Property & Evidence Specialist; Part-time

THE POSITION:

The City of Tustin is seeking a detail-oriented, organized individual to support the Police Department in receiving, cataloging, and safeguarding property and evidence. This part‑time, at‑will position requires a minimum of six (6) hours of work on Mondays and Fridays, generally 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Tustin Police Department is committed to serving the community with professional excellence. The Department maintains the highest standard of ethics, personal integrity, and performance throughout the organization and the community.

Application materials will be reviewed to identify candidates who meet the minimum qualifications. Qualified candidates will participate in a panel interview and, if successful, will earn placement on the eligible list, valid for one (1) year. A comprehensive background investigation, polygraph, pre‑employment medical examination, and drug screen will be conducted upon conditional offer of employment. The selection process typically lasts 9–12 months.

• Receives, classifies, indexes, and stores property and evidence seized and recovered by police personnel.
• Determines appropriate disposition of property and evidence, prepares necessary paperwork for authorization by Investigations Unit personnel.
• Releases and coordinates transportation of property and evidence to crime laboratory, courts, and other agencies; releases seized property to rightful owners; coordinates periodic auctions.
• Organizes and arranges proper destruction and disposal of firearms, hazardous materials, and narcotics.
• Prepares deposit paperwork of unclaimed or confiscated money for the Finance Department; tracks asset forfeiture packages.
• Conducts periodic audits and inventories; updates and maintains database systems and records.
• Greets visitors at the property counter and answers questions from property owners, victims, officers, court, and legal representatives regarding property and evidence procedures.
• Assists with preparation of status reports regarding unit activities by researching, compiling, and summarizing information.
• Assists in ordering and maintaining unit supplies and equipment.
• Trains police officers and law enforcement field personnel on proper packaging, handling, and submission of evidence.
• Duplicates audio and video evidence for court proceedings, discovery purposes, and other investigations.
• Maintains current knowledge of pertinent federal, state, and local laws related to property management; attends training sessions on proper unit procedures such as firearm safety, hazardous materials awareness, evidence tracking and control, and evidence collection, packaging, and sealing techniques.
• May testify in court regarding procedures for chain‑of‑custody evidence handling, storage, security, and disposition.

Graduate high school, supplemented by college level coursework in criminology or a related field; two (2) years of technical or administrative law enforcement experience. A certificate of completion from a California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certified Property Management course is desirable.

Valid California Class C driver’s license with acceptable driving record. Valid California Law Enforcement Teletype Systems (CLETS) certificate required within three (3) months of employment.

Satisfactory results from a background investigation, physical examination, and administrative screening.

Employee is regularly required to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods. Expected to use hands to handle and operate standard office equipment; reach with hands and arms; bend, squat, or kneel; lift, carry, push, and pull property, evidence, records, documents, and office supplies weighing up to 40 pounds. Close vision and the ability to adjust focus to read and operate office equipment are required.

Uses written and oral communication skills; reads and interprets data, information, and documents; analyzes and solves problems; uses math and mathematical reasoning. Works in a paramilitary environment with a highly structured chain‑of‑command system.

Employee works under typical office conditions; noise level is usually quiet.

The City of Tustin is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities.