Evidence Collection Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Summary The Evidence/Property Control Specialist provides critically responsible technical/administrative support work to the Sheriff's Office, which includes the Evidence/Property Room, Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Off-Site Location and in the field. Public contact is required for explanation of policies/procedures and the interpretation of guidelines/law are basic elements of this class. Incumbents must be willing to work various shifts and work at any of the assigned Sheriff's Office locations.

Work is performed independently after reaching the full performance level. Work is reviewed periodically for accuracy and adherence to established policies and procedures and service provided. Job Duties Maintain physical security/control/disposition of all evidence/property to include high value items such as vehicles, controlled substances, currencies and firearms.

Lifting and transporting of evidentiary items weighing up to 50 pounds unassisted is required. Respond to evidence/property inquiries of the general public and official authorities in person and telephonically to include identification, location and dissemination of such items. Work is performed in the Sheriff's Office and Precincts, the Evidence/Property Room and in the field or at crime scenes, and may require exposure to dangerous situations and all weather conditions.

Maintain continuous chain of custody of evidence/property including appropriate signatory requirements. Provide services for evidentiary matters to the department, prosecuting attorneys, and courts system. Document and execute, in conjunction with designated witnesses/supervisors, the physical destruction of controlled substances and firearms in conjunction with designated witnesses/supervisors.

In accordance with policies and procedures, destroy other evidentiary/property items in accordance with policies/procedures. Prepare and transmit controlled substances to State Crime Laboratory for forensic analysis as requested by supervisors and prosecutors to include preparation of formatted forensic requests. Receive controlled substances after State forensic analysis completion, and process resultant reports, informing appropriate authorities of final analysis results.

Testify in Superior/District Courts regarding specific chain of evidence matters in criminal trials/hearings. Document, prepare and auction materials that are legal and have value which are forfeited by courts, unclaimed by owners, or ownership is undetermined through commercial agents. Manage bio-medical hazardous waste materials storage, accessibility, and ultimate destruction through established Federal/State Laws and local government and departmental policies and procedures.

Physically transfer evidentiary items to Prosecuting Attorney, departmental officials and courts systems for criminal trials, including ensuring appropriate signatory requirements for chain of custody. Assist with evidence collection/transport off-site when directed in an on-call environment (i.e. in conjunction with a search warrant and/or major case)

May be exposed to graphic detailed information regarding criminal cases. Manage and execute dual entry record-keeping system (computer data entry, tracking, analysis) and accompanying hard card signatory chain of custody, which includes on-hand inventory, disposition history and inter-agency transfers. Instruct departmental personnel on policies and procedures for packaging, documenting and submitting evidence/property materials for storage and integrity.

Provide departmental personnel with appropriate packaging supplies. Maintain physical security control of departmental vehicle impound lot to include storage, release and satisfaction of commercial tow billing responsibilities. Enter/retrieve information from NCIC/WACIC computer databases relating to person, vehicle and firearm information.

Maintain ACCESS certification. Code information prior to entry in departmental databases. Execute oral and written communications with courts, prosecutors, businesses, educational facilities, government entities, and private citizens regarding issues relating to evidence/property.

Maintain various reports, logs, registers and files. Appear for scheduled work with regular, reliable and punctual attendance. Establish and maintain cooperative, effective, and productive working relationships using tact, patience and courtesy.

Effectively plan and organize work and complete tasks within prescribed timeframes. Perform other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills & Abilities Knowledge of: Physical security, chain of evidence and custodial requirements of evidence and property.

The interface of Law Enforcement, Prosecutors and Courts System. Basic bio-medical hazardous materials handling procedures. Procedures for handling controlled substances.

Firearm handling safety requirements. Skilled In: Interpersonal relationships using tact, patience and courtesy. Oral and written communications.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative and effective working relationships with others. Planning and organizing work. Ability to: Perform duties independently after initial training.

Type proficiently and accurately. Learn legal process of evidentiary materials and apply state and county statutes governing evidentiary and property materials. Respond quickly, effectively and calmly in stressful and emergency situations.

Ability to work over 40 hours in a workweek when required. Able to work under the following working conditions: Work is performed in an office/warehouse/off-site area, some of which will expose employee to poor personal hygiene environment. The incumbent will be exposed to blood-borne pathogens of a potentially hazardous nature and will be exposed to controlled substances in large volumes and quantities.

Work is performed primarily in high stress environment. Sitting/standing required for extended periods of time while performing duties. Must be able to operate a personal computer and to identify and log property and evidence.

Education, Experience & Certifications Three years experience with emphasis on law enforcement, property handling, general inventory, accounting/records management or related areas or any equivalent combination of education and experience which would provide the applicant with the desired skills, knowledge and ability required to perform the work. Administrative/clerical experience involving heavy public contact and the ability to type proficiently and accurately are required. Previous experience working for a law enforcement agency is highly desired.

WINDOWS-based data entry/word processing experience is required, preferably in a law enforcement environment. Must be able to fulfill all traveling requirements of this position and meet the qualifications and guidelines of the operation of a motor vehicle on County business, including possessing and maintaining a valid Washington State Driver's License and the appropriate amount of automobile insurance. Must possess written certification of completion of Firearms Safety Instruction or pass locally acceptable Firearms Safety Instruction course within 30 days of employment.

In accordance with RCW 41.14.100, applicants must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident who can read and write the English language. Applicants must download and complete this form "Authorization to Release Information", sign it, then upload it to your NEOGOV application. If you are claiming Veteran's Scoring Criteria Status, upload a completed Claim for Veteran's Criteria Status form and upload the requested documentation

Must be able to successfully complete a multi-phase testing process. A criminal background check through law enforcement agencies and lie detection exam will be conducted on all successful applicants prior to their being appointed to this position. Island County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

* Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Island County does not provide visa sponsorship. *.