Police Computer Applications Specialist/Analyst

City of Bartow, FL; Bartow (FL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Bartow is seeking a Digital Evidence Specialist to manage the digital media produced by the Bartow Police Department, including BWC, in-car video, ALPR media, and photographs. This civilian, non-sworn position ensures proper labeling, retention, and redaction in accordance with Florida law and departmental policy.

You will support investigations, handle public records requests, maintain Axon hardware inventory, and assist with onboarding and training on Evidence.com.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required; associate degree preferred.
• Experience with Axon/TASER platforms preferred.
• Knowledge of Florida public records law and retention schedules.
• Experience with redaction processes and digital evidence handling.

Responsibilities

• Manage full lifecycle of digital evidence from intake to purge.
• Review and redact BWC and in-car video per policy.
• Prepare evidence for court, subpoenas, and requests.
• Maintain chain-of-custody and audit trails.
• Process public records and interagency requests.
• Support Axon onboarding and user certification.

Skills

Public records knowledge

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Chain-of-custody understanding

Digital evidence handling

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associates degree preferred

Experience with Axon/TASER platforms

Experience with records redaction processes

Tools

Axon/Evidence.com

Evidence management software

Job description

Job Summary

This civilian, non-sworn position is responsible for the management, organization, redaction, dissemination, and long-term maintenance of digital evidence generated by the Bartow Police Department. This includes body-worn camera footage, in-car video, ALPR media, Axon digital evidence, stationary camera systems, digital photographs, and other multimedia collected during police operations.

This civilian, non-sworn position is responsible for the management, organization, redaction, dissemination, and long-term maintenance of digital evidence generated by the Bartow Police Department. This includes body-worn camera footage, in-car video, ALPR media, Axon digital evidence, stationary camera systems, digital photographs, and other multimedia collected during police operations.

The Specialist ensures compliance with Florida public records law (Chapter 119, F.S.), GS2 retention schedules, discovery requirements, departmental policy, and all applicable federal, state, and local regulations. The position supports investigations, assists the State Attorney’s Office, maintains hardware inventory, and safeguards sensitive information to protect victims, witnesses, and the public.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage the full lifecycle of digital evidence, including intake, classification, cataloging, storage, dissemination, retention, and purging.
• Review, redact, and prepare BWC and in-car video footage for release in accordance with Chapter 119, F.S., FOIA, and departmental policy.
• Ensure all digital evidence is properly labeled, associated with the correct case number, and cross-referenced with reports.
• Identify and correct missing, mislabeled, or uncategorized digital media.
• Maintain consistent redaction standards and evidence-handling procedures.
• Generate audit trails, review Axon logs, and ensure chain-of-custody integrity.
• Process public records requests, discovery requests, and interagency evidence requests.
• Work directly with the State Attorney’s Office, Public Defender, Clerk of Court, and other agencies.
• Ensure sensitive footage involving victims, juveniles, or uninvolved persons is appropriately redacted.
• Prepare digital evidence for court, depositions, and administrative hearings.
• Respond to subpoenas and provide testimony when required.
• Maintain and track inventory of Axon hardware, including BWCs, in-car systems, docking stations, Tasers, VR equipment, and accessories.
• Ensure equipment is functional, updated, and ready for deployment.
• Assist with Axon onboarding, user certification, and training.
• Troubleshoot digital evidence systems and assist users with Evidence.com and Axon software.
• Ensure compliance with retention schedules, public records law, and digital evidence classification standards.
• Verify UCR codes and ensure proper documentation alignment with incident reports.
• Prepare statistical reports, workload summaries, and audit documentation.
• Maintain accurate logs, files, and digital records in RMS and Evidence.com.
• Assist with quality assurance reviews of BWC program compliance.
• Provide professional assistance to citizens, attorneys, insurance companies, and other requestors.
• Maintain strong working relationships with sworn personnel, city staff, and external agencies.
• Uphold confidentiality, professionalism, and the department’s mission and values.
• Maintain availability during emergency events, disasters, or major incidents.
• Support digital evidence needs during critical operations, special details, or citywide emergencies.

Technology Governance and Authority

This position supports operational use of department technology and digital evidence systems. The IT Department retains authority over enterprise systems, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and system-level configuration.

This Position

• Performs operational configuration of Axon/Evidence.com systems.
• Provides first-level troubleshooting and escalates system-level issues to IT.
• Coordinates vendor activities through the IT Department.

This Position Does Not Independently

• Implement system-level changes or integrations.
• Modify security configurations or access controls.
• Procure or deploy software outside City processes.
• Perform administrative functions on enterprise systems without IT authorization.

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of Florida public records law (Chapter 119) and GS2 retention schedules.
• Familiarity with Axon systems, Evidence.com, and digital media tools.
• Understanding of digital evidence standards, chain-of-custody procedures, and redaction requirements.
• Knowledge of law enforcement terminology, report structure, and investigative workflows.
• Proficiency with digital evidence management and redaction software.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy in high-volume environments.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to remain composed under pressure and during high-stress situations.
• Ability to adapt to evolving technology and new digital evidence systems.

Education And Experience

High school diploma or equivalent required; Associates degree or higher preferred; experience with a law enforcement agency preferred; experience with Axon/TASER platforms highly preferred; experience in records redaction processes preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the knowledge, skills, abilities, and other competencies necessary for success in the target position may be considered

Licenses, Certifications, Special Requirements

• Valid Florida Driver’s License required within 30 days of hire.
• Must pass drug screening and background check.
• Must maintain a valid telephone number.
• This position may be designated as Mission Critical by the City Manager
• Required to pass an elevated background check provided by the City of Bartow Police Department upon hire

Physical And Mental Demands

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions, as established in the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Essential Physical Skills

• Ability to sit, talk, hear, and use hands for extended periods.
• Ability to view digital media for long durations, including potentially disturbing content.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.

Mental Demands

• Required to use written and oral communication skills.
• Read and interpret data, information and documents.
• Work under deadlines with constant interruptions.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.Ability to troubleshoot complex IT issues.
• Ability to work under deadlines with constant interruptions.

Supplemental Information

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The job risks exposure to some environmental hazards such as crashed motor vehicles or response to active crime scenes as required. Work may require exposure to extreme heat or extreme cold, rain, etc. Work may require exposure to hazardous conditions and noxious chemicals.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Performs other related duties as assigned.

All City of Bartow employees are considered EOC essential in times of emergency. An e-role will be provided to each employee when an emergency is declared.

As a City of Bartow employee, you are a public servant of a local entity and are responsible to adhere to the Florida State Statute governing the Code of Ethics for Public Officers and Employees Florida State Statute Chapter 112. Additionally, all Bartow employees are subject to Chapter 119 of the Florida State Statutes which governs public records.