Sheriff's Property Officer I/II

San Mateo County Sheriff's Office is seeking a highly tactful, detail-oriented candidate to join the team in the Property and Evidence Bureau.

About the role

Sheriff's Property Officers accept and release evidence from ongoing criminal cases. The position is responsible for the proper storage, release, and disposal of property and evidence, including digital evidence, and maintaining accurate records of these transactions in both electronic and paper formats. Property Officers also maintain inventory control records of the department's fixed assets, access and enter information in the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS), and take fingerprints and photographs of various types of applicants and registrants.

This position is located in Redwood City but requires travel throughout the county to perform job duties. The eligibility list created by this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies at the Forensic Laboratory in San Mateo.

Responsibilities

• Receive, maintain the chain of custody and integrity of, and safely store evidence, found property, and property held for safekeeping.
• Advise staff on proper packaging and submission procedures.
• Maintain files and records, both paper and in automated property management systems, regarding the receipt, storage, movement, and disposition of property.
• Manage video evidence created by body-worn cameras and in-car video cameras.
• Conduct inventories and audits of property and evidence.
• Release property to the public or to legally authorized persons in accordance with disposition forms, court orders, or stipulations.
• Compose correspondence to property owners or finders.
• Authorize the return of and release safekeeping and found property to rightful owners.
• Check out items needed for court, investigation, or forensic testing; transport or ship items to and from the Forensic Laboratory; and maintain records of items checked out.
• Copy, share, or electronically transfer evidence in accordance with internal requests, discovery requests, subpoenas, and Public Record Act requests.
• Testify in court to verify chain of custody records on evidence.
• Purge property as directed on disposition forms and by following appropriate federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
• Arrange for the auction of unclaimed property and coordinate the destruction of nuisance weapons and illicit materials such as controlled substances.
• Maintain inventory control records of the department's fixed assets.
• Order supplies and equipment as necessary for assigned work.
• Contact or respond to questions from law enforcement personnel, attorneys, representatives of various agencies, and the public concerning the release, location, disposition, and forensic analysis of property.
• Take fingerprints and photographs of various types of applicants, registrants, and probationers.
• Operate various automated criminal justice information systems such as the County of San Mateo Consolidated Justice Information Portal (CJI), the California Law Enforcement Telecommunication System (CLETS), and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) database.
• Attend trainings and stay abreast of industry best practices and changes in laws and regulations.

Requirements

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is:

• Sheriff's Property Officer I: One year of storekeeping or clerical experience which has included responsibility for maintaining inventory control records or a complex filing system.
• Sheriff's Property Officer II: Two years of experience in a law enforcement or law administrative agency receiving, storing, releasing, and inventorying property held for safekeeping.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles and procedures of stock control systems and record keeping.
• General characteristics and values of different types of commodities.
• Techniques of receiving, storing, inventorying, safeguarding, and disposing of personal and other types of property.
• California Penal Code, Civil Code, various County ordinances, the Federal Gun Act of 1968, and other laws governing public property, release of property and evidence, and destruction of narcotics.
• General characteristics and handling of firearms.
• Types of information stored in CLETS and NCIC.

Skills/Abilities:

• Explain and apply departmental policies and procedures including court procedures and process of obtaining release of property.
• Train personnel.
• Maintain complete and accurate records.
• Operate teletype and computer terminals.
• Read and comprehend legal documents, laws, and ordinances.
• Exercise good judgment and make accurate observations.
• Work well with minimal supervision.
• Deal effectively and tactfully with employees, officials of public agencies, attorneys, property owners, and the public.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Lift and move bulky or heavy objects.
• Apply laws, codes, and ordinances related to property management, guns, narcotics, and evidence.
• Handle firearms.

Other Requirements

• Pass a detailed background investigation and pre-employment medical exam prior to appointment.

Pay

Depending on qualifications, the vacancy will be filled at either the Sheriff's Property Officer I ($33.51 - $41.88/hr) or Sheriff's Property Officer II ($40.14 - $50.18/hr) level.

About the Sheriff’s Office

The San Mateo County Sheriff's Office protects and serves communities by delivering professional policing and correctional services while upholding a commitment to public safety, community engagement, and organizational excellence. Learn more about the Sheriff’s Office.