Police - Records/Id - Property Clerk I

About the role

Under general supervision of the Supervisor – Police Records, this position performs a variety of duties involved in the care, custody, control, and disposal of evidence, property, and/or contraband under the custodial control of the Police Department. Maintains written and computer documentation of all property transactions and ensures the proper chain of custody as required for court prosecution of criminal trials.

Responsibilities

• Process all incoming items of evidence, property, and/or contraband prior to receipt and acceptance with minimal errors.
• Accurately maintain and update all hard copy and computer records concerning custodial property transactions in a timely manner.
• Ensure that proper chain of custody is strictly enforced and maintained on all evidence and property items.
• Work with crime victims through various forms of communication to ascertain property ownership and/or to release property, when applicable.
• Identify property items meeting the established criteria to be sold at public auction.
• Assist the Supervisor – Police Records, Division Manager – Police Records, and/or City purchasing department in the transfer and sale of such items.
• Identify property items meeting the established criteria for disposal; retrieve, organize, and log property for disposal without error and in a timely manner.
• Dispose of, or return to its rightful owner, any evidence and/or property in the manner specified by court orders signed and dated by a District or Federal Judge.
• Deliver property marked for destruction to the Municipal Court for property hearings.
• Attend and testify in Municipal Court for property hearings, when applicable.
• Assist the Division Manager – Police Records and the City Auditor with any property audits deemed necessary.
• Assist the Division Manager – Police Records in developing and keeping current all departmental policies and procedures concerning evidence, property, and contraband.
• Perform other job-related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• One (1) year of general office, recordkeeping, and/or clerical experience.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Previous law enforcement or judicial system experience is preferred.
• Valid Texas driver’s license is preferred; ability to obtain one within ninety (90) days of employment, or a military waiver is acceptable.
• Ability to pass a Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) background check.
• Bloodborne Pathogens training, HazCom training, and HIPAA Compliance training required within sixty (60) days of employment.
• T.A.P.E.I.T. Conference attendance and basic certification achievement required within the first six (6) months of employment or first available conference.
• Ability to work in confined areas and in parts of the building where there may be extreme hot and cold temperature variances.
• Ability to work non-traditional hours as needed.
• Ability to be exposed to outdoors, confined work spaces, chemicals, foul odors, explosive material, drugs, and narcotics.

Skills

• Knowledge of office practices, methods, and computer equipment.
• Knowledge of principles and procedures of recordkeeping.
• Knowledge of laws and regulations related to the chain of custody, rules of evidence, and courtroom testimony.
• Typing at least 45 words per minute accurately and efficiently.
• Operating various office equipment, including a personal computer using MS Office and G-Suite.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines in a high-volume environment with minimal supervision.
• Conducting physical inventory counts and audits with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Learning position-specific laws, City ordinances, and Departmental policies and procedures regarding the care, custody, control, and disposal of evidence and property items.
• Maintaining confidentiality and accurate written records of custodial evidence and property transactions.
• Giving accurate and effective testimony in criminal courts regarding the chain of custody of evidence.
• Effectively and professionally communicating through various forms of communication, including verbal and written.
• Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work, both internally and externally.
• Following and embracing the City of Abilene Core Values – Respect, Integrity, Service Above Self, and Excellence in All We Do.
• Performing as a team member in a manner that accomplishes the Division’s mission and treats team members with dignity, courtesy, and respect.

Physical Demands

Essential duties require the following physical skills and work environment:

• Medium work – lifting no more than 50 pounds; carrying up to 25 pounds.

The following describes the frequency of physical demands during a typical workday:

• Standing: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Sitting: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Walking: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Lifting: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Carrying: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Pushing/Pulling: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Overhead Work: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
• Fine Dexterity: Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• Kneeling: Infrequent (20 – 10% of the time)
• Crouching: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Crawling: Almost Never (<10% of the time)
• Bending: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Twisting: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Climbing: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Balancing: Moderate (60 – 30% of the time)
• Vision: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Hearing: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)
• Talking: Extensive (100 – 70% of the time)