Property/Evidence Technician

Description and Essential Functions

Connected by Amazing Employees

The City of Murrieta is accepting applications for the position of Property Evidence Technician to fill the current vacancies in our Police Department. The eligibility list established may be used to fill upcoming vacancies within this classification for up to one (1) year.

DEFINITION

Under general supervision, performs a variety of technical support activities associated with the tracking, handling, control, and safekeeping of evidence and property held by the Police Department; maintains the physical integrity and control of evidentiary items in the City's custody; performs item data input, material cataloging, and processing; ensures the chain of custody of all property and evidence; performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED

Receives general supervision from sworn supervisory and management personnel. Exercises no direct supervision over staff.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS

This journey-level classification is responsible for performing a variety of technical duties related to the provision of evidence handling and preservation, working independently, and exercising judgment and initiative. Positions at this level receive only occasional instruction or assistance as new or unusual situations arise and are fully aware of the operating procedures and policies of the work unit.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Receives property and evidence, documents the receipt, maintains the physical integrity and control and the chain of custody, and physically stores property and evidence in the designated property and evidence room
• Prepares evidence for submittal to outside agencies or labs for analysis, including packaging, securing, and preserving evidence items, preparing required forms, and submitting forms with evidence to labs
• Prepares and transports evidence, including weapons, narcotics, and biological specimens, for analysis and processing by others, ensuring chain of custody and proper documentation
• Provides specialized safe handling and secure storage for high-risk and or dangerous items such as firearms, narcotics, and hazardous, flammable, and perishable materials; ensures environmental conditions are maintained for evidence preservation
• Researches, releases, and purges property and evidence following appropriate Federal, State, and local laws and regulations; prepares evidence and property for auction and/or disposal upon completion of court proceedings
• Initiates organizes, updates, maintains, and controls access to complex filing systems and records, including highly sensitive case files
• Acts as liaison to the court and other offices requiring the transmission of property and evidence; prepares evidence for officers and investigators for court proceedings; maintains records and tracks such actions
• Releases property to the public; prepares the proper paperwork and prepares evidence for pick-up; completes the necessary reports and documentation of the release
• Provides general information regarding department policies, procedures, and regulations, including responding appropriately to complaints, and requests for information
• Researches and assembles information from a variety of sources for the preparation of periodic and special reports and the completion of forms
• Prepares correspondence, reports, forms, receipts, specialized documents, and other correspondence
• Observes and complies with City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Required:

• High School Diploma or equivalent (GED)

• Two (2) years of experience in a clerical or paraprofessional position in a law enforcement agency, preferably related to the property and evidence function

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Possession of or ability to obtain and maintain a valid California Driver's License or other means that would allow for the ability to commute to meetings, conduct site visits, and attend other special events throughout the county may be required at the time of hire

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities / Physical Demands and Environmental Conditions

KNOWLEDGE OF

• Functions, principles, and practices of law enforcement agencies
• Police terminology and law enforcement codes
• Best practices for the packaging and storage of property and evidence, including firearms and other high-risk items
• Operational characteristics of bar codes and other automated software used in property records and inventory
• Mandated requirements for all processes and procedures designed to maintain a consistent and secure chain of custody for evidence
• Special environmental conditions are required for the safe preservation of high-risk items
• Categories of evidence for proper storage
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and procedures relevant to the assigned area of responsibility
• Techniques for records management and evidence processing, including records disbursement and chain of evidence procedures
• Methods used in the collection, tabulation, review, analysis, and distribution of evidence and property, forms, reports, and documents
• Business arithmetic
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
• The structure and content of the English language, including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
• Modern equipment and communication tools used for business functions and program, project, and task coordination, including computers and software programs relevant to work performed

ABILITY TO

• Perform technical, detailed, and responsible tasks in support of a comprehensive property and evidence program
• Properly count, categorize and store a diverse range of property and evidence within appropriate environmental conditions, with continuous documentation for chain of custody
• Provide information to others on property practices and procedures as needed
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with applicable Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations
• Organize and maintain a high volume of complex property and evidence records.
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations
• Prepare clear correspondence, and other written materials
• Organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical deadlines
• Effectively use computer systems, software applications relevant to work performed, and modern business equipment to perform a variety of work tasks
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, using appropriate English grammar and syntax
• Establish, maintain, and foster positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Must possess mobility to work in a standard office and storeroom setting and to use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read written materials, a computer screen, and examine evidence; color vision to distinguish between evidence and property characteristics; and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone and/or radio. This classification requires that incumbents sit, stand and walk between work areas. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification frequently bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers and storage containers open and closed to retrieve and file information, or property and evidence. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects up to 50 pounds and heavier weights with the use of proper equipment and/or assistance from other staff.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Employees work in an office environment with moderate noise levels, controlled temperature conditions, and no direct exposure to hazardous substances. Employees handle property and evidence which may contain hazardous substances and must observe all safety protocols when doing so. Employees may interact with upset staff and/or public and private representatives in interpreting and enforcing departmental policies and procedures.

Supplemental Information

APPLICATION PROCEDURE
A City application form and resume must be submitted online. Applicants can apply online at www.MurrietaCA.gov .

SELECTION PROCESS
Candidates must clearly demonstrate through their application materials that they meet the employment standards outlined above. All properly completed applications will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process. Examinations for the position may consist of any combination of appraisal interviews, performance tests and writing exercises to evaluate the applicant's skill, training, and experience for the position. Successful applicants will be placed on an eligibility list. The City may also merge lists.

SPECIAL EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS
The selected candidate(s) must successfully complete pre-employment clearances, which may include a physical, drug screen, and Live Scan background investigation. Per the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (CANRA), this position has been identified as a Mandated Reporter. The selected candidate will be required to report known or suspected child abuse or neglect as defined by CANRA and will be required to sign a Statement Acknowledging Requirement to Report Child Abuse prior to commencing employment.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The City of Murrieta is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. All employment practices such as recruitment, selection, and promotions are administered in a manner designed to ensure that employees and applicants for employment are not subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age (over 40), marital or veteran status, genetic information, gender identity, gender expression, medical condition, disability, or any other basis that is inconsistent with federal, state or local laws.

THE COMMUNITY
Located just north of San Diego County, the city of Murrieta is home to approximately 116,000 people. Central to all of Southern California, residents of Murrieta live in one of the safest cities in the U.S. With top-ranked schools, 52 parks, and 1,300 acres of trails, it is consistently ranked the top place to live in Southwest Riverside County. Murrieta has a dynamic business environment, an educated population, and a high median income. All of these attributes support the exceptional quality of life residents enjoy and the engaged and connected community that sets Murrieta apart from the rest.

THE DEPARTMENT

The Murrieta Police Department was formed in 1992 and has grown to 114 sworn officers and 71 professional support staff. The Department is proud of its partnership with the community to fight crime and enhance the quality of life for those who live, work and play in Murrieta. The Police Department has its own communications center that provides dispatching services for Murrieta Police and Fire Departments as well as Dispatch to the Menifee Police Department. In addition to patrol and general investigations, the Police Department has sworn assignments to include juvenile investigations and school resource officers; task force positions to include auto theft, major narcotics, gangs, parole/probation compliance, and computer forensics; and assignments in traffic and off-road enforcement, SWAT, and crisis/hostage negotiations. It is the Police Department's mission to provide the highest quality service to the community. The FBI has ranked the City of Murrieta as the third safest city to live in.

MURRIETA GENERAL EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
The following is a summary of the provided benefits to full-time employees in the represented unit. For further information, please refer to the unit's Salary Resolution or Memorandum of Understanding .

• RETIREMENT : The City participates in the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS).
  • Tier 1 (Classic Members hired prior to 12/30/2012)
    • Final Compensation: Highest twelve (12) consecutive month period
    • Member Contribution: 8.0% of compensation
    • Formula: 2.7% at 55
  • Tier 2 (Classic Members hired on or after 12/30/2012)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 60
    • Member Contribution: 7.0% of compensation
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
  • Tier 3 (New Members)
    • Formula: 2.0% at 62
    • Member Contribution: 50% of normal cost (currently 8.0% of compensation)
    • Final Compensation: Highest thirty-six (36) consecutive month period
• MEDICAL INSURANCE : The City contributes up to $1,891.28 per month toward medical insurance for employees and their eligible dependents.
• RETIREE MEDICAL INSURANCE : Please refer to the unit's Memorandum of Understanding for details.
• DENTAL INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• VISION INSURANCE : The City pays for 100% of the premium for the employee and their eligible dependents.
• LIFE INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for a $50,000 life insurance policy. Additional life insurance is available.
• SHORT-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE: The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE : The City pays 100% of the premium for the employee.
• DEFERRED COMPENSATION : Employees are eligible to participate in a deferred compensation plan through Nationwide Retirement Solutions. The City shall contribute a matching amount not to exceed $2,000 per year.
• SPANISH LANGUAGE PAY : 2.5% of base pay for eligible members of the association who are fluent in Spanish. Eligibility is based on business necessity.

Note: The provisions of this summary do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision contained in this summary may be modified or revoked without notice. The types and levels of employee benefits provided, including City contributions toward benefit costs, are subject to change as a result of periodic contract negotiations between the recognized employee association and the City of Murrieta.

Closing Date/Time: 7/15/2025 11:59 PM Pacific

• 

• City of Murrieta

• (951) 461-6087

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