Property & Evidence Technician I/II

About the Role

Join the City of Escondido’s Police Department as a Property & Evidence Technician I/II. This position involves receiving, processing, storing, safeguarding, delivering, releasing, and disposing of police property, evidence, and supplies while maintaining an accurate inventory and ensuring the integrity of evidence through the judicial process.

Two levels are available:

• Property and Evidence Technician I: Entry-level position providing general property and evidence control duties under supervision. Advancement to the "II" level is based on demonstrated proficiency.
• Property and Evidence Technician II: Full journey-level position performing the full range of duties independently, with occasional instruction or assistance. May participate in training less experienced staff.

Responsibilities

• Receive, identify, classify, process, store, safeguard, deliver, release, and dispose of all types of police property and evidence, including weapons, explosives, narcotics, money, hazardous materials, and body parts/fluids. Ensure proper documentation and packaging; issue receipts for property received.
• Maintain chain of custody documentation; track, retrieve, package, and release property/evidence for testing, court proceedings, or storage. Inspect and return items to their original or new location.
• Coordinate the release, destruction, or disposal of adjudicated, obsolete, and unclaimed property/evidence. Prepare correspondence for property owners, release items to rightful owners, and dispose of narcotics as directed.
• Maintain accurate manual and computerized records/logs of all property and evidence. Operate computers to access, enter, and retrieve information; generate and deliver reports.
• Answer questions and provide information to the public, District Attorney’s Office, crime labs, and City staff regarding property/evidence policies and procedures.
• Perform clerical and administrative duties, including receiving/shipping packages and assisting in budget preparation for the Property Unit.
• Train and assist Police Department staff on proper packaging and handling of impounded property.
• Attend training sessions on topics such as firearms safety, bomb/explosive awareness, infectious disease control, hazardous materials, evidence tracking systems, forensic laboratory procedures, and evidence packaging techniques.
• Process forms, reports, laboratory service requests, court orders, and other documents. Testify in court as necessary.

Requirements

Knowledge of:

• Operations, services, and activities of a property and evidence program.
• Methods, procedures, principles, and terminology for property and evidence handling, recording, preservation, storage, and release.
• Court procedures regarding evidence and legal guidelines for evidence maintenance and control.
• Records management, inventory techniques, warehousing, and storekeeping principles.
• Principles of business letter writing, report preparation, and office procedures.
• Occupational hazards, standard safety practices, and applicable federal/state/local laws.
• Customer service and public relations methods and techniques.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

Ability To:

• Perform technical and specialized clerical duties with speed, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Receive, process, store, document, release, and dispose of evidence and property.
• Maintain control systems and account for police property/evidence.
• Apply and explain laws, rules, regulations, and procedures related to property/evidence.
• Understand the criminal and civil judicial systems.
• Maintain records and prepare clear, concise reports.
• Operate modern office equipment, including computers and software.
• Respond to public inquiries and provide professional customer service.
• Safely perform physical tasks related to storing and moving materials.
• Order supplies, materials, and equipment; plan and organize work to meet deadlines.
• Follow oral and written instructions; work independently with minimal supervision.
• Maintain a calm and professional demeanor; appreciate cultural diversity.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Qualifications

Property and Evidence Technician I

• Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade.
• Experience: Two years (full-time equivalent) of general clerical experience. Stockroom or warehouse experience is highly desirable.
• License/Certificate: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Property and Evidence Technician II

• Education/Training: Equivalent to completion of the twelfth grade, supplemented by specialized training in property/evidence handling, classification, and storage.
• Experience: Two years (full-time equivalent) of responsible experience comparable to a Property and Evidence Technician I in the City of Escondido.
• License/Certificate: Possession of a valid driver’s license.

Pay

• Property & Evidence Technician I: $4,016 – $5,382 per month
• Property & Evidence Technician II: $4,433 – $5,940 per month

Supplemental Information

The City of Escondido is committed to a drug- and alcohol-free workplace. Applicants will undergo a fingerprint investigation, pre-employment medical examination (including drug screening for safety-sensitive positions), and must verify legal right to work in the U.S. Positions subject to DOT regulations will require DOT pre-employment and random drug/alcohol testing.