Evidence Custodian

Job Posting

Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the temporary (up to 18 months) full-time position of Evidence Custodian with Halifax Regional Police. Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.

Reporting to the Inspector I/c of Administration, the incumbent is responsible for maintaining, control, and providing total security and continuity of seized property and exhibits which includes but is not limited to lost and found, safe keeping, evidence and non-evidence, while at all times respecting the confidential nature of the position. The Evidence Custodian will coordinate and provide support services in handling/organizing/storing/disposal of exhibits.

The work involves high volumes of information, deadlines and a high level of confidentiality.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, organizes and coordinates the retrieval, safe storage and preservation of investigational exhibits/evidence to be entered into evidence at trials/hearings.
• Attends various locations; reviews, retrieves and transports exhibits including DNA evidence, prohibited, restricted and non-restricted weapons, controlled drugs, explosives, biological hazardous materials and currency and ensures compliance with relevant policies and documentation guidelines.
• Prepares and processes electronic reports, returns, property control and correspondence within the Police reporting and Occurrence System (VERSADEX); manages a diary date system for the retrieval of evidence when required for Court; provides notification to investigators of upcoming requirements in relation to their exhibits/evidence such as ready for disposal.
• Coordinates the timely disposal of exhibits with officers/investigators and ensures the completion of all required supporting documentation.
• Coordinates the disposition of property deemed for destruction.
• Manages and controls an effective overnight storage locker system within each location where seized property and exhibits will be held.
• Assists police officers, other agencies, and the general public regarding the status of property, services, and processes via phone and in person.
• Assists in the return of applicable property to their owners.
• Controls and maintains an inventory or equipment and supplies for packaging and storage and distributes to all locations for the proper handling of exhibits/evidence.
• Provides ongoing training courses to members on the proper handling, storage and processing of exhibits. This includes the proper completion of all mandatory paperwork including any new supporting equipment/software required to perform the job effectively.
• Attends court and provides sworn testimony regarding the history/movement of exhibits and appropriate documentation supporting the testimony.
• Maintains Firearms Verifier Certification as a Public Agent with Canadian Firearms Centre and other training as required.
• Assists with other duties within the section as required.

QUALIFICATIONSEducation & Experience:

• Certificate or diploma including but not limited to areas such as Office Administration, Law and Security, Business, Criminal Justice, Occupational Health and Safety.
• Experience in computer programs/systems.
• Experience in application of regulatory and legislative requirements, policies and protocols.
• Job related experience.

Technical/Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:

• Knowledge of organization’s commitment to Justice and best practices as provided by the International Association for Property and Evidence (I.A.P.E.).
• Knowledge of HRP policy and procedure pertaining to seizure, storage and handling of exhibits and evidence as well as disposal requirements for evidence seized during an investigation.
• Knowledge of exhibit/evidence continuity to ensure integrity of material.
• Knowledge of Federal and Provincial legislation including the Seized Property Act and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act.
• Knowledge of Regulations and Authorities for proper handling, safe storage, movement and disposal of prohibited, restricted and non-restricted weapons to reduce risk.
• Knowledge of Regulations and Legislation related to possession and long-term storage of DNA evidence including Privacy Act, Youth Criminal Justice Act, DNA Act.
• Knowledge of information management systems, Windows applications, Word Processing, electronic forms, VERSADEX, Canadian Police Information Center (CPIC) and Justice Enterprise Information Network (JEIN) Word, and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Privacy Act and Treasury Board and handling of classified, sensitive material.
• Maintain up to date knowledge of case law, regulations, policies and procedures affecting maintenance, storage and disposal of exhibits including Criminal Code, Youth Criminal Justice Act and Canada Evidence Act amendments.
• Maintain current knowledge of HRP directives related to exhibit handling.
• Valid driver’s license.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Before an offer is made the top candidate will be required to complete the background & security clearance process. You will be given a security & background booklet to complete and return to Human Resources. The results of the Background & Security screening are confidential and only a pass or fail result is released to Human Resources. You will be thoroughly investigated to determine your suitability to meet security clearance requirements. Your references and previous employers may be contacted, and family and friends may be contacted and/or visited during this stage.

Please note -Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge. Candidates who are selected for testing, may be tested in a group setting, scheduled at the employer’s discretion.

Competencies: Analytical Thinking, Communication, Customer Service, Networking/Relationship Building, Organization and Planning, Teamwork and Cooperation, Valuing Diversity.

WORK STATUS:

Temporary Full-time (up to 18 months)

HOURS OF WORK:

Hours of work are Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (35 hours per week), in an office environment. On call as required.

SALARY:

Level 6, NSGEU Local 222, $34.87 hourly

WORK LOCATION:

1975 Gottingen Street, Halifax.

CLOSING DATE:

Applications will be received up to 11:59 PM Thursday December 26, 2024.

Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for interview/testing will be contacted. During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their needs with the Recruiter when invited to the assessment process.

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