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GovernmentJobs.com

Administrative Specialist I, Property Evidence Technician, Grade 18

GovernmentJobs.com, Gaithersburg, Maryland, us, 20883

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Property Evidence Technician

Anticipated salary for this role: $62,328 - $98,322 The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) is made up of approximately 1,300 sworn officers and approximately 650 support personnel. The Police Department was established in 1922, and today is responsible for providing service to a County with a population of over one million people. We are seeking to fill the Property Evidence Technician position within our Evidence Unit with a detail-oriented, organized individual. The ideal candidate demonstrates integrity, sound judgement, and a strong commitment to accuracy and accountability. They excel in maintaining confidentiality, are meticulous in their approach to handling sensitive materials, and thrive in a collaborative, professional environment. This position requires a high level of accuracy, attention to detail, and the ability to maintain the integrity and chain of custody for all processed items. The Forensic Science and Evidence Management Division (FSEMD) comprises two key sections: Crime Laboratory Specialized units include Crime Scene, Electronic Crimes, Firearms Examination, Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, and Latent Prints. Evidence Management Ensures the secure storage, handling, and disposition of property and evidence. Our mission is to deliver high-quality forensic services with accuracy, integrity, efficiency, and impartiality to support the administration of justice and serve the community. We continuously strive to achieve excellence in forensic science through transparency, rigorous standards, and ongoing training. Our commitment to collaboration with law enforcement, legal professionals, and the community fosters trust and contributes to a safer society. Position requirements include: Participate in mandatory random drug screening as part of ongoing employment compliance. Provide a buccal sample to be used as a DNA elimination sample to assist in contamination detection and prevention. Valid driver's license and ability to pass background and security clearance checks. As a member of MCPD's Evidence Unit, you play a crucial role in the justice process by ensuring vital evidence is securely and accurately managed. You'll be part of a dedicated team that values your attention to detail, integrity, and collaboration, helping to uphold justice and keep the community safe every day. Key responsibilities include: Receive, package, transfer, store, and dispose of property and evidence according to department protocols. Transport and deliver high-risk evidence including firearms, currency, CDS, and biohazard materials to department locations, courts, laboratories, and private labs. Monitor and respond to incoming evidence related emails from internal staff and allied agencies; manage associated requests from departmental personnel. Update evidence records and attaches necessary documentation, including transfer receipts, currency and release to owner forms in evidence management system. Maintain and reconcile the evidence escrow account by preparing weekly currency deposit reports, uploading supporting documentation, and coordinating with Department's Management and Budget Division to ensure accurate financial tracking and compliance. Deliver laboratory requested evidence and accept in Allied Agency submission for laboratory examination. Ship evidence securely to private laboratories as needed for testing, ensuring all shipments are logged and tracked in the evidence management system. Coordinate vendor quotes, prepare purchase requests, and collaborate with the Administrative Specialist for invoice processing. Send monthly disposition notices and overdue reminders; monitor dashboard metrics for pending evidence actions. Prepare evidence for disposition (destruction, auction) by inventorying, verifying, sorting, barcoding, palletizing, and loading for transport. Decontaminate biohazard-contaminated currency for deposit. Oversee Prescription Drug Take-Back Programs and DEA events; coordinate disposal of firearms, CDS, and ammunition. Coordinate with investigators to facilitate the authorized release of property, ensuring proper documentation, approvals, and chain-of-custody protocols are followed. Move heavy or bulky evidence using equipment and perform safe disposal at off-site locations. Deliver packaging supplies and maintain inventory at off-site locations. Conduct physical inventories, spot inspections, audits, and assist with evidence storage relocations. Perform minor vehicle maintenance and keep service logs for unit vehicles and equipment. Provide guidance and training to Evidence Property Custodians and departmental personnel on evidence best practices. Manage evidence retrieval and documentation from Circuit Court and SAO. Complete all Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests related to evidence records. Work environment and physical demands include standing, walking, bending, climbing ladders, and lifting items up to 50 pounds. Employees are routinely exposed to firearms, controlled dangerous substances, biohazardous materials, and sensitive information. Strict adherence to safety and security protocols is required to protect personnel and maintain the integrity of evidence. Minimum qualifications include: At least one (1) year of experience in processing, storing, documenting, releasing, and disposing of evidence in accordance with legal requirements and departmental policies. Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in natural, physical, or forensic science, criminal justice, or a related field. Preferred criteria screening questions include: Do you have comprehensive knowledge of evidence handling principles and practices, including entering, preservation, storage, and release procedures to ensure integrity and maintain chain of custody? Do you have demonstrated ability to serve as an evidence custodian while rigorously maintaining chain-of-custody protocols, evidence security, and accountability? Interview preference criteria include: Experience receiving, documenting, and securing physical property and evidence in compliance with chain-of-custody procedures. Experience using an evidence management system to update records, assign locations, and process dispositions. Experience handling and preparing evidence currency for deposit, including escrow account reconciliation and financial reporting. Experience conducting physical inventories or audits of property and evidence storage areas and resolving discrepancies. Preparing property and evidence for auction, destruction, or release, ensuring accurate documentation and compliance. Coordinating with vendors or service providers for evidence related services, including managing quotes, purchase requests, and service schedules. Experience working in large law enforcement agencies (500+ sworn personnel).