Job Description
Job Description
Job Title: Property & Evidence Specialist
Department: Police Department
Reports to: Sergeant
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: AFSCME
Prepared by: Police Department
Prepared Date: May 23, 2024
SUMMARY:
This position serves as a non-sworn and civil service represented member of the organization. The Property and Evidence Specialist has a variety of critical responsibilities and administrative duties within the property and evidence functions of the police department. These responsibilities include maintaining the evidentiary chain of custody and integrity of evidence and property.
NATURE OF WORK:
Under general supervision this position will receive, record, account for, store, safeguard, collect, load, transport, verify, release and disburse evidence, and found or abandoned property. This position maintains separate property areas and performs work as required. A significant degree of initiative, independent judgments, discretion and confidentiality is paramount. All duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an attentive, effective, efficient and safe manner.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Supports, promotes, and emulates the values of the Opa-Locka Police Department and the law enforcement profession.
- Maintains and inventories all property and evidence under the control of the department.
- Receives, collects, stores, releases, inventories, controls, disposes, and maintains security of a wide variety of property and evidence.
- Must have excellent computer skills and be proficient with current version of the most updated version of Microsoft Office. Ability to learn the RMS and Central Square Police Records Management system in order to accurately, input, identifies, and track the status and transactions of all items.
- Initiates inquiries on property and evidence to obtain the information on ownership, release, and disposition.
- Responsible for firearms, narcotics, biohazards, and large sums of money.
- Communicates information related to property and evidence in person, via telephone, written correspondence, and email.
- Maintains FCIC/NCIC certifications as necessary for position.
- Prepares property and evidence for shipment and/or transport to the Miami-Dade Police crime laboratories and other destinations as needed.
- Assists at crime scenes when necessary.
- Assists investigators and others in collecting, packaging, tracking, and transporting of evidence.
- Instructs department personnel in best practices and proper methods of packaging all types of evidence property.
- Works with department personnel to package and log evidence, obtain dispositions, and to obtain evidence destruction orders.
- Prepares items for auction, release, or destruction in accordance with Florida State Statutes.
- Processes firearms entering and leaving evidence room with appropriate agencies, including the following, but not limited to: ATF, Florida Crime Information Center (FCIC), National Crime Information Center (NCIC), and the State Attorney’s Office.
- Follows current policy on proper evidence storage and handling.
- Responsible for the proper disposition of all property in accordance with policy, law, and court orders.
- Conducts mandated inspections and inventories of evidence room to include security systems, operating procedures, equipment readiness, and cleanliness.
- Uses discretion effectively to determine a proper course of action consistent with the department mission and values.
- Other duties as assigned by Police Chief or assigned supervisor.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Must possess a high degree of integrity working with confidential materials and information.
- Must be able to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with coworkers, elected officials, and the public.
- Must be able to work independently and organize work to meet deadlines with a high degree of accuracy.
- Ability to communicate and respond to a diverse community.
- Ability to make decisions independently in accordance with established policies.
- Ability to use initiative and proper judgment when carrying out tasks and responsibilities.
- Experience with crime scene processing and evidence collection.
- Knowledge of filing and records processing practices.
EDUCATION:
High School or vocational school diploma or GED required.
EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- High School Diploma required.
- Three (3) years’ experience with a law enforcement agency with duties closely related to those described above or equivalent combination of education and experience.
OTHER
- Must possess a valid Florida Driver’s License with driving record acceptable to the City’s insurance carrier.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
On a continuous basis sit at a desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Frequently required to walk. Frequently required to see, hear, and talk with employees and the public. Frequently required to read and/or present documents, write or use keyboard to communicate through written means, use a calculator to compute figures. On occasion it is requested to climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or smell. Intermittently twist and reach office equipment. On occasion it is required to lift or carry weights up to 20 pounds. Specific vision requirements include close vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
SUPERVISION RECEIVED
The incumbent of this position is under general supervision of the Chief of Police of the Opa-locka Police Department. The Property & Evidence Specialist plans, prioritizes, and carries out the regular work in accordance with standard practices and previous training. The employee interprets instructions and/or adapts methods to resolve particular problems. Instructions for new assignments usually consist of statements of desired objectives, deadlines, and priorities. Technical and policy problems or changes in procedures are discussed with supervisor. Work is generally reviewed only for technical adequacy, appropriateness of actions or decisions, and conformance with policy, or other requirements
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
None
EMPLOYMENT AT-WILL
Employees have a work-at-will relationship throughout their employment. This means that employment is for an undefined period. Either the employee or the City of Opa-locka, without cause or notice, may terminate it.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/EEO
The City of Opa-locka is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunity for all employees and applicants. Under this policy, all employees and applicants will be treated fairly and equally, and the City of Opa-Locka will comply with all applicable local, state, and federal employment discrimination laws. These protections extend to all management practices and decisions, including recruitment and hiring, performance appraisals, promotions, termination, training, and career development. Selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.