Evidence Mgmt. Specialist
About the Company
Baltimore is the largest city in the U.S. state of Maryland, and the 29th-most populous city in the country. It was established by the Constitution of Maryland and is not part of any county; thus, it is the largest independent city in the United States. Baltimore has more public monuments than any other city per capita in the country and is home to some of the earliest National Register historic districts in the nation, including Fell's Point (1969), Federal Hill (1970) and Mount Vernon Place (1971). More than 65,000 properties, or roughly one in three buildings in the city, are listed on the National Register, more than any other city in the nation.
The Baltimore Police Department's Evidence Management Section plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and accountability of all evidentiary materials collected during criminal investigations. This specialized unit is tasked with meticulously cataloging, storing, and safeguarding a wide range of physical evidence and property, including but not limited to, weapons, narcotics, forensic samples, personal belongings, and documents. The responsibilities of the Evidence Management Section extend beyond mere storage, encompassing the organization and tracking of evidence throughout its lifecycle, facilitating its timely retrieval for court proceedings, and ensuring compliance with chain of custody protocols.
The section's meticulous record keeping and adherence to established procedures are essential in upholding the principles of transparency, due process, and the fair administration of justice. Furthermore, the team works diligently to implement advanced technologies and best practices to enhance efficiency, minimize errors, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism within the law enforcement community.
About the Job
A Grant Services Specialist III will have a functional title of Evidence Management Specialist. This position is located in the BPD Evidence Management Section and will be responsible for the following but not limited to the following:
Responsibilities
Evidence/Property Intake: Properly and accurately document the intake of property and evidence items that have been recovered by sworn members and crime scene technicians. Provide guidance to submitting members pertaining to evidence preservation and submission procedures
Evidence/Property Examination and Analysis: Review and assess evidence and property items to determine their eligibility for disposal, release, or retention based on departmental policies, legal regulations, and court orders
Evidence/Property Inventory: Complete and document routine inventories of all items that are in the custody of the Evidence Management Unit
Legal Compliance: Maintain a deep understanding of local, state, and federal laws pertaining to evidence and property handling, retention, and disposal. Ensure strict adherence to chain of custody procedures and confidentiality requirements
Documentation and Record-Keeping: Accurately document all actions taken regarding evidence, maintaining comprehensive records of dispositions, transfers, releases, and destructions. Generate reports as needed for internal audits, court proceedings, and other inquiries
Claimant Communication: Collaborate with citizens who are seeking to have seized items or money returned in a timely fashion. Ensure that claimants are entitled to receive the items or money through investigative avenues available, including database searches, internet research and other documentation. Provide assistance to claimants to facilitate the proper disposition of property
Disposition Processes: Organize and coordinate the lawful disposal, return, or destruction of evidence, following established protocols. Coordinate with appropriate agencies or contractors for proper disposal methods, ensuring environmental and safety regulations are met. Coordinate with officers to ensure proper dispositioning documentation has been completed
Training and Education: Assist in the development and delivery of training programs for law enforcement personnel and evidence staff, focusing on evidence handling, documentation, and retention best practices
Continuous Improvement: Contribute to the enhancement of evidence management procedures, suggesting improvements to streamline processes, increase efficiency, and maintain compliance with evolving regulations
Performs other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, Forensic science, or a related field
Equivalent work experience may be considered
