Evidence Custodian (Part time)

City of Suffolk; Suffolk (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Suffolk, VA seeks an Evidence Custodian to manage the daily operations in the Department Evidence Room, including receiving, storing, releasing and disposing of property and evidence in accordance with policy and state codes.

The role maintains electronic records, ensures chain of custody, transports evidence to the State Lab, testifies in court when needed, and supports public safety through accurate reporting and customer service.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Science, or related field; 1–2 years of forensic or law enforcement experience.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license.
• Knowledge of evidence custody policies and procedures.
• Ability to lift 50 lbs and perform physical duties.

Responsibilities

• Receive, store, release, and dispose of evidence per policy and state codes.
• Maintain electronic evidence records and chain of custody.
• Prepare reports and correspondence; track leave time; answer inquiries.
• Transport evidence to and from the State Lab.
• Provide testimony in court when required.
• Perform related duties as needed.

Skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Independent judgment

Court testimony

Physical stamina

Education

Associate's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Science, or related field

Job description

Under limited supervision, maintains the daily operations within the Department Evidence Room. Work consists of receiving, storing, releasing and disposing of all property/evidence items collected by Department members in accordance with Departmental Policy and Virginia State Codes. All evidence records are maintained and kept electronically.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential job functions satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the primary job functions herein described. Since every duty associated with this position may not be described herein, employees may be required to perform duties not specifically spelled out in the job description, but which may be reasonably considered to be essential in the performing of their duties just as though they were actually written out in this job description.

• Performs administrative tasks related to the receiving, storing, and releasing of evidence; prepares reports and correspondence; tracks leave time; answers calls and provides information as needed;
• Ensures the security of evidence as well as proper documentation relating to the chain of custody.
• Transports evidence to and from the State Lab.
• Disposes of evidence as needed and in accordance with state, federal, and local law.
• Provides credible testimony in a court of law.
• Provides customer service and answers questions as needed; may speak and teach at public functions.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Associate's degree in Forensic Science, Criminal Justice, Science, or related field with a minimum of one to two years of forensic or law enforcement experience, inventory management; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Possession of a valid driver’s license.

• Knowledge of the policies, procedures, and activities of the City and or departmental law enforcement practices as they pertain to the performance of the duties of the Evidence Custodian position.
• Knowledge of the requirements of an evidence custodian and is able to perform all physical and verbal tasks as required.
• Knowledge of the policies and procedures affecting the activities of the position and can perform all tasks within established procedure.Ability and knowledge required to process and secure evidence.
• Knowledge of the terminology, principles and methods utilized within the department.
• Knowledge of how to keep abreast of any changes in policy, methods, administrative changes, or related operations updates as they pertain to departmental operations and activities.
• Ability to evaluate, audit, deduce, and/or assess data using established criteria. Includes exercising discretion in determining actual or probable consequences and in referencing such evaluation to identify and select alternatives.
• Ability to read a variety of reports, informational and technical documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures.
• Ability to write reports with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control, and confidence using correct English and well-modulated voice.
• Ability to exercise judgment, decisiveness and creativity in situations involving evaluation of information against measurable or verifiable criteria
• Ability to utilize a wide variety of reference, descriptive, and/or advisory data and information.
• Ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with job-related equipment.
• Ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under minimal stress when confronted with an emergency.
• Ability to effectively communicate and interact with co-workers, supervisors and members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the department.
• Ability to make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes.
• Ability to assemble information and make written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner.
• Ability to use independent judgment and work with little direct supervision as situations warrant.
• Knowledge and proficiency with computers and software programs typically utilized in the position.
• Ability to read, understand, and interpret technical reports and related materials.
• Ability to perform physical activities to include lift 50 lbs, climb a ladder, reach overhead to get items off shelves.