Evidence Property Specialist

Police Department

Full-Time

Non-Exempt, Pay Grade 11

VRS-Eligible, Benefits-Eligible

Evidence Property Specialist

Responsible for providing the physical handling, clerical support and the facilities maintenance for the processing, storage and disposition of evidence and other property in cooperation with other personnel towards fulfilling the departmental functions of tracking property and evidence, case development, criminal prosecution, and restoring seized, lost or stolen property to its rightful owner. Property may include: large sums of money; illegal drugs; jewelry, weapons, bicycles, electronics equipment, and other valuables. Inventory record keeping of all property issued to department personnel. Issuing inventoried items to departmental personnel upon request.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Tracks and keeps accurate and thorough records on all found property and evidence brought under the jurisdiction of the Police Department;
• Conducts the physical storage and the appropriate checking in and out of all found property and physical evidence brought under the responsibility of the Police Department;
• Assures that all found property and physical evidence being turned in to the evidence facilities of the Police Department have been appropriately packaged, labelled, and documented by other personnel;
• Monitors and executes appropriately the additions, deletions, corrections and inquiries to the local, state and national computerized information systems for stolen and missing property;
• Assures appropriate final disposition of found property and physical evidence, including assisting in the returning of property to its rightful owner or destroying it, as appropriate;
• Assists the Commonwealth's Attorney and the investigating officer with case related evidence;
• Cooperates with the judicial system on due process and documentation issues along with testifying in court when required;
• Follows strictly all applicable laws of evidence;
• Provides information, assistance and referrals as appropriate on property and evidence related inquires from either inside or outside the Police Department;
• Maintains in a thorough, accurate and timely manner the various departmental administrative filing systems and record system and provides informational reports as requested and needed by staff officers of the department;
• Assures the appropriate security and confidentiality of materials and information;
• Maintains the cleanliness and order of the evidence storage and processing facilities;
• Assists with the ordering of supplies, uniforms, and equipment for the department;
• Assists the Technical Support Sergeant with duties related to properly equipping members of the agency.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school, with instruction in keyboarding and business. Two to three years in a law enforcement environment is desirable. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Must successfully complete a background investigation and polygraph examination. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Possession of a valid Virginia Drivers License and a good driving record. Successful passage of a background investigation for criminal convictions or indications of moral turpitude and of a drug screening are necessary. Incumbents are subject to random testing for illegal drugs.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of inventory systems, data storage and retrieval systems. Ability to work independently and with groups. General knowledge of standard office machines. Familiarity with police work, police training and the criminal justice system. Ability to become functional in the application of federal, state and local ordinances as they apply to processing quality control of packaging and the storage of evidence. Ability to maintain automated inventories on a personal computer. Ability to work independently and with groups. Ability to get along well with people, demonstrating a strong customer service orientation. Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Skillful in careful, well organized work and following complex procedures precisely.

Evidence Tech certified within one year of employment Forensic Tech certified within three years of employment Member of the Forensic Team Subject to standby and paid call out once every 10 weeks

THE PHYSICAL CONDITIONS AND NATURE OF WORK CONTACTS

Works typically sitting in a basement office adjacent to evidence and property storage facilities, often alone for hours at a time; light to medium lifting and carrying (up to 50 pounds) and other irregular physical activities occur daily. Regular use of a variety of locking mechanisms is necessary. Frequent, sustained operation of automated office equipment is required including extended use of a keyboard. Occasional handling of multiple priorities and simultaneous demands for assistance. Requires occasional handling of potentially bio contaminated materials. Travel to state and regional laboratories, meetings and training activities is necessary. Occasional overtime to meet Department requirements is required. Regular contact with evidence technician(s), investigators, patrol officers, and most other members of the Police Department may work directly with police clerks and assist them; occasional dialogue with Commonwealth's Attorney, judges, court clerks, and the general public; occasional contact with members of other agencies and services at various locations are also necessary. Attendance and participation in training sessions is necessary. Meetings with judges along with giving testimony and being cross-examined during trials are required.

THE SALARY RANGE
The hiring range for this position is $18.15 - $23.69 per hour (approx. $37,767 – 49,286 per year). Starting offer is based on applicable education beyond minimum requirements and internal equity. The position also provides excellent benefits including 12 paid holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, health insurance options with employer contribution, employer-paid life insurance, VRS retirement, and continuing education/training opportunities. This is a full time, FLSA non-exempt position. Internal candidates will receive pay adjustments in accordance with Local Government Personnel Policy, §P-60.

DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: Position open until Tuesday, December 20, 2022

PROCESS: For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this role.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a V3 certified organization.

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay, conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.