Description

About us:
The Burlington Police Department is a nationally accredited law enforcement agency that is committed to quality fair and professional police services. The agency is made up of more than 150 sworn officers and 50 professional staff members serving the City of Burlington, North Carolina.

What you will do:
Oversee the daily operations of the evidence section, acting as the evidence custodian, and managing the transfer and destruction of evidence in accordance with departmental procedures. Ensure accurate entry and maintenance of evidence records, prepare evidence for laboratory analysis, draft court orders related to evidence, and oversee and assist with crime scene investigations. Provide guidance and supervision to staff, with performance evaluations based on supervisory effectiveness, proper evidence handling, crime scene processing, and report review. The position reports directly to the Police Captain.

Requirements

Leadership & Oversight

• Lead the Evidence Section, directing daily operations to ensure efficiency, accuracy, and compliance with department policies and procedures.
• Monitor employee performance through observation and data collection, conduct evaluations, and provide coaching for continuous improvement.
• Participate as a key member of the accreditation team, collecting documentation to demonstrate compliance with CALEA standards.
• Assist in budget development by providing input on staffing, equipment, and operational needs; monitor procurement activities to ensure timely acquisition of supplies, equipment, and services.
  

Evidence Management

• Serve as evidence custodian, managing daily evidence submissions, securely transferring evidence to officers, and coordinating lawful disposal in line with legal and departmental protocols.
• Maintain accurate records using Records Management Systems (RMS) and evidence tracking software (e.g., FileOnQ) to ensure precise documentation and seamless data integration.
• Prepare and submit evidence to the North Carolina SBI laboratory, secure items upon return, and record lab results in the department’s database.
• Examine and process ballistic evidence for NIBIN submission, and evaluate latent fingerprints for entry into SPEX/AFIS.

Crime Scene Support

• Oversee and assist with crime scene processing, ensuring proper collection, documentation, and preservation of evidence to maintain chain-of-custody integrity.

Community & Public Interaction

• Assist and inform the public by responding to inquiries, providing guidance on evidence procedures, and supporting community trust in departmental services.

Administrative Duties

• Perform data entry, maintain accurate records, and prepare reports to ensure smooth and efficient operations.
• Perform other related duties as needed to support departmental objectives and community safety initiatives.

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities:

• Extensive knowledge of police department policies and regulations to ensure compliance and consistent enforcement of standards.
• Strong understanding of the City Code and North Carolina General Statutes to accurately interpret and apply relevant laws.
• General awareness of property and evidence program operations to support efficient and accountable evidence handling.
• Comprehensive knowledge of evidence handling principles and practices including recording, preservation, storage, and release to protect integrity and maintain chain-of-custody.
• Familiarity with office procedures and technology including computers, software applications, and office equipment to maintain accurate records and improve workflow efficiency.
• Proven ability to serve as an evidence custodian while rigorously maintaining chain-of-custody protocols, evidence security, and accountability.
• Skill in processing, storing, documenting, releasing, and disposing of evidence in accordance with legal requirements and departmental policy.
• Knowledge of photography and crime scene equipment to capture accurate visual documentation for investigations.
• Strong interpersonal skills to communicate effectively and tactfully with citizens, staff, and law enforcement personnel.
• Keen attention to detail for accurately identifying critical evidence such as fingerprints and crime scene items.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, partner agencies, and the community.
• Excellent listening and communication skills—both written and oral—to produce clear reports and facilitate effective collaboration.