Job Description

Property & Evidence Technician I/II

If you want to join a hardworking team that shares a commitment to provide top-quality municipal services in a prime North County location, consider a career with the City of Escondido. We have an opening for the position of Property & Evidence Technician I/II in our Police Department. For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's website.

Under supervision (Property and Evidence Technician I) or general supervision (Property and Evidence Technician II), performs a variety of technical and specialized clerical duties involved in receiving, processing, storing, safeguarding, delivering, releasing, and disposing of police property, evidence, and supplies; maintains an inventory of evidence and property submitted to the department; ensures the safe and careful handling of evidence; and protects the integrity of evidence through the judicial process.

Property and Evidence Technician I: This is the entry level class in the Property and Evidence Technician series providing general property and evidence control duties. Positions at this level are not expected to function with the same amount of program knowledge or skill level as positions allocated to the Property and Evidence Technician II level and exercise less independent discretion and judgment in matters related to work procedures and methods. Work is usually supervised while in progress and fits an established structure or pattern. Exceptions or changes in procedures are explained in detail as they arise. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency in performing the assigned functions and is at the discretion of higher level supervisory or management staff.

Property and Evidence Technician II: This is the full journey level class in the Property and Evidence Technician series performing the full range of property and evidence control duties with only occasional instruction or assistance. Positions at this level are distinguished from the Property and Evidence Technician I level by the performance of the full range of duties as assigned, working independently, applying well developed property and evidence handling and control knowledge, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise, are fully aware of the operating procedures and polices of the work unit, and may participate in training less experienced staff. Work is normally reviewed only on completion and for overall results. Positions in this class series are flexibly staffed and positions at the Property and Evidence Technician II level are normally filled by advancement from the Property and Evidence Technician I level.

The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices. Receive, identify, classify, process, store, safeguard, oversee delivering of, release, and dispose of all types of police property and evidence including weapons, explosives, narcotics, money, hazardous materials, and body parts and fluids; ensure incoming property has proper documentation and packaging; issue receipts for property received. Track the movement of and maintain chain of custody documentation for all property and evidence; retrieve, package, release to personnel, and oversee the transport of property and evidence to labs for special testing, to court for hearings/trials, and/or to storage; inspect, verify receipt of, and place property back in original or new location when returned. Coordinate the release, destruction, and disposal of adjudicated, obsolete, and unclaimed property and evidence as authorized; develop correspondence instructing property owners of the disposition of property; release items to rightful owner; pull evidence to be destroyed or auctioned; dispose of narcotics in manner directed; prepare associated reports. Maintain accurate records and logs of all property and evidence; maintain manual and computerized record control systems; operate a computer to access, enter and retrieve a variety of information; print and deliver reports. Answer questions and provide general information to the general public, District Attorney's Office, crime labs, and City staff including requests for information on property and evidence held; provide information regarding Police Department policies and procedures pertaining to the storage and release of evidence and property. Perform a variety of clerical and administrative duties in support of Department operations; receive and ship packages; assist in budget preparation for the Property Unit. Provide training and assistance to Police Department staff on the proper packaging and handling of impounded property. Attend and participate in training sessions related to area of assignment including firearms safety, bomb/explosive awareness, infectious disease control, hazardous materials awareness, occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens awareness, power industrial truck operations, tow truck operations, fire protection and control, radio communications, telecommunications, evidence tracking and control systems, general forensic laboratory and evidence collection, and evidence packaging and sealing techniques. Check and process a variety of forms, reports, and documents; process laboratory service requests, court orders, and other documents. Testify in court as necessary. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge of: Operations, services, and activities of a property and evidence program. Methods, procedures, principles, practices, and terminology used property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and release. Court procedures regarding evidence. Legal guidelines pertaining to the maintenance and control of evidence. Records management and inventory techniques. Warehousing and storekeeping principles and practices. Principles and procedures of record keeping. Principles of business letter writing and basic report preparation. Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable software applications. Occupational hazards and standard safety practices. Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations. Methods and techniques used in customer service and public relations. English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability to: Perform a variety of technical and specialized clerical duties with speed, accuracy, and efficiency. Receive, process, store, document, release, and dispose of various evidence and property. Effectively account for police property and evidence; organize and maintain control systems. Maintain a current knowledge of evidence and property storage and release procedures. Apply and explain pertinent laws, rules, regulations, protocols, policies, and procedures related to property and evidence. Understand the criminal and civil judicial systems. Maintain a variety of records. Prepare clear and concise reports. Operate modern office equipment including computers and applicable software. Respond to requests and inquiries from the general public. Safely perform the physical requirements necessary in storing and moving materials. Order a variety of supplies, materials, and equipment. Plan and organize work to meet changing priorities and deadlines. Follow oral and written instructions. Work independently in the absence of supervision. Maintain a calm and professional demeanor at all times. Demonstrate an awareness and appreciation of the cultural diversity of the community. Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Property and Evidence Technician I: Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade. Experience: Two years (full-time equivalent) of general clerical experience. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver's license.

Property and Evidence Technician II: Education/Training: Equivalent to the completion of the twelfth grade supplemented by specialized training related to area of assignment including principles and practices used in property and evidence handling, classification, and storage. Experience: Two years (full-time equivalent) of responsible experience performing duties comparable to a Property and Evidence Technician I in the City of Escondido. License or Certificate: Possession of a valid driver's license.

Note: For a complete listing of job duties and qualifications, please refer to the corresponding job description, which can be obtained from the Human Resources Department or downloaded from the City's web site. The City of Escondido is committed to a drug and alcohol free workplace. All applicants will be subject to fingerprint investigation before a conditional offer of employment is extended. A pre-employment medical examination will be conducted following a conditional offer of employment for all positions. Safety sensitive positions will include a pre-employment drug screen. Positions subject to the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations will be subject to DOT pre-employment drug testing and random drug and alcohol testing.

Applications will be screened and the most qualified candidates will be invited to appear for testing. All positions require the ability to read, write and speak English. Types of tests may include written and/or oral examination, physical agility, practical exam or other appropriate job-related selection process. When testing is completed, candidates will be ranked on an eligibility list in the order of their test score. Selection for appointments is made from names certified on the eligibility list.

All appointments are subject to the successful completion of background investigation including LIVESCAN fingerprinting, and will be required to submit verification of the legal right to work in the United States. Qualification by a medical examination will be required at the time of appointment. After appointment, classified employees must satisfactorily complete a probationary period to be eligible for regular status. In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, all new employees must produce proof of eligibility to work in the United States within the first three days of their employment. The City of Escondido participates in E-Verify.

The Loyalty Oath will be administered to all new employees on their first day of hire. New employees hired into positions that require a driver's license must provide proof of a valid California Driver's License of the appropriate class level on their first day of employment.

Additional information regarding the essential functions and physical, environmental and communication demands of the position may be obtained from the Human Resources Department. If you require reasonable accommodation in the testing process, such as an alternate means of testing, you must contact the Human Resources Department by the final filing date to complete a Request for Reasonable Accommodation form

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