Police Evidence Specialist - Eugene, United States - City of Eugene, OR

Description

General Statement of Duties

The Eugene Police Department has a full-time Evidence Specialist opportunity

Joining the Eugene Police Department will give you the opportunity to be part of a progressive, professional law enforcement agency that serves a city of more than 178,000 residents.

In a typical day, Eugene Police Officers are dispatched to about 282 calls for service (100,000 calls each year) which results in approximately 17,000 items of property/evidence (excluding digital evidence) that the Evidence Control Unit is responsible for intake to disposition of the property.

EPD staff members also engage in proactive community education and crime-prevention activities to help protect all of Eugene's residents.

Joining the Eugene Department will allow you to work in a fast-paced environment and have a rewarding career with competitive pay and benefits.

If you have the qualities of professionalism, teamwork, strong communication skills, attention to detail and the ability to problem solve, then we would encourage you to apply.

The City of Eugene participates in the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System, a program providing comprehensive retirement and disability benefits for employees.

The City of Eugene offers a robust benefits package including family health, dental, and vision care benefits, life insurance, and competitive vacation, sick leave, and holiday benefits.

Application Deadline:
Sunday, May 19, 2024, 2024 at 11:59pm PT


ONLINE APPLICATIONS ONLY

Salary Range:
$ $32.28 Hourly

The City of Eugene determines starting pay within the range based on relevant education and experience as provided by the applicant in their application materials.

This process is consistent with the Oregon Equal Pay Act (OEPA). You can learn more about our process at our How to Apply page.

Department/Division:
Eugene Police Department / Police Investigations

Work Location:300 Country Club Rd. Eugene, OR

Must reside in the state of Oregon and be able to report onsite in Eugene, OR for work as needed.

Work Schedule:

Currently working a 4/10 work schedule (includes holidays) and may have the voluntary option to work a 5/8 schedule if the business need allows, which is determined by the Evidence Supervisor.

Evidence Specialists are subject to call-out (overtime) after hours, that may include nights, weekends and holidays.

Benefits:
The City of Eugene offers robust and competitive benefits. For more info, click the Benefits Tab above, or visitthis summary pageas well as thisbenefits package page.

Living & Working in Eugene:
For more information on living in Eugene, how the City of Eugene operates, and more, visitthis page.

What to Expect from

Our Application Process:
Please see ourHow to Applypage for more information on our application process.

Examples of Duties Performed - Duties may include but are not limited to the following

• Receives, inventories, stores and disposes of stolen, abandoned and found property, including diverse personal property items, computers, firearms, jewelry and money from a variety of crime scene materials collected for analysis and/or evidence, which may include property listed previously as well as hazardous materials such as medical/biological waste, illegal drugs, computers or pharmaceuticals, blood, semen, urine, or clothing, marijuana and marijuana plants which may contain pathogenic mold.
• Ensures that property and evidence is secure from theft, loss or contamination.
• Maintains accurate manual and automated inventory systems and records of all property and evidence; properly marks, tags, and packages evidence and property as required.
• May retrieve and transport evidence from crime scene; transports evidence to state laboratory for analysis as required.
• Responsible for safe storage of evidence and for ensuring that chain of custody is clearly preserved whenever evidence is received or is removed from property room.
• May assist detectives and/or officers with showing and identifying evidence in court; may testify as to chain of custody, policy and procedures.
• Determines ownership of property or evidence by checking police reports, law enforcement computer systems and other public records.
• Works directly with the public, both on the telephone and in person, answering questions about evidence being held and lost property.
• Maintain clean and orderly property storage facilities.
• Evaluates public request for release of evidence and property; checks that case is completed or statute of limitations have run out before releasing property; checks for outstanding warrants and whether release has been authorized, before releasing property; photographs property and evidence used in criminal cases before releasing it to owners.
• Checks case reports for authorization to dispose of evidence and property; assists in the disposal of evidence and unclaimed property through various disposal processes or auctions; purges items from inventory records.
• Stays abreast of local, state and federal laws involving property-evidence handling and recommend appropriate changes.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with Department personnel and the general public.
• Actively supports and respects diversity in the workplace.
• May supervise volunteers.
• May require use of City vehicles.
• Performs other related duties as required.

To view detailed information on the duties, knowledge, and abilities that may be expected for this position, please see the classification: PoliceEvidenceSpecialist

Qualifications

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they are able to perform every task in the job description.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes with relevant transferrable skills from a variety of sources and experiences.

If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

When screening your application, the City will consider an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience which provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to meet minimum qualifications for this position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Experience:

• Two years' experience in a retail store or warehouse environment performing inventory related tasks such as shipment receiving, stocking, property management, data entry and/or computerized inventory management.

Education:

• High school diploma or G.E.D.

Background:

MUSTPASSAPOLICEBACKGROUNDINVESTIGATION

• Please view this list ofdocumentsthat will be requested as part of the background investigation.
• The background investigation phase may take up to 5 weeks. You will be required to submit information related to your personal and professional history including references. You will work with an investigator to complete a full review of your working and personal history. Many of the required documents such as birth certificate and transcripts will need to be requested from other organizations and agencies. A full list of documents will be provided to candidates who reach this stage in the process. Please prepare in advance but DO NOT SUBMIT ANY MATERIAL PRIOR TO BEING INVITED TO THE BACKGROUND PHASE. Materials received before being requested will not be considered and may be destroyed.
• No felony convictions at any time.
• No Class "A" misdemeanors within the last 24 months.

License or Certificate:

• Obtain LEDS certification within 90 days of hire.
• Driver's License: Valid Oregon driver's license, or ability to obtain by date of hire; must pass driving records checkand, if hired, maintain a driving record that meets the City's standard. Oregon law requires that an out-of-state license holder must obtain a valid Oregon license (with appropriate endorsements) within 30 days of becoming domiciled in the state (ORS

The ideal candidate will have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:


Knowledge of:

• Methods and procedures used in receiving and storing property.
• Departmental policies and procedures as applied to property and evidence storage as well as confidentiality.
• Applicable City, State and federal laws and statutes covering evidence and property,

including disposal, statute of limitation, State Finders Law.

• General court systems process and use of evidence.
• Maintaining organized records, inventories, and tracking systems.
• Police computer systems and other computer programs.
• Proper handling of sensitive and dangerous evidence, such as drugs and firearms.
• Proper handling of sensitive and dangerous evidence.

Ability to:

• Properly store criminal evidence and property.
• Follow proper procedures to preserve and maintain custody of evidence, and to maintain accurate records.
• Ensure proper disposition of evidence/property.
• Handle confidential matter.
• Explain department and city ordinances/procedures as to property releases, evidence, found property and disposals.
• Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Work effectively with police professionals and the public.
• Follow written and oral instructions.
• Use on-line police computer systems.
• Operate a variety of business machines, such as computers, Audio/Visual (A/V) duplication equipment including audio cassette, VHS, 8mm, CD & DVD and other digital equipment, copier, scales, etc.
• Operate property/evidence vehicle.
• Simultaneously handle numerous inquiries or requests.
• Photograph property/evidence prior to release or for court purposes.
• Maintain physical agility to stock, lift, and retrieve evidence or property.
• Maintain safe working environment.
• Obtain LEDS certification within 90 days of hire

Supplemental Information

What to Expect from our

Selection Process:
Applicants are screened based upon their relevant knowledge, abilities, skills, experience, and training.

The selection process varies according to the position and can include such things as screening of supplemental questionnaires, written or skill tests, ability or fitness tests, interviews, and assessment processes.

In addition, background investigations and records checks may be required.

Some positions also require applicants to have a psychological evaluation and/or physical examination and a drug test prior to employment.

Marijuana use is evaluated consistent with current state law regulations.


PLEASE NOTE:
Once the posting closes, the process can take 6-10 weeks to complete.

Eligibility List:
This posting may also be used to establish an eligibility list of applicants for future vacancies.

Candidates that are placed on the eligibility list will be notified via email which will include the duration of the list and how notification of call up will occur.

Physical Requirements:
Medium work: Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 25 pounds of force frequently.

Perform tasks that may require the incumbent to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, and lift, manual dexterity, repetitive motions, grasping and feeling, with or without accommodations.

Expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.

Work is generally performed in an office, working with telephones, computers, changing priorities, interruptions, and assisting citizens at the counter and over the telephone, including working with individuals who are upset and with situations involving unpleasant circumstances.

Work is occasionally performed outside, including travel from site to site, which may include exposure to all typical weather conditions and at times inclement weather.

Visual acuity necessary to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; visual inspection involving small defects, small parts and/or operation of machines (including inspection); using measurement devices; and operate motor vehicles.

Pre-employment physical abilities testing is done and must be passed to ensure the physical requirements of the position can be met.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
The City of Eugene is committed to a respectful work environment. We value the cultural, educational, and life experiences of each employee. We believe that a diverse workforce enables us to deliver culturally responsive services to all members of our community.

As part of our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion we desire to welcome, respect, and create a sense of belonging for a wide range of identities and experiences in our workforce.

Women, people with disabilities, and persons of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

The City of Eugene complies with theAmericans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any applicant with a qualified disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act may request accommodation by contacting an employment coordinator at

In compliance with theImmigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, the City of Eugene will request all eligible candidates who accept employment with the City to provide documentation to prove they are eligible for employment in the United States.