Sheriff’s Service Technician - Job Description

Definition

Under general supervision, to provide office support to sworn and non-sworn personnel in a specialized unit and programmatic provision of varied support services which include a high focus on chain of evidence issues; collection of physical or factual evidence from witnesses, suspected perpetrators of criminal offenses, released sexual offenders and at times from crime scenes; to be responsible for tracking data and final disposition of evidence related to unit activities; to provide general and sensitive information to the public and act as first contact for incoming inquiries; and to perform related work as required.

Class Characteristics

This is the specialist support class in the Sheriff Services Support series. Incumbents are responsible for providing secretarial and administrative support to a unit staff within a law enforcement and/or investigative unit and in performing the most complex and technical functions in support of the unit or a program. Incumbents in this classification exercise independent initiative and sound judgment in performing regularly assigned duties involving sensitive and/or confidential information and materials and in accomplishing special assignments or projects with minimum supervision.

The Sheriff Services Technician is distinguished from the Senior Sheriff Services Assistant classification by its exposure to sensitive investigation records, reports and evidence; its responsibility for a complex or technical program; and its responsibility of conveying general and sensitive information to the general public and the press as needed.

The Sheriff Services Technician is distinguished from the classification of Special Investigations Secretary due to the focus of its responsibility on the collection of physical and factual evidence related to the assigned units activities.

Examples Of Duties (Illustrative Only)

Performs data tracking, reports, research, and database entry.

Performs data tracking, reports, research, and database entry/maintenance in the process of criminal investigations, evidence and property disposition, and the maintenance of criminal justice database files.

Serves as a liaison for the unit.

With outside agencies such as law enforcement, school districts, and courts.

Responds to the public and press providing information.

Resolving complaints and answering general questions on investigations and mandated policies and procedures, may prepare press releases.

Manages assigned special programs.

Such as mandatory Sex Offender Registration, Property and Evidence storage and other projects within the investigative unit.

Researches, compiles and enters data.

Into law enforcement computer systems for use in reports and special projects.

Obtains information for investigative reports from the public, victims and/or offenders.

Takes information from the public, victims and/or offenders for preliminary investigative reports or database updates.

Creates photo lineups.

Creates photo lineups for court identification and witness testimony.

Obtains and handles confidential information.

Releases information to authorized parties such as the State Parole and other jurisdictions.

Assists in grant budgets.

Assists in the preperation and coordination of quarterly and yearly grant budget reports as required.

Maintains personnel and time keeping records for the unit.

Performs office support tasks such as requisitioning office supplies.

Manages telephone calls.

Answers, screens, and refers incoming telephone calls from public and press as appropriate.

Types correspondence, reports, etc.

Types correspondence, reports, statistical data and memoranda and transcribes minutes and taped interviews as required.

Maintains accurate logs of property and evidence.

Ensures the secure physical custody of such items and transports evidence to the Department of Justice Laboratory for analysis as needed.

Obtains appropriate court order after case completion.

Returns or disposes of evidence and/or property as directed.

Sex Offender Registration/ Investigations Unit Assignment

Register first time offenders by photographing, fingerprinting and collecting bodily fluid samples from inmates for DNA cataloging purposes.
Tracks and updates registration for convicted sex offenders.
Alerts authorities of offenders out of compliance with registration laws.
Communicates to other law enforcement agencies as to sex offender population and location.
Maintains currency with local, state and federal laws pertaining to sex offender registration.
Acts as liaison between COPE, MESO and OCJP.

Employment Standards

Any combination of education and experience which would provide the necessary knowledge and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. Typically, three years of secretarial or office support experience which includes a minimum of 2 years in a law enforcement and/or investigations setting. Specialized criminal justice or related specialized training may be substituted for law enforcement and/or investigations experience.

Knowledge of:

Law enforcement terminology and property and evidence processes.
Standard secretarial and office administrative methods, practices and procedures including word processing and spreadsheet applications.
Correct English usage, including punctuation, spelling and grammar.
Methods and procedures used for data entry, update, exchange and retrieval from an automated information system.
Indexing and cross referencing methods and accounting office procedures relating to financial record keeping.

Ability to:

Quickly learn technical terms, specialized processes and policies and procedures of the organization.
Independently perform a variety of office administrative tasks, independently compose correspondence.
Use automated information systems, including word processing and spreadsheet software.
Make accurate mathematical calculations and maintain accurate accounting office records.
Prepare and maintain complete records and reports.
Perform detailed evidence and property transportation, custody, tracking and disposition.
Understand and carry out complex oral and written instructions.
Make routine decisions in accordance with established policies, procedures, regulations and ordinances.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
Identify and secure confidential and highly sensitive records and information.

Other Requirements

Positions require successful passing of a background investigation, including a polygraph examination, conducted by the Sheriff’s Department.

Working Conditions

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; and reach with hands and arms. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. The work requires strength to lift and move property weighing up to 40 pounds and the ability to climb a ladder and work in confined spaces.

Some assignments may require exposure to body fluids and specimens, illicit substances, firearms and nuisance weapons. Positions may require willingness and ability to work outside normal daytime business hours, including nights and weekends.