Police Evidence Clerk

this position is only open to internal applicants at this time.

the employee occupying this position is responsible for processing and maintaining police arrest records, police investigative reports, court documents, crime scene and motor vehicle accident evidence, and all police related equipment. This position is extremely sensitive requiring clerical skills, administrative skills, lawful evidence processing, laws and municipal ordinances regarding records retention and information release, and technical work of a confidential nature.

This position must maintain a working knowledge of crime scene evidence collection techniques, as well as knowledge of constantly evolving case law referencing crime scene techniques and evidence preservation. This position requires knowledge of osha safety policies and abatement of potential osha violations in the workplace. This position serves as a resource to assist all city of palmer departments in their efforts to ensure compliance with evolving osha mandates and regulations.

this position requires advanced clerical skills to utilize the apsin, ncic, nlets, and evidence computer systems to update and maintain information, process police and other reports for the applicable agencies to ensure prosecution.

• receive all incoming evidence, including but not limited to weapons (including firearms), drugs and drug paraphernalia, currency, jewelry, sensitive documents, biohazards from the palmer police department.
• check evidence and accompanying paperwork for accuracy and completeness including, but not limited to: arms data entry, evidence tags, request for laboratory services, and 15-day property forms.
• maintain the chain of custody on all appropriate evidence facility forms and databases. Make evidence available to officers as needed.
• advise officers on proper guidelines for sealing and packaging different types of evidence to be submitted for storage and/or processing by the crime lab.
• complete disposition of all evidence or property per instructions received from the case officer, the district attorney’s office, or court orders. This includes destroying evidence that no longer has monetary or evidentiary value, destroying contraband, forwarding forfeited property to the appropriate department or charity, and returning property to the rightful owners. The scope includes drugs, drug paraphernalia, alcohol, biohazards, paperwork, firearms, weapons, clothing, and other items.
• accurately enter and update data in apsin and arms as it pertains to the evidence being received, stored, and removed from the palmer police evidence facility. Verify weapons in apsin, ncic, and arms before entry; check ownership status to determine release eligibility.
• transfer evidence to and from the state scientific crime detection laboratory for testing; conduct audits to ensure current authorization for disposal or release.
• process, package, and mail evidence to other police agencies, scientific crime laboratories, and registered owners inside or outside alaska via registered mail.
• monitor evidence holding lockers to ensure they are empty and available for officers; manage locker availability and security.
• be available for after-hours issues; process discovery requests by duplicating media as requested; maintain a spreadsheet of requests received and completed.
• advise owners on property status; communicate what is needed from case officer, district attorney, or court; release property once all documents are received.
• receive, interpret, digitize, and archive all forms used in the evidence facility, including dispositions, letters, weapons files, and firearms tracking forms.
• answer telephone inquiries involving evidence and property; provide appropriate action and maintain courteous communication.
• schedule and attend evidence viewings with attorneys; maintain security and chain of custody during viewings.
• when a case officer leaves, review case reports to determine disposition and ownership; prepare documents for final disposition approval.
• perform duties of notary public as necessary when releasing property, including firearms to non-owners.
• update the evidence facility standard operating procedures manual as needed.
• testify in court regarding chain of custody and evidence handling when required.
• transport bio-hazard evidence to appropriate disposal locations.
• perform duties of records custodian for the police department: enter police report information into apsin, provide copies to appropriate agencies, forward originals to court, maintain ncic cases, and prepare for audits. Maintain custody of records and destroy per alaska statutes and records retention schedules. Respond to records requests from police, military, other government agencies, insurers, and private citizens; maintain knowledge of records release policies including hipaa.
• receive, process and audit confidential police records, reports, and crime data; perform specialized searches; distribute reports to internal staff, outside…