So, why should a Property and Evidence Custodian become certified?

There are benefits to the individual, the agency that employs them, and the Criminal Justice System. First, by achieving CPES designation, IAPE attests to your training, your familiarization with the IAPE Professional Standards, and that you have demonstrated your knowledge of the standards and best practices by having completed a written examination. You will join more than 2,000 professionals worldwide who have achieved the designation. Just as with any other professional certification, this is a significant C.V./resume item for the individual. In some agencies, the award of CPES status is the basis for a salary increase. Now let us address your agency.

 

Having CPES designated employees in the Property and Evidence component of their agency provides the CEO (Chief, Sheriff, etc.) with a degree of confidence in the demonstrated capability of their Evidence Custodians. Until a Custodian attends IAPE training, the internal processes and protocols are usually based upon “that’s the way we’ve always done it” and not upon knowledge of best practices throughout the policing profession. Additionally, the CPES is in a much better position to ensure the accountability, security, and proper warehousing of property and evidence. A well-run Property & Evidence operation keeps the agency out of the “missing evidence” headlines. Lastly, let’s look at the Criminal Justice system.

As defense attorneys find it more and more difficult to attack the science and protocols of Crime Laboratories, they often focus upon chain-of-custody, storage, and security of evidence. Property and Evidence Custodians are being subpoenaed to court to testify the evidence. Prosecutors often attempt to get the Custodian designated as an expert witness, and having the CPES designation on your CV/resume greatly assists the prosecutor. Juries take note of your training, experience, and certification.
CPES benefits the Property and Evidence Custodian, their employer, and the overall criminal justice system. Submit your application today!