EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN

The City of Harrisburg is accepting applications for the Evidence Custodian in the Bureau of Police. This is a non-supervisory civilian management position responsible for assuming custody of physical evidence held for investigations.  The employee in this position maintains the chain of custody, collects, receipts for, transports, stores, releases, and properly disposes of evidence and personal property held for safekeeping by the department.  Work is performed under the direct supervision  of  the Technical Services Division Captain/Commander. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The City of Harrisburg offers a competitive wage for this full-time FLSA exempt position with an annual salary range up to $45,000  (commensurate with experience and qualifications).

This full-time position also includes an excellent benefits package: defined pension plan, paid holidays, paid time off (vacation, sick and personal time) and health care benefits (medical, dental, prescription and vision).

Position will remain open until filled.  If interested, please submit a cover letter, your resume, three employment references and salary history, without delay, to:

City of Harrisburg, Bureau of Human Resources

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. City Government Center

10 N. 2nd Street, Harrisburg, PA 17101

Email: [email protected] (electronic submission preferred)

The City of Harrisburg is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Wanda R.D. Williams, Mayor

JOB TITLE                                                                                                                 M – 11                                 

EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN                                                                        

TECHNICAL SERVICES DIVISION – BUREAU OF POLICE

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES

This is a non-supervisory civilian management position responsible for assuming custody of physical evidence held for investigations.  The employee in this position maintains the chain of custody, collects, receipts for, transports, stores, releases, and properly disposes of evidence and personal property held for safekeeping by the department.  Work is performed under the direct supervision  of  the Technical Services Division Captain/Commander. This is a management, FLSA-exempt position.

EQUIPMENT/JOB LOCATION

Work is performed within the McCormick Public Services Center, various evidence laboratories,  holding facilities, Dauphin County Courthouse, and in the field.  Work environment is primarily performed in a professional office setting; however, work is often performed in a warehouse/storage setting (i.e.  evidence property room).  Employee will work in spaces that contain evidence with strong odors, airborne particles and toxic or caustic chemicals that require personal protective clothing.  Position requires appropriate appearance and attire.  Work involves the use of a variety of equipment/machines such as a motor vehicle, computer, scanner and printer, copiers, fax machine, telephone, console/portable/mobile radio ticket-writing equipment and other technology and software as required.  Duties are typically performed on weekdays for 8 hours a day with a half-hour lunch.  Evening, weekend and holiday work may be required.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Receives property and evidence from law enforcement and inventories, documents, tags, and secures items in the evidence facility.  Inspects and audits all incoming property and evidence ensuring policies and procedures related to packaging, labeling, and submission are followed.  Maintains clear and accurate records of all property/evidence received, transferred, or submitted to various laboratories for examination as well as disposition of property/evidence. Facilitates or transports evidence to court and testifies regarding chain of custody and/or receipt of testing results. Conducts periodic inventories of property rooms to ensure full accountability for all property and evidence.  Effectively communicates the status of evidence or property to other staff, attorneys, other law enforcement agencies, and the general public.  Returns or coordinates the return of property to owner(s) or properly disposes of property and evidence upon final disposition of court case(s).  Creates and prepares operational reports as required.  Attends City Council meetings and other internal meetings as required.  This position will be regularly required to wear personal protective equipment and handle a variety of weapons, ammunition, biological samples, sharp objects, drugs, drug paraphernalia, items that are classified as biohazards, as well as other property and evidence that could be hazardous to employee health if improperly handled.  Maintains regular, punctual and predictable attendance.  Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with co-workers and the general public.  Completes all assignments in an efficient, consistent and timely manner.  Lift objects weighing up to 50lbs. Transports evidence over significant distances as needed.  Reports to work and remains at work in a productive condition which includes not being under the influence or impaired by the use of alcohol and/or drugs.  May be subject to random drug testing due to the significant nature of the position. Must be able to safely operate an automobile.

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNTIONS

Performs other job assignments as assigned or required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

• Expert skill in maintaining trust and confidentiality and in handling restricted information and high value materials without disclosure or loss.
• Ability to adapt to changes in existing laws, standards and Bureau policies and procedures.
• Ability to maintain required certifications, i.e.: PennDOT, AOPC, JNET, FBI, etc.
• Ability to learn and apply Bureau of Police, City of Harrisburg, county, state, and federal guidelines, policies, procedures, rules, and statues.
• Ability to testify effectively in court.
• Ability to learn, apply, and utilize relevant terminology and documents.
• Proficient in maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient in multi-tasking and prioritizing a large workload.
• Ability to remain calm with a heavy work load and in emergency situations.
• Thorough knowledge in the use of personal computer software applications including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of filing and electronic record keeping systems.
• Knowledge of English grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Excellent written, oral and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to process, accurately interpret, and understand information received from several sources at one time.
• Able to meet deadlines; accept direction; carry out directives; and comply with policies, rules, and regulations.
• Ability to analyze information to formulate a course of action and implement a solution.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to exercise discretion, use sound judgement and act in a professional and courteous manner with supervisors, peers, subordinates, and the general public.

QUALIFICATIONS

Must be 21 years of age or older. Associate degree or equivalent in Criminal Justice, or a related field of study; or related experience in law enforcement, security, or the military; or any other combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must qualify for access with PennDOT and Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) computer systems within 60 days of employment.  Must meet minimum qualifications set forth by the FBI, JNET, and CJIS policy. Must pass a police level background check. A Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s license, Class C is required.