Sheriff - Evidence Specialist

Job Summary:Under the technical supervision & oversight of the Detective Lieutenant, the Evidence Specialist is responsible for: the receipt, labeling, classification & storage of all evidence collected & recovered property; maintaining detailed records and tracking systems from the time of receipt through disposition of the same, retained by the Shawano County Sheriff's Office. This position is often present during field operations, providing technical support in ensuring that appropriate chains of custody are established at significant crime scenes or during the execution of search warrants, as deemed appropriate by supervising personnel.Further, this position requires close coordination with external elements of the criminal justice system in preparing, transporting, and maintaining appropriate custody of all evidence required during court proceedings, providing testimony as needed, and completing required documentation concerning items in need of return, deemed to be forfeited, or marked for disposal.The Evidence Specialist is the primary point of contact for individuals, as determined by the court, to supply fingerprints or biological samples for retention & coordinate any follow through ordered as it pertains to the surrender of firearms.The Evidence Specialist will obtain/maintain appropriate certifications and expertise in the area of testing licit & illicit substances, and training staff members to perform such testing as applicable.Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Receive, label, store, and document evidence and recovered property seized or retained by the Sheriff's Office; maintaining detailed database records regarding the status of evidence or recovered property through case disposition or as required by law or Office policy.-Collect and correlate information from criminal court records to determine evidentiary status; working collectively with external agencies or offices to ensure the integrity of required documentation.-Communicate with Wisconsin State Crime Lab and/or other law enforcement agencies regarding the transmittal and receipt of evidence, and maintain records relating to the chain of custody.-Correspond with stakeholders regarding the status of recovered or evidentiary property being held and arranging for return of the same after case disposition.-Dispose of unreturnable items upon case disposition in a manner prescribed by Office policy/procedure, court orders, and all applicable state or federal laws.-Collaborate with the Detective Lieutenant on maintaining the integrity and orderliness of the Evidence Lab & Storage facilities, and buildings or areas used to house recovered property.-Ensures the proper maintenance of databases relating to DNA & fingerprint collection and communicating upon direction with outside entities regarding the information stored.-Provides testimony during court proceedings, as needed, regarding records pertaining to chain of custody, the outcome of any scientific or field testing conducted, and providing supporting documents regarding the same.-As deemed appropriate by supervising personnel assists sworn law enforcement personnel at significant crime scenes or during the execution of search warrants to initiate and document the appropriate chain of custody pertaining to evidence or recovered property. This includes the collection of evidentiary items from on scene officers, documentation, transportation and proper storage of such items.-Provides instruction and prepares for certification internal and/or external law enforcement personnel in the field testing of controlled substances, proper evidence handling procedures and chain of custody.-Is the primary point of contact for persons, ordered by the court, to provide fingerprints or biological evidence for submission under applicable laws; including coordinating the surrender of firearms when appropriate and maintaining the integrity of databases containing such information and/or collaborating with the State of Wisconsin Sex Offender Registry Representative, as may be required.-Provides primary managerial oversight and accounting for all evidence/recovered property storage areas maintained by the Shawano County Sheriff's Office in accordance with State & Federal Laws and Office policy.-Prepares case files for transmittal to the District Attorney's Office regarding the seizure of property for forfeiture including but not limited to U.S. Currency, vehicles and additional property which were used in the commission of a crime.-Perform other evidentiary/property related duties as required.-Handles and processes evidence that may include controlled substances, hazardous materials, blood, bodily fluids, biological specimens, and other potentially infectious materials; utilizes appropriate personal protective equipment and follows established safety and evidence-handling protocols.-Maintains the cleanliness, organization, and security of the evidence storage facility, processing areas, and associated workspaces.Work Requirements:
• High School Diploma or equivalent.-Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice or related field is preferred.-Prior experience handling, storing and maintaining records of an evidentiary nature is preferred.-Wisconsin State Driver's License, and certification, or the ability to be certified, in the International Association for Property and Evidence.