Sheriff's Property Officer I/II (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking a highly tactful, detail-oriented candidate to join their team as a Sheriff's Property Officer! Sheriff's Property Officers accept and release evidence from ongoing criminal cases. The position is responsible for the proper storage, release, and disposal of property and evidence, including digital evidence and maintaining accurate records of these transactions in both electronic and paper formats. Property Officers are responsible for maintaining inventory control records of the department's fixed assets, accessing and entering information in the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), and taking fingerprints and photographs of various types of applicants and registrants. Candidates must be comfortable working around firearms, narcotics, and biological material. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional attention to detail, be able to read and comprehend legal documents, laws, and ordinances, and have the ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously. They should demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively and tactfully, both orally and in writing with employees, officials of public agencies, attorneys, property owners, and the public. Experience with law enforcement computer databases and experience in keeping accurate logs and records is also desired, as is the ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy. A general understanding of types of criminal offenses and types of forensic analysis is beneficial. There is currently one full-time vacancy in the Sheriff's Office Property and Evidence Bureau in Redwood City. This position is located in Redwood City but will travel/ drive throughout the County to perform duties of the job. The eligibility list created by this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies at the Forensic Laboratory in San Mateo. Depending on qualifications, the vacancy will be filled at either the Sheriff's Property Officer I ($33.51 - $41.88 /hr) or Sheriff's Property Officer II ($40.14 - $50.18/hr) level. The hiring list created from this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time, limited term, and extra-help positions.

Requirements

One year of store keeping or clerical experience which has included responsibility for maintaining inventory control records or a complex filing system (for Sheriff's Property Officer I).
Two years of experience in a law enforcement or law administrative agency receiving, storing, releasing and inventorying property held for safekeeping (for Sheriff's Property Officer II).
Principles and procedures of stock control systems and record keeping.
General characteristics and values of different types of commodities.
Techniques of receiving, storing, inventorying, safeguarding and disposing of personal and other types of property.
California Penal Code, Civil Code, various County ordinances, the Federal Gun Act of 1968 and other laws governing public property, release of property and evidence and destruction of narcotics.
General characteristics and values of different types of equipment used in the Sheriff's Office including characteristics and handling of firearms.
Types of information stored in CLETS and NCIC.
Explain and apply departmental policies and procedures including court procedures and process of obtaining release of property.
Train personnel.
Maintain complete and accurate records.
Operate teletype and computer terminals.
Read and comprehend legal documents, laws and ordinances.
Exercise good judgment.
Make accurate observations.
Work well with minimal supervision.
Deal effectively and tactfully with employees, officials of public agencies, attorneys, property owners and the public.
Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
Lift and move bulky or heavy objects.
Apply laws, codes and ordinances related to property management, guns, narcotics and evidence.
Handle firearms.
Pass a detailed background investigation and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

Exceptional attention to detail.
Ability to read and comprehend legal documents, laws, and ordinances.
Ability to handle multiple projects and responsibilities simultaneously.
Experience with law enforcement computer databases.
Experience in keeping accurate logs and records.
Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer with sufficient speed and accuracy.
General understanding of types of criminal offenses and types of forensic analysis.
Comfortable working around firearms, narcotics, and biological material.

Responsibilities

Receive, maintain the chain of custody and integrity of, and safely store evidence, found property, and property held for safekeeping.
Advise staff on proper packaging and submission procedures.
Maintain files and records, both paper and in automated property management systems, regarding the receipt, storage, movement, and disposition of property.
Manage video evidence created by body-worn cameras and in-car video cameras.
Conduct inventories and audits of property and evidence.
Release property to the public or to legally authorized persons in accordance with disposition forms, court orders, or stipulations.
Compose correspondence to property owners or finders.
Authorize the return of and release safekeeping and found property to rightful owners.
Check out items needed for court, investigation, or forensic testing; transport or ship items to and from the Forensic Laboratory; and maintain records of items checked out.
Copy, share, or electronically transfer evidence in accordance with internal requests, discovery requests, subpoenas, and Public Record Act requests.
Testify in court to verify chain of custody records on evidence.
Purge property as directed on disposition forms and by following appropriate federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
Arrange for the auction of unclaimed property and coordinate the destruction of nuisance weapons and illicit materials such as controlled substances.
Maintain inventory control records of department's fixed assets.
Order supplies and equipment as necessary for assigned work.
Contact or respond to questions from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, representatives of various agencies and the public concerning the release, location, disposition, and forensic analysis of property.
Take fingerprints and photographs of various types of applicants, registrants, and probationers.
Operate various automated criminal justice information systems such as the County of San Mateo Consolidated Justice Information Portal (CJI), the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS), and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
Attend trainings and stay abreast of industry best practices and changes in laws and regulations.