The City of Fairfax Police Department is looking to fill the position of Property and Evidence Technician. Assigned to the Administrative Services Division, the Property and Evidence Technician is responsible for all property management and evidence storage for the Police Department. Responsibilities include purchasing, stocking, and maintaining all department issued uniforms and equipment, as well as securely handling all found, recovered, releasable, and evidentiary property. The Property Technician maintains the integrity of all evidence and chain of custody in accordance with all State and local laws regarding the storage and disposition of property and evidence.
Receive, inspect, and log property and evidence submitted by law enforcement personnel.
Ensure all items are properly packaged and documented in accordance with departmental standards.
Enters information pertaining to property and evidence status into computer system(s) for tracking and management.
Maintains chain of custody and safeguards items from contamination, theft, or loss.
Stores and retrieves property using an organized system aligned with legal and procedural requirements.
Coordinates the release, return, or disposal of property and evidence in compliance with legal mandates and departmental policies.
Arranges and documents temporary releases for court proceedings, laboratory analysis, or investigative needs.
Responds to inquiries from officers, legal representatives, and the public regarding items in custody.
Prepares items for destruction, return, or auction as permitted by law and department policy.
Ensures that all releases and dispositions of property are legal and properly documented.
Conducts routine audits and physical inventories of property storage areas to ensure compliance with rules of evidence, state code, and departmental regulations.
Delivers evidence to court and testifies, when necessary, regarding the chain of custody and property handling.
Maintains records on impounded property.
Performs physical inventories of property and evidence.
Tracks and accounts for high valued items recovered by officers.
Issues a variety of documents, supplies, and police equipment.
Conducts purges to destroy unwanted evidence as required by law or regulation.
Collects, produces and maintains written communication.
Manage vendor relationships, including obtaining quotes, processing purchase orders, and ensuring compliance with procurement policies.
Purchases police equipment, uniforms, and supplies for the department.
Contacts vendors, coordinates deliver and corrects shipment errors.
Maintain organized storage facilities for supplies and equipment, ensuring accessibility and security.
Ensure that all efforts are taken to make the property and evidence section as safe as possible for employees as well as property.
Prepare and submit reports on inventory levels, expenditures, and other relevant metrics to departmental leadership.
The duties listed above are intended only as an illustration of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
Graduation from high school or equivalent (required).
US Citizenship or employment eligibility.
One year of related experience with evidence collection and inventory procedures.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail to maintain accurate records and documentation.
Experience in procurement and purchasing procedures.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and specialized tools safely and effectively.
Must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including drug history, psychological and polygraph test.
Must possess a valid driver’s license.
Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of: State law(s) governing property; the principles and practices of work safety; basic techniques and practices of chain of custody rules used in law enforcement property and evidence processing, storage, and disposition.
Must be able to work with frequent interruptions: lift up to 60 pounds; maintain effective relationships with vendors; provide accurate inventory records; utilize the Records Management System and bar code equipment; preserve confidentiality of sensitive materials, and communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Additional Desirable Qualification:
The following must be obtained within one year of appointment to this position, based on the availability of training:
-Virginia Criminal Information Network (VCIN) Operator Level B certification.
The following should be obtained within one year of appointment to this position, based on availability of training:
-Certification as a Property & Evidence Specialist through the International Association for Property and Evidence (IAPE).