Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist

The City of Livermore is looking for qualified candidates to fill the Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist position. Click here for the job announcement.

DEFINITION

 

Under general supervision, the Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist ensures the effective operation of the property and evidence function; supervises assigned staff; performs technical support duties to provide effective storage, maintenance and control of police department property and evidence; serves as an expert witness in court proceedings; and performs other duties as assigned.

 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

 

The Supervising Property and Evidence Specialist is the first line supervisor with responsibility for planning and organizing the work of the Property and Evidence Unit. It is distinguished from the Property and Evidence Specialist in that the latter does not perform supervisory duties of assigned staff.  It is further distinguished from the Police Support Services Manager which has overall managerial responsibility for multiple sections of dispatch, records, and property/evidence.

 

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

 

General supervision is provided by the Police Support Services Manager with direction provided by other chain of command staff.

 

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

 

Provides supervision to Property and Evidence Specialists, Community Services Specialists, temporary employees, and volunteers assigned to the Property and Evidence Unit. 

Property Room Functions

Receives, records, stores, releases and disposes of all property and evidence in accordance with established procedures and laws; updates policies and procedures relating to property and evidence; ensures barcodes are included with all incoming property and evidence; maintains all evidence storage areas at police building and remote site; prepares property and evidence for auction and coordinates pick-up; processes auction payments; photographs evidence; processes court orders for return or destruction of evidence; processes requests from officers, district attorney, private attorneys, insurance companies for photos, copies of audio and videotapes, evidence, and other items; transports evidence to and from crime labs, coroner’s office, and other locations; coordinates requests for narcotics analysis; transports narcotics to lab and/or arranges for courier pick-up; decontaminates biohazard areas such as blood-dry room and cabinets; arranges for disposal hazardous materials or transports to County disposal; coordinates Superior Court hearings for disposition of weapons in domestic violence and psychiatric detention cases; prepares weapons for disposal; coordinates weapons destruction; transports weapons with sworn officer; maintains inventory of property and evidence packaging materials including ordering and restocking; and trains others in the proper evidence packaging procedures and other procedures; 

 

Administrative Functions

Supervises employees, including assigning, directing, and evaluating staff; trains and evaluates employees to develop and maintain a high level of proficiency; assists with the selection of staff; monitors and prioritizes workload, assignment of projects, and the quality of work output to ensure department standards are met; interprets policies and procedures, as required; performs data entry and utilizes specialized software and databases, such as an evidence-tracking system and other specialized software and databases; researches disposition of cases for purging of evidence using local, County, State, and Federal automated information systems; testifies in court as a custodian of evidence; coordinates film processing; completes money deposits with Finance Division personnel; processes discovery requests; sends counterfeit money to U.S. Secret Service; and provides courier services by transporting sensitive documents for the Chief’s office. 

Demonstrated Knowledge of:  

Principles, practices, and techniques of supervision; effective communication techniques; modern office procedures and practices; principles and practices of computerized inventory control; radio and telecommunications equipment; basic operations of computer data systems; techniques and procedures in the collection, recording and preservation of evidence; industry standards for the packaging of property and evidence; laws and policies related to the handling, storage, release, and destroying of evidence and property; and the organization and functions of a municipal law enforcement agency.

Demonstrated Skills to:  

Prepare and maintain accurate and up-to-date logs, records, and files; organize and prioritize workload; exercise sound judgment, initiative, and creativity; coordinate and organize multiple projects and meet critical deadlines; follow oral and written instructions; work independently; write legible, clear and concise reports and correspondence using correct grammar, punctuation and spelling; communicate effectively with those contacted in the course of work; perform basic math related to the accounting for large sums of money; operate a camera; operate audio/video duplicating equipment; operate computer terminals and a variety of other office equipment; identify special handling requirements for hazardous/biohazard materials; resolve conflict and effectively work with members of the public who may become agitated; and exemplify an enthusiastic, resourceful and effective service attitude with the public, co-workers and others who are contacted in the course of the work.

Ability to:  

Learn and apply the City of Livermore’s principles, procedures, and practices; and learn specialized computer software programs for use on the job. 

 

Experience, Education, and Training Guidelines:

Any combination of experience, education, and training that would provide the best-qualified candidates.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be: 

Experience:   Three years of experience in performing inventory control and/or processing legal documents with computer experience or two years of full time experience processing and collecting evidence in the law enforcement field. 

Education:  Equivalent to graduation from high school. Coursework or in-service training in accounting/inventory control and processing evidence is highly desirable. 

Training:  Any recent training such as academic courses and certification programs which are relevant to this job classification. 

Certification: Possession of the Basic Property/Evidence Management Certificate is required prior to the completion of the probationary period. 

License:  Possession of a valid California driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record as determined by the City.   

Other Requirements:  Willingness and ability to: work scheduled and emergency overtime; work outside under adverse weather conditions, such as in heat, cold and rain;  safely handle controlled substances, firearms and biologically-contaminated items; work any shift in a 24 hour day, weekends, and holidays; be available on-call as required; wear a City uniform and related equipment; maintain status as an expert witness; and travel out of town to attend meetings, training and seminars during work and non-work hours. 

Special Requirements:   Essential duties require the mental and/or physical ability to: read fine print and detect subtle shades of color; work with biologically-contaminated items; converse over the telephone, in person and over a two-way radio; stoop, reach, and climb ladders and numerous flights of stairs; write, type, and work with specialized equipment, drive a vehicle; lift and move a minimum of 50 pounds; and stamina to stand or sit for long periods of time.

Non-Exempt.

Salary : $6,871 - $8,295