Evidence & Property Technician

WORK OBJECTIVE

This position is responsible for the custody chain and safekeeping of properties and evidence obtained by the Police Department and subsequent release of said property to authorized persons or other disposition in accordance with state statutes and departmental policy. Other responsibilities include technical work in the maintenance, preservation, and disposal of police evidence and abandoned property and maintaining and replenishing a comprehensive inventory of evidence equipment and supplies for the department. Work is performed in accordance with standard departmental procedures using considerable independence. Position is under the general supervision of a Police Sergeant.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives, inventories, categorizes, cross-references, stores, and maintains all evidence and found property in the custody of the Evidence Unit.
• Manages physical evidence and property taken into custody and disposes of same according to applicable Florida law and local ordinances while ensuring that the chain of custody is not violated.
• Notifies owners of recovered property and releases or mails lost or stolen articles to owners upon proof of ownership.
• Prepares a list of property for surplus.
• Prepares lists of articles to be destroyed; releases articles for official destruction; and inventories and releases property to be donated.
• Maintains accounting records necessary for perpetual property control in accordance with department policy.
• Assists in instructing police recruits on departmental policy and procedures related to handling evidence.
• Testifies in court in reference to procedures pertaining to all physical evidence or found property collected or received by departmental personnel.
• Enters and accesses information in an automated data system.
• Conducts fingerprint scans.
• Transports evidence and property to and from the lab, courthouse, and disposal site.
• Operates a motor vehicle requiring a standard Driver's License, and occasionally tows a trailer.
• Performs routine maintenance and repairs on equipment and stocks supplies.
• Maintains confidentiality within the parameters of law enforcement ethics.
• Performs other tasks and assignments as assigned by supervisor and department Command Staff.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be at least 18 years of age with a High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
• No criminal history.
• Required to successfully complete a comprehensive Police Department background screening and assessment.
• Must possess or obtain FCIC/NCIC certification to maintain employment.

DESIRABLE ATTRIBUTES

• Bilingual (English and Spanish), both reading and writing.
• Experience in receipt, storage, and issuance of property or in maintaining property control.
• Intermediate knowledge in Adobe, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge of basic tools used in maintenance and construction work.
• Knowledge of pertinent laws and rules related to job duties and responsibilities, including safe collection and preservation of evidence that may be contaminated with blood borne pathogens.
• Knowledgeable of and experienced in performing clerical and administrative tasks involving a computer, preferably using Microsoft Office.

• Communicates effectively, both orally and in writing, in a clear and concise manner with both internal and external customers and at all organizational levels.
• Understands and follows oral and written instructions, works alone and with others in a team environment, and carries out assignments with minimal supervision.
• Sets priorities, organizes, and remains efficient and flexible in the performance of multiple tasks/priorities and completing all assignments in a timely manner.
• Ability to operate a variety of standard office equipment and to create and maintain accurate and detailed records and reports.
• Ability to manage and maintain sensitive and confidential information and records in accordance with state statute and department standards.

PHYSICAL & ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

• Work is performed in usual office conditions with rare exposure to disagreeable environmental factors.
• Tasks involve frequent walking, standing, and sitting and the intermittent performance of physically demanding work, typically involving some combination of reaching, bending, stooping, kneeling, or crouching, and that may involve the lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of moderately heavy objects and materials (20-50 pounds).
• Requires intermittent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling of heavier objects (100+ pounds).

The City of Winter Garden is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with Equal Employment Opportunity guidelines and the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Winter Garden provides reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.