Property and Evidence Custodian

Smyrna; Smyrna (GA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Smyrna is seeking a crime scene and evidence management specialist to process scenes, collect and preserve evidence, and maintain the department’s property and inventory. You will document and store evidence, conduct firewall checks, and support court testimony as needed.

Responsibilities include maintaining chain of custody, performing latent fingerprint and DNA collection, generating reports, and ensuring compliance with laws and guidelines.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree or higher.
• More than three years of related experience.
• Equivalent education/experience accepted per guidelines.
• Valid Georgia driver’s license or ability to obtain one.

Responsibilities

• Process crime scenes including photographing and collecting evidence.
• Maintain inventory and storage of evidence with chain of custody records.
• Handle firearms background checks and manages property disposition per court orders.
• Operate AFIS to analyze fingerprint evidence and prepare reports.
• Prepare crime scene, lab, and forensic reports; coordinate evidence shipments.

Skills

Crime scene processing

Evidence collection

Fingerprint analysis

DNA collection

Chain of custody

Oral and written communication

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

AFIS / Automated Fingerprint Identification System

Evidence management software

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

This position is responsible for the processing of crime scenes, the collection and preservation of evidence, and the management of the department’s property and evidence inventory.

MAJOR DUTIES

1. 1. Performs technical duties in the processing of crime scenes; takes photographs and collects evidence; analyzes bloodstain patterns and other evidence; collects latent fingerprints.
2. 2. Manages the disposition of property in accordance with court orders and related guidelines.
3. 3. Stores and inventories evidence; maintains chain-of-custody records; conducts background checks for firearms.
4. 4. Processes latent fingerprints in the forensic laboratory; operates the Automated Fingerprint Identification System to analyzes fingerprint evidence.
5. 5. Oversees and coordinates the destruction of evidence and property in accordance with court orders and related guidelines.
6. 6. Coordinate the sale or retention of property in accordance with court orders and related guidelines.
7. 7. Collects DNA samples and packages for laboratory testing.
8. 8. Prepares a variety of reports, including crime scene reports, lab reports, forensic reports, etc.
9. 9. Restocks crime scene vehicle with supplies as needed.
10. 10. Inputs evidence related information into evidence management software systems and databases.
11. 11. Organizes and maintains the evidence unit for the proper and organized storage of evidence and property.
12. 12. Prepares evidence for shipment to other agencies.
13. 13. Completes required training.
14. 14. Processes open records requests.
15. 15. Orders supplies as needed for the Office Packaging Area, the Crime Scene Van, and the Evidence Unit.
16. 16. Conducts regular audits of evidence and property, including complete audits for high-risk items.
17. 17. Testifies in court in regard to crime scene analysis, evidence, and chain of custody.
18. 18. Performs related duties.

KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED BY THE POSITION

1. 1. Knowledge of crime scene processing principles and practices.
2. 2. Knowledge of evidence collection, processing, and chain of custody principles.
3. 3. Knowledge of evidence and property storage, retention, and disposition guidelines.
4. 4. Knowledge of latent fingerprint and DNA collection principles.
5. 5. Knowledge of computers and job-related software programs.
6. 6. Skill in the analysis of crime scenes.
7. 7. Skill in the management of property and evidence inventories.
8. 8. Skill in interpreting and applying rules, policies, and procedures.
9. 9. Skill in oral and written communication.

SUPERVISORY CONTROLS

The Police Sergeant assigns work in terms of general instructions. The supervisor spot-checks completed work for compliance with procedures, accuracy, and the nature and propriety of the final results.

GUIDELINES

Guidelines include safety guidelines for the handling of evidence, record retention laws, court orders, chain of custody guidelines, and department and city policies and procedures. These guidelines are generally clear and specific but may require some interpretation in application.

COMPLEXITY/SCOPE OF WORK

• The work consists of related crime scene processing and evidence and property management duties. Strict guidelines and regulations contribute to the complexity of the position.
• The purpose of this position is to collect and maintain custody of property and evidence. Success in this position contributes collection and handling of evidence in compliance with proper processes, procedures, and laws.

CONTACTS

• Contacts are typically with co-workers, other city personnel, representatives of the District Attorney’s Office, court personnel, vendors, GBI staff, representatives of the Medical Examiner’s office, and members of the general public.
• Contacts are typically to provide services, to give or exchange information, to justify matters, or to resolve problems.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ WORK ENVIRONMENT

• The work is typically performed while sitting at a desk or table or while standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light objects, climbs ladders, and distinguishes between shades of color.
• The work is typically performed in an office, at crime scenes, and outdoors, occasionally in cold or inclement weather. The employee is exposed to dust, dirt, grease, contagious or infectious diseases, and irritating chemicals. Work requires the use of protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, etc.

SUPERVISORY AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITY

None

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Associate's degree
• More than three years of related experience
• or any equivalent combination of education, experience, and training that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the work.
• Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver’s license issued by the State of Georgia for the type of vehicle or equipment operated

The City of Smyrna is an Equal Opportunity Employer