Records & Video Analyst

Description

Who We Are
In response to deaths resulting from encounters with law enforcement and the community’s demand for change, the Washington State Legislature created a new, first-of-its-kind agency: the Office of Independent Investigations (OII). This new agency was formed in 2021 and operates under the requirements of the law, in which investigations involving the use of deadly force must be truly independent of the involved law enforcement agency. Our mission is to conduct fair, thorough, transparent, and competent investigations of incidents involving the use of deadly force. This approach to investigations will remove conflicts of interest, improve accountability and transparency, and restore public confidence. Through these efforts, we hope to strengthen the relationships between police and the community, build public trust, and promote effective policing.

We are seeking a skilled, detail-oriented professional to ensure compliance with the Public Records Act (PRA) and to work closely with OII investigators to obtain, safeguard, and manage records from governmental agencies in support of criminal investigations. This work includes independently locating, compiling, and verifying the completeness of records responsive to public records requests, collaborating with investigative staff to meet all legal and organizational timelines, and tracking request activity to ensure timely completion. Responsibilities also include reviewing records for relevance, sensitivity, consistency, and adequacy of search efforts, and organizing and preparing materials for disclosure in accessible formats while coordinating with internal teams and external partners as needed.
 
Due to the nature of these positions, OII conducts a pre-employment background investigation prior to hire. Background investigations include a psychological evaluation, fingerprinting, and a polygraph.

Duties

What You’ll Do 

Your responsibilities will include, but not limited to:

• Independently identify, collect, and verify completeness of investigative records responsive to public records requests, coordinating with investigative personnel as necessary, while meeting all statutory and organizational deadlines.
• Monitor and document the status of active investigations-related public records requests to ensure timely completion.
• Conduct a comprehensive review of collected records to assess relevance, sensitivity, consistency, and adequacy of search efforts.
• Organize and prepare records for disclosure, ensuring materials are provided in accessible formats and coordinating with internal or external sources when required.
• Apply established public records laws, exemptions, and organizational guidance to identify and redact exempt or sensitive information, in consultation with legal counsel as needed.
• Collaborate with the Public Records Officer, agency leadership, and program staff to ensure consistent and compliant request processing.
• Develop and refine search methodologies and custodian lists to minimize legal exposure.
• Analyze request language and work with program staff to establish search terms for organization-wide electronic records searches.
• Execute legally compliant redactions using approved technology and document all applied redactions.
• Maintain current expertise in disclosure exemptions pertaining to investigative records and associated video 
  formats.
• Obtain investigative records from external entities, prepare and manage required waivers or legal documentation.
• Provide support to legal personnel by preparing investigative records and video materials responsive to subpoenas and litigation needs.
• Notify appropriate staff during critical incidents when investigative materials have been uploaded for further processing. 
• Support OII investigators by responding to scenes and follow-up locations as needed to collect video evidence from digital video recorders (DVRs) and other video recording devices. 
• Advise OII investigators virtually on preserving and collecting digital evidence. 
• Remain trained, current, and follow best practices regarding the handling of evidentiary video and the processing of proprietary files into universally playable video formats.

Qualifications

Who You Are
Required / Minimum Qualifications:

• Knowledge of public-records laws, disclosure exemptions, and legal standards for investigative records, with demonstrated ability to apply Public Records Act requirements, perform accurate and defensible redactions, and prepare sensitive records (including video) for compliant disclosure.
• Skill in coordinating PRA responses within investigative workflows, working effectively with investigators, program staff, and legal partners to ensure complete, accurate, and timely production of sensitive records and video evidence. 
• Proficiency in accessing, reviewing, and preparing digital records and video from established systems for disclosure, with the ability to follow evidence-handling procedures and coordinate with investigators as needed.
• Skill in developing and executing records search strategies, including identifying relevant custodian lists, and establishing search terms for electronic records searches. 
• Ability to evaluate records and video for relevance and sensitivity, assess the completeness of search efforts, and apply sound judgment within established guidance, escalating complex issues as appropriate.
• Ability to manage high-volume public-records workflows, track request status, meet statutory deadlines, and prepare materials for subpoenas, litigation, and critical incidents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with investigators, attorneys, leadership, external partners, and program staff; coordinate the collection of external records and manage related waivers; and provide timely documentation during critical incidents.
• Ability to deliver consistent, compliant, service-focused processing of public records requests with a high level of accuracy in review, redaction, preparation, and documentation.
• Proficiency with digital-records platforms, video systems, redaction software, OCR, and electronic-records search tools, with adherence to secure handling and chain-of-custody standards.
• The ability to take action to learn and grow.
• The ability to take action to meet the needs of others.

Desired Qualifications:

• Proficient in Adobe Creative Cloud, with strong working knowledge of Premiere and After Effects, and experience using Photoshop.
• Experience working with AXON as a video management and editing tool.
• Specialized coursework and training with forensic software (e.g., Medex, Amped FIVE, DVR Examiner).
• Two years of experience administering public disclosure or the Public Records Act in the context of criminal investigations.
• Experience redacting video using software.
• Knowledge of Evidence, Inventory, and/or property accountability records and controls standards.

Supplemental Information

How to Apply

Interested? We would love to hear from you. Click “Apply” at the top of this page to start your application (you can save the application and come back to it, if needed). In your submission, please include the following:

1. A cover letter that describes your specific qualifications for the outlined position.
2. A current resume that details your applicable experience and qualifications.
3. Three professional references with current contact information, including a telephone number and email address.

We will review all applications as they are received and contact the top applicants to interview for this position. Because we base our selection on the information you provide, we recommend submitting a tailored resume outlining the knowledge, skills, and abilities you possess that address the qualifications described above. To be considered for this position, candidates must meet the required/minimum qualifications.

Questions?

For questions about this recruitment or to request a reasonable accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact us at TalentAcquisition@ofm.wa.gov.

The Office of Independent Investigations is an equal opportunity employer. We strive to create a working environment that includes and respects cultural, racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, and gender identity diversity. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons with disability, persons over 40 years of age, and disabled and Vietnam-era veterans are encouraged to apply. If you need accommodations or help in the application process, or if you wish to receive this job announcement in an alternative format, you may call 360-664-1960 or 1-877-664-1960 or dial 711 to reach the Telecommunications Device for the Deaf system.