Property and Evidence Clerk jobs in the United States

Description

Job Summary: The position is responsible for receiving, processing and storing confiscated property/evidence, to record all transactions in an inventory control system, to maintain the security and integrity of the custody chain and to dispose of or return property/evidence in accordance with federal, state and local laws/regulations and with established departmental policy.

Major Duties:

• Receives various types of evidence/property such as large sums of money, documents, drugs, weapons, and vehicles confiscated by local law enforcement officials in criminal cases; receives found property and property for safe keeping; checks for accuracy of items listed on property sheets.
• Stores and records evidence and property; ensures all property, evidence, and impounded vehicles are preserved and accounted for according to regulations.
• Signs for and transfers evidence and property using prescribed security measures; enters information into computer system to complete custody transaction; generates, copies, disseminates, and files printed receipts as appropriate.
• Packages evidence and property for safety and secure storage; labels bio-hazardous materials; wraps and labels bladed objects; places flammable materials in secure outside storage; verifies firearms are safely stored.
• Conducts inventory of evidence room; updates files as necessary; ensures that all confiscated firearms are recorded in the database accurately.
• Collects various types of evidence, such as blood kits, drugs, and urine kits, from uniform patrol evidence lockers.
• Pulls evidence, including drugs, firearms, and other designated items, from inventory as necessary for review, identification, release, court, destruction, or other purposes; packages and transports evidence to crime lab for testing.
• Oversees review of evidence by defense lawyers to ensure evidence integrity; releases evidence to District Attorney and to case officer as appropriate; maintains release files.
• Compares incident reports with recovered items; contacts case investigator to discuss any evidence which may have bearing on active case; contacts victims/owners to view property for identification and claiming purposes.
• Advises civilians of proper procedures to follow to obtain property release; notifies citizens to claim property.
• Verifies ownership and authorization for property release; completes and files necessary paperwork returning property to individuals from whom it was confiscated, to owners from which it was stolen, or to other appropriate personnel; ensures that all property which is released from the property room is also removed from the computer database.

• Responds to questions, complaints, and requests for information from citizens, court personnel, officers, other law enforcement agencies, insurance and repossession companies, attorneys, pawnshops, and other individuals.
• Assists with evidence/property items in court as necessary; testifies in court as to the proper chain of custody when required.
• Prepares evidence and property listings to request court order for disposal and/or destruction in accordance with regulations; receives court orders to destroy evidence and/or dispose of unclaimed items.
• Transports evidence, drugs, and firearms to crime lab for destruction; prepares unclaimed property for auction; researches ownership and other legal requirements prior to the sale of property at auction; contacts crime lab for destruction of drugs; maintains appropriate records.
• Assists officers with proper completion of forms and reports; reviews for accuracy; notifies appropriate individuals regarding receipt of incorrect paperwork.
• Answers the telephone; provides information, advice and guidance; takes and relays messages and/or directs calls to appropriate personnel; returns calls as necessary.
• Maintains a comprehensive, current knowledge and awareness of applicable laws/regulations; reads professional literature; maintains professional affiliations; attends meetings, workshops, and training sessions as appropriate.
• Prepares, generates, and/or processes a variety of forms, requests, activity and other reports, correspondence, and other documentation associated with the daily routine of this position; prepares and maintains files, logs, and administrative records.
• Cooperates with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and its officers or representatives when activities are related to investigations within county jurisdiction.
• Receives, alphabetizes, enters, copies, and files pawn tickets; utilizes specialized program for pawn-related activity.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Qualifications

DESIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILL AND EXPERIENCE:

• Experience in writing property and drug destruction orders is preferred. 
• Superior verbal and written communication skills.
• Exercises discretion and sound judgment, maintains confidentiality.
• Excellent organization and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to work in a team environment when required.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, demonstrates initiative.
• Ability to interpret policies, administrative regulations, legislation and accurately explain to others.
• Ability to maintain confidentially and exercise considerable skill in handling sensitive information and data.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Associate’s Degree required; Bachelor’s preferred
•  Three (3) years of previous law enforcement experience and/or training involving inventory control and data entry or a related field; or any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this job.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suites
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• May be required to attain and maintain other certifications as related to position.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit; talk and hear; use hands to finger, handle, feel or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms.
• The employee is occasionally required to walk, climb, balance, stoop, kneel and crouch.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 75 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities requires by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Exposure to all types of weather and will work around light and heavy equipment.

The City of Brookhaven is an equal opportunity employer.