Redaction Specialist

City of Haines City•Haines City, FL

7h•Onsite

About The Position

The Redaction Specialist s responsible for the coordination and technical work in the areas of law enforcement, public records, subpoenas, and lawsuits. Work involves coordinating and/or personally responding to public records requests from the police department, including preparing written cost estimates to fulfill public records requests.

Requirements

Required knowledge is normally obtained through the completion of a High School Diploma or GED.
Must obtain and maintain a valid NCIC/FCIC Limited Access certification within the first thirty (30) days of employment.
Knowledge of Florida Public Records laws, responsibilities, and requirements.
Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing, showing sound knowledge of proper spelling and grammar.
Ability to gather and analyze research data, such as statutes, decisions, legal opinions, codes, and documents.
Ability to respond to all public records requests for 911 and non-emergency phone calls, police/fire radio traffic, CAD chronologies, on-site surveillance video, in-car dash, and body-worn camera systems.
Ability to monitor WebQA regularly to ensure all requests, regardless of the unit assigned, are responded to promptly.
Ability to purge audio & video files that exceed the Department's retention threshold.
Ability to assist the Legal staff with responding to subpoenas and lawsuits as necessary.
Ability to provide law enforcement public records law clarification to custodians of record on request or defer questions to the General Counsel when necessary.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with employees, external agencies, and members of the public.
Ability to organize and prioritize complex tasks to operate at maximum efficiency.
Ability to work with personal computers and diversified software, including multiple informational databases and audio/video editing programs.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Ability to accurately interpret a CAD chronology.
Must possess a valid Florida Class E driver license, and be able to operate a motor vehicle
Must pass applicable post offer pre-employment testing and background and credit check selection process requirements.
This position may be required to report for work when a declaration of emergency has been declared in Polk County .

Nice To Haves

The position prefers a minimum of five (5) years of experience working with law enforcement records in a law enforcement environment.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provide the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered.

Responsibilities

Reviews, logs, and responds to public records requests.
Responds and assigns public records requests with a sense of urgency, ensuring timeliness of delivery.
Identifies, performs, or coordinates the redacting of confidential, exempt, and sensitive information in responsive records following Florida law.
Reviews documents for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
Compiles data and information for reports.
Composes letters and memoranda.
Explains and clarifies policies, procedures, and legal requirements related to public records requests.
Provides timely responses to criminal discovery requests from the State Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, or private criminal defense attorneys.
Coordinates and works collaboratively with prosecutors, defense attorneys, and other legal professionals regarding public records requests, subpoenas, and lawsuits.
Demonstrates tact and effective verbal and written communication skills with members of the public and legal professionals.
Gathers and analyzes research data, such as statutes, decisions, legal opinions, codes, and documents as necessary related to the fulfillment of public records requests.
Locates and reproduces CAD chronologies, associated 911/non-emergency phone calls, police/fire radio traffic, in-house surveillance video, and video files from the in-car dash and body-worn cameras.
Monitors the agency's public records tracking program (WebQA) to ensure all requests are promptly assigned and completed.
Continually updates knowledge and understanding of technology and public records law.
Works efficiently while effectively prioritizing new requests and related requirements.
May be required to work overtime or alternate hours as necessary for the efficient operation of the department.
Position designated as Mission Critical.
Performs related work as required.
Ongoing training and development to maintain an understanding of evolving technology and public records law which may involve travel.
Assists with events and activities the Media Relations Office coordinates, including promotion and swearing-in ceremonies.
Performs additional duties as assigned.