Property Technician I​/II - Sheriff's Office

property technician i/ii - sheriff's office definition

under general supervision, receives, stores and maintains an inventory of evidence and property for the sheriff's department; performs related work as assigned.

property technician i is the entry level of this non‑sworn support series. Initially under close supervision, incumbents perform the more routine duties while learning county and law‑enforcement policies and procedures. This class is alternately staffed with property technician ii and incumbents may advance to the higher level after gaining experience and demonstrating proficiency that meet the qualifications of the higher class.

property technician ii is the experienced level class of the series, fully competent to process and maintain detailed records of property and/or evidence held and disposed of. Successful performance of the work requires a knowledge of regulations pertaining to property and evidence storage and accountability.

• receives property and evidence and issues receipts; categorizes and stores property which has been found or turned in as evidence.
• ensures that property and evidence are received, stored and released in accordance with chain of custody and/or other legal requirements.
• locates owners and releases property to rightful owner after ensuring proper authorization for release.
• maintains records of property room keys; duplicates keys and distributes as required; maintains security of property and evidence storage areas.
• prepares periodic reports related to property stored, including disposal of property, unclaimed property and property available for auction.
• testifies in court regarding chain of custody and property records.
• prepares detailed records of evidence inventory and maintains orderly appearance of property file area; catalogs and maintains continuous property inventory record. Coordinates the review of inventory items by departmental staff and outside agencies. Disposes of unwanted or unreturnable property and evidence in accordance with state, county or departmental rules and regulations; acts as the sheriff's representative in the destruction of narcotics.
• conducts research to determine appropriate procedures for the storage of evidence and disposition of property.
• confers with representatives of the county, district attorney and others regarding the disposition of property, advises other staff regarding the proper handling of evidence.
• assists with special projects related to the maintenance and handling of property and evidence, including monitoring and implementing changes to laws and regulations.
• maintains storage area in clean and orderly condition.

• principles and methods of receiving, storage and inventory of property and evidence. Basic safety practices pertaining to the work including the handling of dangerous substances, narcotics and firearms.
• applicable laws and regulations.
• record keeping and inventory principles and practices.
• office practices and procedures, including the operation of standard office equipment.

• receiving, storing and maintaining an inventory of property and evidence.
• filing and indexing a variety of property items.
• organizing and maintaining detailed and accurate records of inventory items.
• presenting accurate court testimony concerning evidential property.
• exercising sound independent judgment within established procedural guidelines. Organizing work and setting priorities with limited supervision.
• establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.

must possess a valid california driver's license. Must be willing to handle firearms and lift boxes weighing up to fifty pounds. Must be able to pass a detailed background investigation.

a typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

one year of experience as either a storekeeper, stock clerk or property clerk or in general office support work.

in addition to the above, one year of experience in receiving and storing property and evidence, preferably in a law‑enforcement setting.