PROPERTY AND EVIDENCE CLERK

JOB SUMMARY
This 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.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• 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.