Evidence/Exhibit Storage Technician (Court Reporters Department)

POSITION SUMMARY:

Performs a variety of critical responsibilities and administrative duties within the 23rd Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Responsibilities include ensuring the evidentiary chain of custody and integrity of evidence and property. Under the supervision of the President Judge or his/her designee, this position will receive, record, account for, store, safeguard, collect, load, transport, verify, release, and disburse evidence/exhibits entered on the record in all criminal cases, civil cases, Orphans’ Court cases, Juvenile Court cases, Domestic Relations cases, and all family cases before a hearing officer and/or judge.  This position necessitates the need for separate property areas and performs work as required.  A significant degree of initiative, independent judgement, discretion, and confidentiality is necessary.  All duties and tasks are expected to be performed in an attentive, effective, efficient, and safe manner. 

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Essential Functions

The duties and responsibilities of this position include, but are not necessarily limited to:

• Receives, collects, stores, releases, inventories, controls, disposes, and maintains all evidence and exhibits entered into the record of the Court in all criminal and civil cases. 
• Maintains and inventories all property and evidence under the control of the Court.
• Routinely audits the inventory and updates status as needed.
• Must have excellent computer skills to accurately input, identify, and track the status and transactions of all items.
• Responsible for firearms, narcotics, biohazards, and various sums of money.
• Ability to effectively communicate information related to evidence in person, via telephone, written correspondence, and email.
• Maintains any certifications needed for the position.
• Prepares property and evidence for shipment and/or transport to archives department, police agencies, and other designations as needed. 
• Follows current policy on proper evidence storage and handling.
• Maintains a working knowledge of the best practices and proper methods of storing, archiving, and destroying all types of evidence/exhibit property.
• Works with associated departments/agencies to package and log evidence, obtain dispositions, and obtain evidence destruction orders.
• Responsible for the proper disposition of all property in accordance with policy, law, and court orders. 
• Testify in court when necessary.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or G.E.D. certification from a recognized issuing agency.
• Experience in identification, handling, and storage of evidence is preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

MINIMUM KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to identify various forms of evidence, such as the difference between and linked and latent fingerprint.
• Ability to use Microsoft Office, Word / Excel.
• Ability to communicate effectively with various judicial and administrative offices.
• Ability to maintain an organized storage system.
• Ability to perform duties independently.
• Ability and willingness to be subjected to a criminal background investigation and polygraph examination.
• Ability to handle stress.
• Physical presence in the office is required.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Work involves standing, walking, sitting, lifting, carrying, talking, hearing, using hands to handle, feels objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with hands and arms.  Vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The employee must; 

• Occasionally Lift/move evidence bins and file boxes/materials with a weight over fifty (50) lbs. various distances.
• The employee must walk for periods of time delivering and collecting evidentiary material and pertinent documents.
• Occasionally climb ladders over four (4) feet. 

WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

Normal office environment. Storage room could be cramped and dusty.

This position description serves as a guideline for communicating the essential functions and other information about the position to the applicant/employee. It is not intended to create a binding employment contract nor cover every detail of the position and may be changed where appropriate.