Director, Evidence and Property

The final salary will depend on the candidate's qualifications. Those with 8 years or more of required experience can expect offers up to the midpoint of the salary range. Metra provides full pay ranges so candidates can consider their growth potential.

Metra is one of the largest and most complex commuter rail systems in North America, serving Cook, DuPage, Will, Lake, Kane, and McHenry Counties. The agency is linking communities in Northeastern Illinois by providing safe, reliable, and efficient commuter service.

The Metra Police Department serves and protects commuters using the Metra system and Metra's property. The mission of the Metra Police is to safeguard the lives and property of the people they serve, to reduce the incidence and fear of crime and enhance public safety. Metra Police work to expedite issues with the commuting public and handle vehicle accidents and trespasser incidents on Metra railroad and property. Metra Police actively engage and work with first responders as well as local, state and federal agencies during service disruptions and partner with these agencies on security planning. Their work ensures the safety of Metra's passengers and employees and reduces train delays.

Reporting to the Chief of Police, the Director, Evidence and Property provides oversight and management of the Evidence and Property Unit ensuring the integrity, documentation, preservation, and lawful disposition of all evidence and property held by the department; and collaborates with various law enforcement units, providing essential support in criminal investigations and prosecutions.

The primary duties include: Oversee the daily operations of the Evidence and Property Unit, ensuring compliance with all applicable laws, policies, and regulations. Manage the intake, storage, preservation, and disposal of all evidence and property collected by the department. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all evidence and property using advanced tracking systems. Supervise, train, and evaluate the performance of evidence custodians and other personnel within the unit. Lead regular audits and inspections of the evidence room and related facilities to ensure compliance with established standards and identify areas for improvement. Decide/implement staffing decisions, performance evaluations, and performance improvement, disciplinary, and/or termination procedures. Make recommendations regarding hiring, performance evaluations, disciplinary and/or termination procedures. Promote safe work practices and maintain and foster a safe work environment. Responsible for the safety objectives, goals, and program of the organization ensuring compliance with applicable safety rules and regulations. Incumbents work under both inside and outside environmental conditions under prevailing conditions of heat, cold, rain, and snow. This position is subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing. Perform other related duties as assigned to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Metra is a railroad employer subject to the provisions of the Railroad Retirement Tax Act, not the Social Security Administration.

1. Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, or a related field.
2. In addition to #1, must have a minimum of eight years of combined field law enforcement and experience handling, storing, and disposing of police evidence; and using and implementing technology solutions for evidence tracking and management. Field LEO Evidence Technician and/or Detective experience a plus.
3. Must successfully complete and pass a comprehensive background check, including fingerprints.
4. Comprehensive knowledge of laws, regulations, and guidelines pertaining to the handling, storage, and disposal of police evidence.
5. Comprehensive blood borne pathogens, checkpoint sexual assault evidence tracking System, Destruction methods, expungement process, firearm safety, lab submittal/entries, and proper packaging.
6. Considerable knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws, codes, regulations, ordinances, and case law.
7. Considerable skill researching, analyzing and determining the rightful owner of property, evidence, and found items.
8. Strong verbal and written communications including presenting credible testimony in judicial and administrative proceedings.
9. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of the organization and with external partners.
10. Strong management skills in supervising and training officers/teams in a law enforcement setting.
11. Proficient in using evidence management software and other related technology.
12. Proficient in using Microsoft Office 365.
13. Demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, discretion, confidentiality, and the highest level of integrity in handling evidence.
14. Demonstrated ability to adapt to change and implement innovative solutions in a law enforcement environment.
15. Ability to advise police department personnel in the proper evidence procedures, packaging requirements, laws, and case status.
16. Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.
17. Ability to stand, walk, and/or sit, for extended periods of time.
18. Hearing/Visual acuity, far/near, depth perception, field of vision, color vision.
19. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds.
20. Must be able to operate a vehicle.
21. Must be willing to travel within and outside of Metra's 6-county region.
22. Must be available to work flexible hours in the early morning, late afternoon, evenings, or weekends.
23. Must be available on-call 24-hours/day, 7 days/week, 365 days/year, including weekends and holidays.

Preferred:

1. Advanced degree.
2. Illinois Association of Property and Evidence Managers (IAPEM)
3. Certified Property and Evidence Specialist (CPES) through the International Association for Property and Evidence.

Metra employees in an active review period under the current discipline policy or who have documented attendance or performance issues will not be considered and/or selected for this position.

Please note: Regardless of any state laws that legalize marijuana, Metra prohibits applicants and employees' use or possession of marijuana (or marijuana paraphernalia), or having detectable amounts of marijuana in their bodies, including synthetic and/or non-synthetic substances such as THC for any reason for pre-employment screening purposes, while on duty, subject to duty, on Metra property, or in Metra work equipment and vehicles.

Metra is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to fill vacant positions with qualified candidates without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, gender identity, disability, or any protected categories, assuming an individual can perform the essential functions of the job with or without accommodation.

Metra is committed to ensuring that our career website and recruiting process are accessible to all individuals. If you encounter difficulties or limitations in using or accessing our online application, or if you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, participate in interviews, complete any pre-employment testing, or engage in any other aspect of the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to RAC@Metrarr.com.