Evidence & Property Specialist

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

INTERNAL ONLY - Open only to current City of New Haven employees meeting minimum requirements.

• INTERNAL CANDIDATES UNDER CONSIDERATION*

Performs highly responsible and specialized technical and administrative work in the management, control, and disposition of property and evidence for the New Haven Police Department. Responsibilities include maintaining the integrity of evidence, ensuring strict adherence to chain-of-custody protocols, and complying with all applicable laws, regulations, and departmental policies. Work requires a high degree of accuracy, confidentiality, and independent judgment and is performed under general supervision.

The position plays a critical role in supporting criminal investigations and judicial proceedings by ensuring that all evidence is properly documented, preserved, and accessible. The incumbent must exercise sound judgment in the handling of sensitive and potentially hazardous materials, interact professionally with law enforcement personnel, legal representatives, and the public, and ensure that all actions related to evidence management meet legal standards and withstand court scrutiny.

This position reports to the Sworn Supervisor assigned to the Evidence/Property Unit.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Illustrative, not exhaustive

• Performs all phases of property and evidence intake, classification, storage, tracking, and final disposition.
• Reviews incoming property and evidence submissions for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with departmental and court documentation requirements.
• Performs computerized barcoding of property and provides information to management.
• Maintains and updates evidence management systems and software utilized by the New Haven Police Department, including data entry, audits, inventory records, and custom queries.
• Ensures proper handling, packaging, storage, and security of evidence, found & abandoned property, contraband, and other property, including hazardous, biological, narcotic, and potentially explosive materials.
• Follows appropriate safety protocols in the handling of weapons, contraband, and other dangerous materials.
• Maintains complete and accurate records for all evidence from intake through final disposition, ensuring integrity of the chain of custody.
• Tracks and documents all movement of evidence for court, laboratory analysis, investigative use, and disposal.
• Prepares evidence and documentation for court proceedings, discovery requests, and public records requests; may testify in court as required.
• Conducts and assists with routine and mandated audits and inventories of property and evidence.
• Researches court records, statutes, and police reports; determines proper retention and disposition in accordance with Connecticut law.
• Releases property to authorized individuals and coordinates disposal, destruction, or auction of unclaimed or adjudicated property.
• Procures and maintains supplies and equipment for handling, packaging, storing, and disposing of property.
• Identifies discrepancies or system issues and recommends process improvements or system enhancements.
• Coordinates with internal divisions, external agencies, and oversight units (including Professional Standards) regarding evidence management and audits.
• Operates law enforcement databases and systems, including but not limited to NCIC, COLLECT, and any databases, systems, and software utilized by the New Haven Police Department.
• Interacts with the public, attorneys, and City/State officials regarding property and evidence inquiries.
• Maintains current knowledge of Connecticut retention laws and requirements.
• Maintains court documentation and establishes required retention.
• Prepares reports and maintains documentation in support of operational, legal, and compliance requirements.
• Performs general administrative and recordkeeping duties related to evidence management.
• Performs related work as required.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Graduation from high school or equivalent and a minimum of five (5) years of experience in records management, property management, or administrative support within a law enforcement, court, or public safety environment.

INTERNAL ONLY - Open only to current City of New Haven employees meeting minimum requirements.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of law enforcement procedures related to evidence handling, storage, retention, and disposition.
• Knowledge of applicable Connecticut General Statutes governing evidence and property.
• General knowledge of modern law enforcement practices, procedures and investigation techniques.
• General knowledge of the use and application of the Connecticut On-Line Law Enforcement Communications Teleprocessing (COLLECT) and the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) databases.
• Ability to adhere to General law enforcement practices and procedures regarding evidence and personal property storage, retention, and disposition.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage detailed records with a high degree of accuracy.
• Ability to maintain strict chain-of-custody protocols and evidence integrity.
• Ability to analyze records and determine appropriate disposition actions.
• Ability to testify effectively in court regarding evidence handling and chain of custody, and to maintain professionalism in all legal and quasi-legal settings.
• Ability to work independently and/or with team environment while handling multiple tasks and changing priorities, while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate calmly, effectively and courteously with the public as well as with others in the law enforcement profession.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Ability to write clearly and legibly.
• Ability to utilize standard computer applications including Microsoft Office Suite and database systems.
• Competency in using email clients (e.g., Outlook, Gmail) and calendar applications for scheduling and managing correspondence.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive and confidential matters.
• Ability to identify and apply new methods, technologies, and best practices to improve work processes and outcomes.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Internal only - open only to current City of New Haven employees meeting minimum requirements.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Connecticut driver's license.
• Ability to legally possess and handle firearms, including successful completion of required safety training.
• Successful completion of training in handling hazardous materials (including biological and narcotic evidence)
• Ability to pass a Law Enforcement level background investigation.
• Must obtain and maintain COLLECT certification throughout employment.
• Must achieve NIBRS proficiency within 60 working days or as determined by Supervisor.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS

Physical Requirements

Amount of Time

Working Environment

Amount of Time

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Stand

X

Wet / humid conditions (non-weather)

X

Walk

X

Work near moving mechanical parts

X

Sit

X

Work in high, precarious places

X

Touch, handle, or feel

X

Fumes / airborne particles

X

Reach with hands & arms

X

Toxic / caustic chemicals

X

Climb or balance

X

Outdoor weather conditions

X

Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl

X

Extreme cold (non-weather)

X

Talk or hear

X

Risk of electrical shock

X

Taste or smell

X

Work with explosives

X

Risk of radiation

X

Lifting or force to be exerted?

Vibration

X

How much and

how often?

Amount of Time

Utilizes computer workstation & office equipment

X

None

Under 1/3

1/3 to 2/3

Over 2/3

Customer / employee interaction (face-to-face)

X

Up to 10 pounds

X

Handles dangerous objects, substances, and materials

X

Up to 25 pounds

X

Up to 50 pounds

X

Up to 75 pounds

X

Up to 100 pounds

X

More than 100 pounds

X

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a "General Fund," tested position.

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 884, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class shall not be covered by Social Security but rather the City pension, contributing 9% of salary.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon:

• an extensive pre-employment background check to determine eligibility for COLLECT certification
• required firearms and hazardous materials training
• a 90-day probationary period.

Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate within their submission that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification. Applicants meeting minimum requirements may be invited to participate in a Civil Service exam process at a later date.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. As such, this job announcement should be considered the exam announcement, and submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:

• Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.

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• MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!

• Review or modify your application for that position

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