Evidence Property Clerk

INTRODUCTION:
The Racine Police Department serves the City of Racine in Southeastern Wisconsin with a population of 77,816 people. We are a department that has adopted the philosophy of Community Orientated Policing and is a recognized leader in this area. Our Mission is to Protect Life and Property, Promote Community Partnerships, Build Trust and Serve with Honor.

POSITION PURPOSE:
The Evidence/Property Clerk will perform clerical duties as assigned which will benefit the overall operations of the Property and Evidence Section of the Police Department - Support Services Division.  The primary responsibility of this position will be to work on the disposition, storage and organization of items held by the Property and Evidence Section.  In addition, this position will be used to provide relief in all areas of Support Services on an as needed basis.  The clerical duties and responsibilities will include but are not exclusive to the following items:  retrieval of information, processing of information (documents and items), data entry and the handling of requests (customer service).

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
Will include, but not be limited to:

Receive and properly package and store all evidence/property obtained by Department personnel.

Properly dispose/release/transport all property/evidence received, including drugs for chemical testing, according to mandatory procedures.

Answer questions from the public on procedural aspects of evidence storage/disposal, and testify in court on storage and handling procedures.

Handling large sums of currency requiring the ability to summarize and record monies taken in.

Responsible for evidence keys, lockers, the storage room and its contents, plus stocking the packaging and squad car supply boxes room with ample supplies, as well as maintaining the condition and packaging of evidence within the storage rooms.

Maintain accurate and legible records of items disposed/received/transferred by means of chain-of-custody.

Maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record.

Return property to owners; make contact and set up appointments.

Have evidence ready on time for Investigators / Officers for court.

The ability to follow procedures put in place from the State, DA’s Office, FBI and State Crime Lab as well as keep up on changes to those procedures.

Assist other department clerical staff on a fill-in or as-needed basis.
 
Perform related duties as assigned by supervisor.
 
Share miscellaneous departmental tasks equally with co-worker.
 

ENVIRONMENTAL/WORKING CONDITIONS OF THE POSITION:

• Inside air-conditioned office/storage room environment.
• Sitting and typing for long periods of time.
• Exposure to a fast-paced, stressful working environment.
• Some handling of biohazard material.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• High school diploma or its’ equivalency.
• Must be a citizen of the United States.
• Prior customer service experience.
• Prior training or experience in data entry is required (test required - Data Entry Vendor 1 - 6200KPH/95% accuracy)

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Post high school education preferred.
• Experience working within Phoenix computer program.
• Previous experience working within a law enforcement agency.
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish/English).

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
Knowledge of formatting, proofreading, use of basic arithmetic, and filing, typically gained through one year of clerical/secretarial training or experience.
 
Knowledge of computer software programs (Microsoft Office Suite) to facilitate data input and retrieval.
 
Oral communication skills required to deal with the public.
 
Excellent organizational skills.
 
Ability to work well and get along with others and take direction from supervisors.
 
Ability to handle a variety of evidentiary / photographic items, including those of an offensive or graphic nature.
 
Ability to successfully complete a confidential background check (Because of the nature of the job, any criminal record could adversely affect placement).
 
Ability to work independently and assume responsibility.
 
Ability to learn assigned tasks rapidly, follow established departmental procedures, and maintain confidentiality.
 
Willingness to attend training sessions or seminars.
 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: 
Within one year of obtaining position the following position the following trainings should be completed:
 
2-day course for “Evidence and Property Room Management” through the International Association of Property & Evidence Inc. (I.A.P.E.)
 
1-day course seminar on use of internal database known as B.E.A.S.T.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS OF THE POSITION:

• Standing, walking, sitting and stooping;
• Kneeling crouching, balancing and bending/twisting.
• Reaching, feeling, talking, and hearing;
• Lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, up to 50 pounds.
• Handling, grasping, and fingering: filing, typing, etc.

EQUIPMENT USED:
Copy machine, computer software and hardware, fax machine, telephones, and paper shredder, ladders, handcart.



This job description is intended to identify essential duties and also illustrates other types of duties that may be assigned. It should not be interpreted as describing all of the duties that will be required of an employee or be used to limit the nature and extent of assignments that an individual is required to perform. In addition to the responsibilities and duties listed, it is expected that employees maintain a consistent and reliable attendance record. Job descriptions are subject to revision at any time at the discretion of the City of Racine.

The City of Racine is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.