City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Evidence Control Specialist

Under general direction, using independent judgment and knowledge, this position follows standardized industry principles, practices, and procedures for the care, custody, and control of property and evidence, including receiving, storing, or final disposition of property and evidence.

1. Verifies packaging or packages of incoming items, including hazardous and bio-hazardous items. Ensures accurate chain of custody and that accurate and current documentation exists in the records management system; provides care, custody, and control of items to ensure its integrity from receipt to final disposition. Annually updates packaging manual and conducts training of sworn personnel in packaging, data entry, and special programs.
2. Maintains, investigates, resolves, and reports on lost/found property and property for safekeeping. Researches, locates, and returns property to appropriate personnel or rightful owners when legally (or by standard operating procedure) authorized to do so, or disposes of property in accordance with legal requirements.
3. Assigns lab numbers and storage locations to evidence or stored property. Performs evidence and inventory control management procedures. Develops evidence statistics and property record spreadsheets as needed.
4. Photographs evidence for police investigators or documentation purposes.
5. Transports evidence in a secure manner from collection points throughout the City to the evidence warehouse. Conducts routine and unplanned evidence transport to and from other law enforcement agencies, multiple judicial jurisdictions, outsourced forensic laboratories, and commercial shipping vendors.
6. Provides internal and external customer service by means of in-person contact, telephone, or email. Answers questions and resolves issues with other City employees, sworn staff, attorneys, and the public in a confidential manner.
7. Responds to after-hours service requests, building security issues, facility operational needs, and other emergency events.
8. Completes warehouse management activities in accordance with City, State, and Federal policies and procedures, industry best practices, and laws that govern evidence or property. Coordinates with Central Records on the expunction of property and records and complies with all other official court orders.
9. Operates City vehicles and warehouse equipment.
10. Testifies in court as a witness. Performs pretrial or on appeal requests for examination of property and evidence by counsel.

• Knowledge of City practices, policies, procedures, statutes, and ordinances.
• Knowledge of fundamental evidence control techniques, procedures, and systems.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
• Ability to train others.
• Ability to quickly recognize and analyze irregular events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent, plus four (4) years of relevant experience in warehouse/inventory control.
• Education may substitute for experience up to four (4) years.

• Must be able to obtain Texas Association of Property and Evidence Inventory Technicians Certification (TAPEIT) Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Must be able to obtain Forklift Operator Certification within six (6) months of hire.
• Valid Texas Class C Driver License.