Property and Evidence Technician I

City of Watsonville; Watsonville (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Watsonville is seeking a Property and Evidence Technician I–III to operate in the Police Department’s property and evidence bureau. This role handles evidence and found or abandoned property, ensuring secure storage, accurate recordkeeping, and proper release for court use or return to owners.

Distinguished by experience level, this non‑benefited, part‑time/temporary position supports off‑site locations and may supervise in the absence of the supervisor.

Responsibilities

• Receive, load, transport, verify, code, store, and safeguard evidence and property.
• Keep accurate records of stored property to ensure security and court/audit retrieval.
• Maintain confidential files regarding property in custody and its disposition.
• Release property to be used as evidence or returned to owners.
• Forward evidence to laboratories or experts for analysis.
• Maintain chain of custody records and testify in court if needed.
• Coordinate and prepare unclaimed property for auction per Penal Code.
• Purge property using prescribed methods.
• Track location and movement of property within the department and related locations.
• Consult with sworn personnel and legal offices on property matters.
• Package, catalog, and destroy narcotics and weapons as required.
• Transport evidence for disposal or destruction.
• Work at a computer for extended periods and operate office equipment.
• Foster cooperative working relationships with colleagues, law enforcement agencies, and the public.

Job description

This recruitment will be used to fill one Part-Time/Temporary-Hourly, non-benefited vacancy and establish an eligibility list for future Full-Time vacancies.

JOB SUMMARY:

Under general supervision, operates in the Police Department's property and evidence bureau to receive, record, store, safeguard, load, transport, verify, release and disburse evidence and found or abandoned property; maintain separate property areas; and perform work as required.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This is a non-peace officer class with responsibility for evidence and property stored in the Police Department as well as in off-site locations. Property and Evidence Technician I, II and III handle a broad range of confidential and sensitive records, maintains the integrity and security of criminal evidence, including the handling of hazardous and bio-hazardous substances in a variety of containers and packaging, including but not limited to, contaminated blood, urine, saliva, and semen, as well as a broad range of narcotics, firearms, and other weapons.

The Property and Evidence Technician II is distinguished from the Property and Evidence Technician I class by the responsibility and performance of more complex and difficult assignments.

The property and Evidence Technician III is distinguished from the Property and Evidence Technician II class because it acts in a supervisory role in the absence of the Property and Evidence Supervisor.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXCERCIZED:

• Receives supervision from the Property and Evidence Supervisor. The Property and Evidence Technician II may provide training to staff assigned to work in the property and evidence room. In addition to the above, a Property and Evidence Technician III will act as the lead in the absence of the Property and Evidence Supervisor.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL DUTIES

• Receive, load, transport, verify, code, store, and safeguard various items of evidence and property
• Keep accurate records of stored property and evidence to assure security and retrieval capability for court and audit purposes
• Maintain confidential files and records regarding property in custody and its disposition
• Release property to be used as evidence in court or returned to owners
• Forward and hand deliver evidence to various laboratories or experts for appropriate analysis
• Maintain chain of custody records and testify in court if necessary
• Coordinate and prepare usable unclaimed property for auction as pursuant to State Penal Code provisions
• Purge property pursuant to prescribed methods on a regular basis
• Keep records current on the location and movement of property within the department, in court, or to other locations as necessary
• Confer with sworn personnel, City Attorney’s office, investigators, District Attorney’s office, court and other law enforcement agencies on matters concerning property
• Store, package, catalog, and destroy narcotics pursuant to prescribed methods
• Destroy illegal and nuisance weapons
• Transport evidence for disposal or destruction
• Work at a computer for extended periods of time to input and access data
• Operate standard office equipment
• Establish and maintain a cooperative working relationship with fellow employees, sworn personnel, representatives from other Law Enforcement Agencies, and the general public
• Other related duties as assigned

EMPLOYEE STANDARDS:

Knowledge of:

• Federal and State laws and court decisions pertaining to the recovery of property and evidence and preservation of the evidence chain
• techniques, practices and procedures of receiving, inventorying, safeguarding, storing, and handling of property
• principles and practices of basic record keeping and filing systems
• basic knowledge of the rules of evidence and laws pertaining to the maintenance, release and destruction of evidence
• local government operations and procedure related to law enforcement
• legal terminology and legal process
• rules of evidence and basic criminal law
• process and procedures for requesting court orders
• practice and procedures for the handling and disposing of hazardous materials and fire arms

Ability to:

• work quickly and accurately on multiple tasks
• communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing
• understand and carry out oral and written directions
• maintain confidentiality about information accessed in work activities
• maintain accurate records and files
• properly handle large sums of money, hazardous materials, firearms, biohazards and unusual items
• use common office software and applicable specialized law enforcement software
• maintain a current knowledge of evidence and property storage and release procedures
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with those contacted in the performance of the required duties
• learn and follow all City and departmental rules and regulations

TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain this knowledge and ability is:

High school graduation or tested equivalent and one-year of experience as a Police Officer, Municipal Court Clerk, Police Records Clerk, and related property/evidence room experience.

LICENSE

• Possession at the time of hire and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver’s license.

Desirable Qualifications:

• The ability to speak English and Spanish

Prior to appointment to the position of Property and Evidence Technician I, successful completion of a background investigation and medical examination will be required.

The City of Watsonville is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages workplace diversity. The City of Watsonville is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act by including people with disabilities in all of its programs and activities.

NOTE: THIS ANNOUNCEMENT DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AND ANY PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVISED WITHOUT NOTICE.