee Assistance Program
Life Insurance
State Pension Plan
Deferred Compensation (457) Retirement Plans