Evidential Property Officer

Division / Department - Estates and Facilities Management
Grade - Grade 8
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £24,552 - £26,232
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Politically Restricted - No

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

The Role

The Sussex Police Evidential Property Team are looking for a highly motivated and organised individual to join their team and undertake the role of Evidential Property Officer. The team are responsible for providing a high quality service to internal & external stakeholders, as well as members of the public interacting with the Evidential Property service.

In this post you will be responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective storage, review and disposal service for all items of seized property in accordance with Force policies and procedures. This will include the safe and secure handling, storage, repatriation and disposal of these items, as well as maintaining accurate recording of property movements within the evidential property database.

This is a full-time position, working Monday to Friday 0800 - 1600. Remote working is not available for this position.

If you have a positive approach to delivering a responsive and efficient service, with excellent attention to detail, in support of operational policing, we would like to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities

To undertake safe, secure and efficient handling of all items of property including general items, bulk items, hazardous substances, dry and wet forensics, firearms, ammunition, drugs, cash and valuables which have come into police possession.

To maintain integrity, security and continuity of movements for all exhibits received into the store, ensuring that the property database is accurately updated with storage locations, movements and interactions. Retrieving exhibits from storage for investigative purposes or presentation at court and forensic submissions.

Ensure that all monies and high value items received as seized property are secured in storage, making the Economic Crime Unit are aware of high value cash seizures and banking is processed expeditiously and within the guidance of PACE (Police and Criminal Evidence Act) or POCA (Proceeds of Crime Act).

Dynamically risk assess the transfer of all incoming items of seized property into the main store, making provisions for handling of large, heavy items using the appropriate equipment provided, complying with H&S procedures, i.e. manual handling guidance, working at height.

Ensure the safe handling and storage of high-risk items, i.e. firearms and ammunition, DNA, knives, drugs and all hazardous substances.

To ensure all items of seized property are stored in a secure Temporary or Main Evidential Property Store (TEPS/MEPS), and in a correct manner according to Force procedures and Health & Safety regulations.

Comply with Force H&S policy and health & safety legislation at all times, including the use of PPE.

To undertake activities in accordance with the Property department’s working practices, policies and procedures.

To manage and complete the physical disposal of property in accordance with the Surrey/Sussex Property Policy including Return to Owner, income generation, hazardous waste disposal, and general waste processes.

To carry out scheduled and periodic audits, investigating and resolving enquiries, ensuring property is appropriately and lawfully retained, returned or disposed.

Act as a point of reference for officers and staff needing assistance with the use of the property database and the evidential property process.

Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar or lesser graded post.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Educated to GCSE grade C or equivalent

Proven experience of working in a stores environment and knowledge of stock control audit processes

Experience of working in a confidential environment

Health and Safety knowledge and practical experience including manual handling, working at height and COSHH awareness

Ability to work to a high degree of accuracy

Able to work to a written procedure and use sound judgement to make decisions

Demonstrate the ability to take personal responsibility for making things happen and achieving results.

Good organisational skills

Excellent attention to detail

Research and analytical skills in order to interrogate computer systems to obtain accurate results.

Ability to communicate effectively and fluently with a range of people using influencing and coaching skills to build trust and confidence

Have recent and relevant experience within a customer focused environment

Computer literate, including basic use of WORD & EXCEL

Ability to work on own and be self-motivated, as well as being a positive team player

Successfully pass essential tra