Property and Evidence Custodian

Duties

• Manages the physical custody and records of property and evidence seized and/or received by the Sheriffs Office, including receiving, storing, inventory, destroying and preparing items for sale.
• Manages the discovery and/or examination of evidence by attorneys, including retaining records, preparing reports and conducting audits of evidence storage.
• Manages incoming requests for in-car video discovery by prosecutors, defense attorneys and County Risk Management.
• Manages requests for discovery and evidence viewing.
• Coordinates with other agencies to send and receive recovered property and evidence.
• Coordinates with detectives in preparing evidence for court.
• Ensure the procedure to receive property and evidence from law enforcement officers; documents receipt of items; maintains the chain of possession from intake to final disposition is handled effectively, efficiently and in a compliant manner.
• Logs items into evidence, enters items into the evidence software application; documenting the location, description, property owners, chain of custody, release, disposition and destruction; updates the status of evidence.
• Documents all handling of evidence and property; generates computerized reports of movement and handling of department evidence; maintains activity logs and generates reports as needed.
• Assists patrol, other agencies and the public by phone, mail and in person; provides information on evidence that has been approved for release.
• Disposes of evidence items in accordance with State and Sheriffs Office policies and procedures; disposes of Bio-Hazard material according to statutes and policy.
• Prepares and distributes paperwork and documentation related to evidence; sends disposition letters; requests instructions on status, on release authorization and on orders for destruction and evidence items.
• Updates and maintains procedures for the custody and handling of evidence.
• Prepares necessary documentation and evidence for court; may be required to testify in court.
• Uses a county car to perform inter-office evidence runs; retrieves items stored off-site to protect the chain of custody; mails blood kits, drugs and other evidence to the State Laboratory and/or other agencies.
• Maintains the organization of the impound yard, box car and the evidence storage areas.
• Must be able to handle sensitive and confidential information and ensure the procedures are complied with.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Able to work irregular hours, travel and attend job related meetings as deemed appropriate by the Sheriff as a condition of employment.
• Able to maintain an acceptable attendance record, be punctual and meet established deadlines, cross-train in other department functions and perform other duties as assigned.

Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

• Education/Training/Experience: High school diploma or G.E.D.; three (3) years relevant work experience with law enforcement.
• Experience Substitution: Up to three (2) years college/48 hours course work can be substituted for two (2) years experience.
• Licenses/Certification: Valid N.M. drivers license with a good driving record. International Association for Property & Evidence certification must be obtained within one (1) year. Be a bonded and certified Notary Public within 3 months of employment.
• Desirable Qualifications: Bachelors degree from an accredited college or university.
• Other: Post offer Drug Analysis Test. Drivers license, employment and criminal background investigation.

• Knowledge of federal, state and local laws related to the entry, storage, transfer and disposal of evidence and property.
• Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.
• Knowledge of assigned equipment including cameras and standard and specialized software.
• Knowledge of County and Sheriffs Office policies and procedures.
• Ability to package and organize numerous items of evidence in an orderly fashion for their efficient storage and retrieval.
• Ability to maintain accurate evidence records and generate special and periodic reports.
• Able to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of property and evidence custodian activities.
• Able to interact with the public, other agencies and other county employees in a professional manner.
• Able to use a personal computer.
• Ability to work independently on several projects or issues simultaneously.
• Ability to operate a County vehicle responsibly and safely, defensive driving training a plus.
• Ability to handle stressful situations.
• Employee must know and understand County Personnel Policy as well as all county and departmental policies pertinent to the position.

• This position must comply with all safety guidelines of Chaves County.

• The work may be sedentary, typically requiring the employee to be able to sit comfortably to do the work and may be subject to repetitive motion such as typing, data entry and vision to monitor; may be subject to extended periods of intense concentration in the review of documents and reports. Employee may be subject to daily activities of standing on hard surfaces such as concrete or pavement for extended periods of time, and handling bio-hazardous materials (i.e. needles, sharps containers, weapons and narcotics). There may be some walking, climbing, bending, carrying of items over 30 pounds or driving an automobile. Talking, hearing and seeing are essential to the performance of the job.

• Work for this position is performed indoors with some work outside. The work area is adequately lighted, heated, and ventilated and involves typical risks associated with an office environment that require normal safety precautions and safe work practices.

• Equipment utilized includes computerized and conventional office equipment, vehicles, dolly or hand truck to move heavy items, ladders, and other warehouse type equipment used to package, move and store property items.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!

Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, Computer Forensics or Forensic Psychology