Sheriff - Criminal Investigation Division - Digital Evidence Specialist

Allen County

Job Descriptions

Under the direction of the Technology Sergeant, the Digital Evidence Specialist is responsible for maintaining and operating the Allen County Police in-car and body-worn video systems. The incumbent is expected to exercise good judgment, independence, initiative, and professional expertise in conducting day-to-day operations. All work duties and activities must be performed in accordance with Allen County rules, operating regulations, policies, and procedures, as well as federal, state, and local regulations. This position is covered as defined by the Board of Commissioners of the County of Allen Employee Handbook.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Transcodes files from one encoding source to another and performs digital media recovery as needed; operates with various forms of video and audio data from body cameras, car videos, photos, interviews, outside surveillance, etc.
• Maintains an archive of media conversions.
• Provides technical and video support to various law enforcement personnel, the Allen County Prosecutor’s Office, County Attorneys, and Defense Attorneys.
• Maintains system records for in-car and body camera systems, including distribution records and access programming.
• Follows all rules and regulations regarding the handling, preservation, and chain of custody of evidence.
• Assists in maintaining divisional files and records.
• Edits (obscures and redacts) video and/or audio files from various sources as necessary to process requests legally and properly for public records or similar requests.
• Reviews digital evidence records and related documents for redaction and dissemination in compliance with agency policies, procedures, rules and regulations, and public records laws.
• Performs general office duties, including the preparation of typed office documents.
• May be required to testify in court as it pertains to assigned duties.
• May assist detectives with basic research tasks across various social media or other communication platforms.
• Attends seminars and in-service training as required.
• Performs all other duties as assigned, including overtime as required.

REQUIREMENTS:

• High School Diploma or GED; an associate degree or higher in a related field is preferred
• At least one year of experience in law enforcement or a related field
• Valid DriverValid Indiana Driver’s License
• Proficiency with Microsoft Operating Systems, including Word, Excel, and other Office programs.
• Training in the preservation, storage, and retrieval of evidence is preferred.
• Experience in editing, or the ability to learn these skills using the provided software/hardware.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

REQUIREMENTS (Continued):

• Effective communication skills with law enforcement personnel, victims, and citizens.
• Proficiency in using a personal computer.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS:

The Digital Evidence Specialist exercises discretion in managing digital evidence, offering technical support, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Work undergoes thorough review for completeness and sound judgment. Responsibilities encompass file management, media recovery, and aiding in legal procedures. Expectations include maintaining confidentiality, effective communication, and teamwork. This role demands attention to detail, adaptability, and adherence to professional standards. Additionally, the specialist processes and analyzes digital forensic evidence from law enforcement agencies and prepares technical reports for court proceedings.

RESPONSIBILITY:

The Digital Evidence Specialist makes choices and takes actions in performing a variety of relatively standardized assignments or tasks when reviewing and confirming all submitted digital evidence has been correctely documented and notification of inconsistencies to the appropriate personnel when necessary.

PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:

The Digital Evidence Specialist maintains frequent contact with other County employees, the public and other governmental and private agencies when preparing documentation for court, law office, prosecutors and/or other law enforcement agencies.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Digital Evidence Specialist works primarily in a standard office setting, with frequent sitting and the ability to move about freely. The role involves some lifting of up to sixty pounds, bending, pushing/pulling, reaching overhead, kneeling, and frequent typing, detailed inspection, and proofreading. There is very frequent attention to detail, monitoring of equipment, and exposure to noise and dangerous equipment.

SUPERVISION:

None

LICENSING:

Valid DriverValid Indiana Driver’s License

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR:

Technology Sergeant

HOURS:

M-F, 40 hours/week; overtime as needed

EEO CATEGORY:

0406

WORKERS’S COMP CODE:

8810

I agree that the contents of this job description are a fair and accurate representation of the duties of this position being described.

Employee Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Supervisor Signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________________

If hired, you must provide proof of educational attainment at New Hire Processing or during the interview process.