Evidence and Property Technician

JOB INFORMATION

THIS POSITION IS BEING RECRUITED AS A DEPARTMENTAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY. ONLY CURRENT REGULAR AND PROBATIONARY EMPLOYEES OF THE FREDERICK COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE ARE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. QUESTIONS REGARDING YOUR ELIGIBILITY OR HOW THIS EMPLOYMENT CHANGE MAY AFFECT YOUR COMPENSATION, PLEASE CONTACT RECRUITMENT@FREDERICKCOUNTYMD.GOV

NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy.

Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.

TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:

Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
• 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
• County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
  • Vesting after 5 years of service
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
• Coming soon-early 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Oversee the security and inventory of all submitted property and evidence in the evidence and property holding room; track evidence by maintaining log for signing in and out to various agencies
• Ensure that property/evidence computer records are maintained accurately and current; maintain a variety of records regarding the receipt, storage, release and destruction of property and evidence; account for all property report sheets; enter all property into SAFE and other computer systems
• Empty storage lockers daily, log properly, and record items; start initial accountability procedures
• Maintain legal custody and control of the property and evidence room card access; as needed, move property and evidence as required to maintain storage levels
• Receive, document, categorize, review and verify a wide variety of property and evidence, including but not limited to hazardous and toxic materials, fire arms
• Serve as the administrator (i.e. create new users, serve as vendor contact and run reports) for the agency’s evidence management system (SAFE)
• Conduct and record inventory of all evidentiary property according to agency policy and procedures; purge property and evidence items as required based on FCSO guidelines
• Coordinate transportation of evidence with the uniformed staff to the Maryland State Police laboratory for analysis; establish and maintain scheduled time for submission and retrieval from lab; develop working relationship with lab personnel
• Coordinate and complete request to return firearms forms for subjects to reclaim their firearms
• Receive requests (via phone and emails) from the public and outside agencies and provides information regarding procedures for obtaining property and evidence and laws governing release
• Process requests from the State’s Attorney’s Office; copy, prepare and maintain confidential and evidentiary documents, CDs, DVDs, photographs, other evidence and prepares transmission of digital evidence; prepare evidence for court and documents chain-of-custody
• Perform research to determine property ownership, and if evidence can be released or destroyed in compliance with department policies, procedures, and State laws. obtain authorization as needed; arrange for the destruction and disposal of property and evidence including hazardous and toxic materials, chemicals, and substances
• Assist with audits of property and evidence room performed by uniform staff; arrange and participate in narcotic, guns, and money audits
• As needed, make necessary auction arrangements which may include auction contact and payment collection
• As needed, develop and conduct in-service and roll call trainings and recruit training to explain procedures for proper evidence packaging and handling
• Serve as back-up for other administrative support/clerical staff as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Associate degree
• Minimum 2 years administrative support work experience
• Minimum 1 year inventory supply or warehouse work experience
• Intermediate skills in the use of MS Office Suite
• Possession of a valid automobile operator’s license
• Ability to obtain the Property and Evidence Specialist certification through the International Association for Property (IAPE) within 2 years of hire
• Ability to be CJIS certified within 6 months of hire
• NOTE: Additional years of related work experience may substitute for the educational requirement

• Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
• Knowledge of state, local and agency rules and regulations in regards to evidence and property holding
• Knowledge of court systems requirements for proper accountability of evidence
• Ability to effectively access and utilize word processing and data management systems and equipment
• Ability to follow safety precautions and Department procedures to properly handle firearms, weapons, chemical samples, blood, DNA, narcotics to prevent injury and avoid contamination
• Ability to identify problems and develop effectively solutions
• Strong clerical skills including the ability to accurately update and maintain manual and computerized files and filing systems
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain appropriate confidentiality
• Ability to learn to use on-line equipment and systems
• Ability to organize work, determine priorities and complete assigned work with minimal supervision
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers, lab personnel and the general public
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills

• Law enforcement work experience
• Advance skills in the use of MS Office Suite
• Experience maintaining compliance of CJIS rules and regulations
• Work experience or training in evidence
• Current CJIS certification
• Current Property and Evidence Specialist certification through the International Association for Property (IAPE)

• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly sit, lift up to 20 pounds, push up to 40 pounds, pull up to 40 pounds, reach and perform repetitive motions; occasionally walk and stoop; and rarely lift between 20 and 50 pounds and drive.
• While working in this position, the employee is required to constantly work indoors and in confined spaces; occasionally work near chemicals or fumes and required to use protective equipment

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION / EXAMINATION PROCESS

• \Ability to provide own transportation to training sessions, meeting, etc.
• This position is non-essential
• Available for varied work hours to accommodate meetings, trainings or other departmental commitments
• Ability to obtain and maintain certifications throughout employment
• This position is subject to random drug testing, to include testing for marijuana
• When considered under the Frederick County Employees Retirement Plan, this position is designated as "non-uniformed"
• Secondary employment will not be approved for FCSO personnel until successful completion of probationary period
• Candidates who were previously rejected for FCSO employment may reapply for consideration, however those declined for reasons which assure another rejection will not be reconsidered

• An evaluation of training and qualifications
• Skills testing
• One or more interviews
• A pre-employment background investigation
• A pre-employment polygraph test (inquiries include criminal, credit, drug use and personal history)
• Pre-employment drug test, to include testing for marijuana

Retirement Plan:
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.

Health Insurance:
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.

Dental Insurance:
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment

NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.

NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.