POLICE EVIDENCE CLERK

Job Purpose:
The position of Evidence Clerk receives, records, stores, and safeguards evidence collected. Prepares records of articles according to chain of custody procedures and maintains evidence database. Releases property or evidence being retained to designated parties for court presentation or other disposition; Maintains storage facility and coordinates proper disposal of sensitive materials including narcotics, bio-hazardous materials, firearms, and explosives in accordance with department policy and state law. Fulfills civil and criminal request for evidence and evidence records. Utilizes strong technical recordkeeping and organizational skills. Assists and is supervised by the Evidence Technician. Provide courtroom testimony on the custody of evidence.

Essential Duties: These job functions are the essential duties of the position and are not all-inclusive of all the duties the incumbent may be assigned.

Duty 1: Maintenance of Records and Evidence
50% Time
Essential Tasks:
? Assist in the intake, receipt, and organized storage of items of evidence in coordination with the Evidence Technician.
? This position will also be responsible for the proper disposition of evidence, abandoned and found property and may interact in person, through written letters, emails or by telephone the owners for return or sale, action, use or destruction of property.
? This position may involve receiving and properly handling sensitive and/or potentially dangerous items including narcotics, money, firearms, explosives, and other associated property.

Duty 2: Duplicating, Copying, and Releasing Evidence
30% Time
Essential Tasks :
? Responsible duplicating, copying, and releasing evidence, such as audio/visual recordings and associated documents to prosecuting and defense attorneys.
? Adhere to department standard operating procedures and state law when duplicating, copying, and releasing evidence (i.e., court orders, subpoenas, and other prosecutor or attorney requests).



Duty 3: General Duties
20% Time
Essential Tasks:
? Field telephone calls, written and in-person inquiries concerning evidence and property from attorneys, law enforcement agencies and/or citizens.
? May be required to assist the Evidence Technician in crime scene collection and preservation.
? May be required to testify in court proceedings.
? May assist or be responsible for monitoring, removal, storage, and disposal of prescription medication drop-off sites.
? Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably within the scope of the duties of this position.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Related to this Position:
Knowledge of:

• Modern office procedures, equipment, and computer soft/hardware.
• Proper use of specialized investigative tools and equipment.
• Principles and procedures of technical recordkeeping.
• Principles of maintenance of records and evidence.
• Principles of effective customer service.
• Safe driving principles and practices.

Skill or ability to:

• Establish and maintain positive working relationships with other staff, internal and outside law enforcement and emergency services personnel, attorneys, law offices and the public.
• Perform job tasks in accordance with municipal, state, and federal laws in addition to established department policies/procedures using independent judgment and a high degree of accuracy.
• Operate a wide variety of computer hardware and software systems.
• Inspect, order, and maintain equipment and supplies used in the gathering and storage of evidence.
• Attend various training schools or classes and pass/maintain required certifications and learn modern practices, procedures, and methods of evidence preservation/storage.
• Observe situations analytically and objectively and record clearly and completely
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Prepare accurate and complete reports.
• Maintain confidentiality of investigations and other sensitive information in the workplace.

Physical Demands:
Ability to sit, stand, walk, kneel, crouch, stoop, squat, crawl, twist, and climb; exposure to outdoors, confining workspace, chemicals, and explosive materials; ability to travel to different sites and locations. Exposure to extreme noise, hot/cold temperatures, mechanical hazards, blood borne pathogens and other bodily fluids. Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
Safety:
Performs all functions in the safest possible manner and according to policies and procedures. Report occupational injuries, illnesses and near misses immediately to their supervisor. Follow supervisor instructions for obtaining first aid and/or medical attention. Participate in accident investigations as requested by the supervisor. Participates fully with safety trainings and suggests improvements in safety training requirements to the supervisor. Identify unsafe work conditions and unsafe practices. Correct hazards and report them to the supervisor as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications (Education, Experience and Training):
This position requires a minimum of high school graduation or equivalent with two years college coursework in a related field being preferred. It also requires three years of clerical experience, with experience in law enforcement, records management, or related field. Other relevant combinations of education and work experience may be evaluated on an individual basis. The applicant must submit to and pass a thorough background check and cannot have any felony convictions.

License or Certificate:
Must possess a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record at the time of hire or have the ability to obtain a valid MT driver’s license within six months of hire.

Must possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain CJIN and NCIC Certification (State of Montana) if required.

Must submit to and pass a thorough background check as well as pass pre-employment and on-going random drug testing.

Supervision Received:
Supervised by the Evidence Technician.

Supervision Exercised:
None