Property and Evidence Technician (COH)

Military, Veterans and Diverse Job Seekers; Hayward (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Hayward Police Department is seeking a Property and Evidence Technician to receive, document, store and release property and evidence in compliance with policy and law. The role requires maintaining chain-of-custody records, handling controlled items, and coordinating with local agencies for destruction or auctions.

The position supports court appearances and may require night and weekend shifts, with on-call availability as needed.

Qualifications

• Experience handling controlled property and maintaining chain of custody records.
• Knowledge of basic criminal justice processes and evidence handling requirements.
• Ability to communicate clearly in writing and verbally.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and during non-standard hours.

Responsibilities

• Receive, record, store all property or evidence.
• Maintain chain-of-custody records for items.
• Coordinate destruction or auction of unclaimed property.
• Deliver and pick up evidence to/from crime lab or coroner’s office.
• Train staff on property and evidence procedures.
• Work nights, weekends and holidays when required.

Skills

Inventory management

Record keeping

Communication

Court testimony

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

IAPE certification desirable

Tools

Inventory software

MS Office

Job description

About the job Property and Evidence Technician (COH)

Description

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, to receive, document, release or dispose of all property and/or evidence received by the Hayward Police Department in accordance with departmental policy and procedures and established legal and industry requirements.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Property and Evidence Technician is a journey level classification where incumbents are assigned the full range of duties and receive general supervision with instruction or assistance provided as new or unusual situations arise. Duties in this classification require incumbents to work shifts, weekends, and holidays. This classification is distinguished from other classifications by the specialized nature of the functions performed. It is further distinguished from the Property/Evidence and Crime Scene Administrator which is a section head management level classification responsible for the overall daily operations of the Property/Evidence and Crime Scene Investigation functions.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives direction from the Property/ Evidence and Crime Scene Administrator.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Receive, record, store all items of property or evidence.
• Maintain chain of custody records for property items.
• Maintain suspense file of stored property, send notices to owners of unclaimed property.
• Correspond with property owners, or persons recovering property.
• Coordinate the destruction of evidence with local agencies and purge items not to be returned to owners.
• Coordinate the auction of unclaimed property.
• Answer questions either verbally or in writing from the public regarding the disposition of property.
• Maintain records of controlled items (i.e. narcotics, firearms).
• Ensure the security of property and stored items.
• Access information using automated terminals to determine court dispositions or activity status.
• Maintain records of court dispositions and charge sheets.
• Testify in court concerning evidential property.
• Deliver and pick up evidence to and from crime lab and coroner's office.
• Train departmental personnel in procedures related to property and evidence handling.
• Order and maintain necessary forms and supplies for the department.
• Work nights, weekends holidays when required and serve in on-call status.
• Performs related work as necessary.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Techniques and procedures for identifying, preserving and storing evidence.
• Criminal justice system.
• Practices and procedures for record keeping
• Principles and practices of computerized inventory control including storing and releasing of property.
• Modern office practices and procedures, including computer applications, automated information retrieval systems, word processing and data base programs.
• Business letter writing, practices, procedures.
• English usage, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

JOB RELATED AND ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS (Cont.)

Ability to:

• Receive, store, inventory and dispose of property.
• Understand and apply departmental policies and procedures.
• Read, learn, interpret and apply policies and procedures related to the custody of property and evidence.
• Render accurate court testimony concerning evidential property.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Establish and maintain extensive written records and prepare written reports.
• Perform basic business mathematical calculations related to the accounting of large sums of money.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when dealing with hostile individuals.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationship with those contacted in the course of work at all levels.
• File alphabetically, numerically and chronologically.

Minimum Qualifications

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Experience:

Two (2) years of storing and maintaining an inventory of materials in a highly controlled environment similar to the property and evidence materials maintained in a police department. Familiarity with a law enforcement or criminal justice environment is desirable.

Education:

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth grade. Supplemental related training and coursework such as Evidence and Property Function Management is highly desirable.

Licenses and Certificates:

• Possession and maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.
• Possession of or ability to obtain an International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE) training certification within the probationary period.