Property Room
A Property Room is a secure storage facility within law enforcement agencies where evidence, seized items, and found property are stored and managed. It's similar to a highly organized warehouse but with strict security and chain-of-custody requirements. Think of it as a combination of an evidence vault and a lost-and-found system that must follow specific legal guidelines. Staff working in property rooms are responsible for logging, tracking, storing, and eventually disposing of or returning items according to legal requirements and department policies.
Examples in Resumes
Managed the Property Room operations for a department of 200+ officers
Implemented digital tracking system for Property and Evidence Room inventory
Supervised Evidence Room staff and maintained chain of custody procedures
Processed over 1000 items monthly in Property/Evidence Room
Typical job title: "Property Room Officers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Property Room Officers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Professional Networks
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle a situation where evidence appears to be missing from the property room?
Expected Answer: Should discuss immediate notification of supervisors, initiating audit procedures, reviewing chain of custody documentation, checking all possible storage locations, and implementing corrective measures to prevent future incidents.
Q: What experience do you have with property room audits and inventory management?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of regular audit procedures, inventory control methods, documentation requirements, and experience leading audits or managing large-scale inventory projects.
Mid Level Questions
Q: Explain the chain of custody and why it's important.
Expected Answer: Should explain how chain of custody tracks who handled evidence, when, and why - ensuring evidence integrity for court cases. Should mention documentation methods and common procedures.
Q: How do you properly dispose of different types of property/evidence?
Expected Answer: Should discuss various disposal methods for different items (auction, destruction, return to owner), proper documentation, and following department policies and legal requirements.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What's the basic process for logging in new evidence?
Expected Answer: Should describe basic steps: assigning tracking numbers, properly packaging items, completing necessary forms, and storing items in appropriate locations.
Q: How do you maintain organization in a property room?
Expected Answer: Should discuss basic organizational methods like labeling systems, storage categories, and regular inventory checks.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic evidence logging and tracking
- Understanding of chain of custody
- Basic computer skills for record-keeping
- Knowledge of proper packaging methods
Mid (2-5 years)
- Evidence disposal procedures
- Inventory management
- Documentation and reporting
- Security protocol implementation
Senior (5+ years)
- Property room supervision
- Audit management
- Policy development
- Staff training and oversight
Red Flags to Watch For
- Lack of attention to detail in documentation
- Poor understanding of chain of custody procedures
- Disorganized work habits
- No knowledge of evidence handling safety procedures
Related Terms
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