EVIDENCE DIVISION
The Evidence Division is responsible for the preservation, destruction, and release of all items placed in their care. The division collaborates throughout the Sheriff’s Office in order to promote proper storage techniques to ensure that the integrity of property and evidence is maintained. The division maintains the security and control of all items placed in the care of property and evidence to include generating and maintaining detailed records of transactions involving items of evidence in order to preserve the "chain of custody." Additionally, they lend support to officers with search warrants and process large volumes of evidence. Extensive inventories are conducted on all narcotics, weapons, and currency, which are categorized as high risk items. Furthermore, the Evidence Division gathers analytical data through crime reporting and conducts research analysis and estimates through crime mapping to aid in strategic visibility for community policing. The division is also charged with providing professional development training and education to the office in efforts to enhance the profession.
DUTY SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
In accordance with General Orders, a Evidence and Property Officer (EPO) is a commissioned position that is responsible for verifying evidence reports against property to ensure accuracy. Ensures that all efforts are taken to make the evidence and property room safe and secure for employees as well as the preservation of evidence and property. The EPO also prepares and maintains records and reports related to evidence and property to include periodically inspecting the systems and facilities for maintaining the integrity of such. Their responsibilities and duties may include, but are not limited to, the following;
Prepares, identifies, and maintains assigned evidence by receiving, sorting, and securing all property delivered to the evidence room.
Provides security of evidence in the evidence room and releases property to officers, property owners, the courts, and other agencies in accordance with appropriate and lawful disposition of property.
Maintains an accurate account of all property transfers and releases.
Explains evidence room procedures and disposition of evidence to officers, the general public, and outside agencies.
Verifies evidence reports against property to ensure accuracy.
Ensures that all efforts are taken to make the property room safe and secure for employees as well as property.
Prepares and maintains records and reports related to evidence and periodically inspecting systems and facilities for maintaining such.
Writes and maintains manual and computerized records related to evidence including custody documents, chain of custody documents, property receipts and related reports.
Maintains detailed filing systems and records for booked property, photographs, correspondence, forms, records, and reports.
Sets up filing system and personally files all forms and records required.
Records pertinent information on log sheets relating to daily work activities, time usage, vehicle mileage or maintenance, or other required information.
Answers telephone inquiries about the operation of the Evidence Division and answers questions from the public.