Evidence Custodian Government Job Dept-Sheriff’s Department Full Time

Definition:   This position manages the evidentiary chain of custody and integrity of evidence and property for the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office. Summary of duties include, but not limited to tracks and safeguards evidence seized and evidence received, stores, inventories, retrieves, and releases/destroys/disposes evidentiary and unclaimed property that is retained under the guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures of the McKinley County Sheriff’s Office.

Essential Job Functions: The following duties are not intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities.  Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position-specific duties.

Ensure the procedure to receive property and evidence from law enforcement officers; document receipt of items; maintains the chain of possession from intake to final disposition is handled effectively, efficiently and in a compliant manner.

Receives evidence by submitting items into evidence software application; documenting location, description, owner’s name, chain of custody/possession release, disposition, and destruction; updating status of evidence as needed; and verifying and depositing all seized monies.

Operates within established procedures within the evidence and property system and maintains tracking records of individual property items to ensure chain of custody.

Processes evidence by packaging and preparing evidence for shipping to criminalistics testing and evaluation labs; picking up or receiving evidence property; and informing authorities of discrepancies.

Determines the appropriate disposition of property in compliance with court orders, departmental standard operating procedures, and applicable laws.

Destroys and disposes of evidence by obtaining legal authorization; reviewing and tracking dispositions for disposal or release; locating owners of released property and evidence and requesting pick-up; preparing unclaimed property for disposal; and ensuring property being released is done under current policy and related statutory guidelines.

Responds to inquiries and requests from department personnel, criminal justice agencies, courts, prosecutors, and other relevant entities in regard to evidence and property items.

Tracks evidence by preparing inventory list or receipt copy for deputies and other agencies collecting evidence; storing crime related items in locked containers or storage areas; testifies on chain of custody records and procedures, as required.

Performs a variety of complex related administrative and professional duties, projects, and research as assigned.

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws related to the entry, storage, transfer and disposal of evidence and property.

Knowledge of standard office practices and procedures.

Knowledge of County and Sheriff’s office policies and procedures.

Knowledge of law enforcement terminology

Ability to package and organize numerous items of evidence in compliance for efficient storage and retrieval.

Ability to maintain accurate evidence records and generate periodic reports

Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

Ability to maintain confidentiality of records and information

Ability to handle stressful situations.

Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with elected officials, county staff, and the public.

Skill in the proficient use of a computer, basic office equipment, camera, and other related equipment.

Working Conditions:  Work is generally performed in an office environment; work is occasionally performed in an outside environment occasionally in hot, cold, or inclement weather; may be subject to extended periods of intense concentration in the review of documents and reports. Will handle bio-hazard material, sharps containers, weapons and, narcotics which can result in exposure to conditions such as fumes, noxious odors, dusts, mists, gases, poor ventilation, and hazardous chemicals. Work occasionally will expose the incumbent to contagious or infectious diseases. Work may require the incumbent to use personal protective devices such as masks, goggles, gloves, and protective clothing.

Physical Demands:

Work may require frequent walking, extended periods of standing, occasional climbing, bending, carrying, and frequent lifting items weighing up to 30 pounds and occasional lifting of 50+ pounds.  

Other Requirements: The incumbent of this position must comply with established policies, procedures, directives, and safety guidelines of McKinley County and Sheriff Office.

Minimum Qualifications:

High School Diploma or GED

Two (2) years of progressively responsible clerical or administrative experience relating to above essential job functions. Or,

An equivalent combination of related education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

A degree from an accredited institution in a related field.

Experience in warehousing, inventory, or records management.

Experience working in a law enforcement setting

Bilingual (Navajo, Zuni, or Spanish)

Experience working in a county/local government environment.  

Certificates and Licenses: Must have or be able to obtain a valid Driver’s license; must be insurable for liability purposes. Able to obtain a Notary Public certification within six (6) month of hire date. Must be certified by the International Association for Property and Evidence as an Evidence Custodian/Property and Evidence Technician within one (1) year of hire

Conditions of Employment:  May be required to pass a post offer-of-employment physical examination.  May be required to submit to a drug screen and/or random drug testing. Complete, and pass a pre-employment background check, and successful completion/pass of First Aid and CPR, Defensive Driving, Bloodborne Pathogens, Stop the Bleed and Narcan within 6 months of hire.

Special Instructions: Applicants selected for interviews will be asked to take part in a basic typing/computer assessment test.

Disclaimer:  Nothing in this job description restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.