Police Records Program Technician

City of Lynnwood, WA; Lynnwood (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Lynnwood seeks a skilled Public Records Officer to maintain the police department’s public disclosure program, ensuring transparency and efficient handling of body-worn camera and other media. You will manage PRA compliance, redact sensitive content, and coordinate with departments to respond to requests.

Role requires expert knowledge of PRA, CJIS standards, and strong editing/reporting abilities, with potential for leadership and training of clerks.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of PRA and procedures for confidential/evidentiary materials.
• In-depth knowledge of audio/video recording, review, and editing software.
• Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to read and analyze statutes and other written communications.
• Ability to draft reports, citations, and simple memoranda.
• Ability to proficiently operate a computer and related software.
• Ability to follow paperwork processes in detail.
• Ability to handle time pressure and potentially graphic content.
• Ability to communicate in English and preferably a second language common to Lynnwood (Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, Amharic).

Responsibilities

• Organize, process, review, redact, and archive body/dash cam audio and video to comply with PRA and requests.
• Apply in-depth PRA knowledge to analyze records and respond to requests.
• Develop search strategies across LPD systems and databases for electronic searches.
• Ensure CJIS compliance for law enforcement records systems.
• Review print records for exempt content.
• Coordinate with LPD Media Unit and other departments on newsworthy requests.
• Work with IT for record-management solutions.
• Provide testimony in legal proceedings as required.
• Mentor clerks in processing PDRs.
• Monitor and guide staff assisting with public disclosure.
• Compile data and demographics to support transparency and community relations.
• Assist clerks with calls and front counter coverage.
• Execute special projects from Records Unit Manager.

Skills

PRA knowledge

Audio/video editing

Effective communication

Statute reading

report drafting

Computer proficiency

Attention to detail

Bilingual ability

Education

Certified Public Records Officer (within 1 year)

Paralegal in public records field

Tools

New World

Digital Evidence Management System

Body-Worn Camera software

Job description

This position is responsible for the efficient and effective operation of the police department’s public disclosure program, reporting to ensure public transparency, organization of department digital media (to include all body cam and other audio/video files) and archiving of records. To fulfill the responsibilities of this position requires expert knowledge of RCW 42.50 and court rules for responding to subpoena duces tecum (SDT), Public Records Requests, as well as an ability to adapt to ever changing technologies utilized within the department. The following duties ARE NOT intended to serve as a comprehensive list of all duties performed by all employees in this classification, only a representative summary of the primary duties and responsibilities. Incumbent(s) may not be required to perform all duties listed and may be required to perform additional, position‑specific duties.

• Organize, process, review, redact and archive body/dash cam audio and video recordings to comply with and respond to public records requests, discovery, litigation support, subpoenas, etc., in compliance with the Public Records Act (PRA), other local and federal statutes, court rules, orders, and city‑wide or departmental procedures.
• Possess expert knowledge of the Washington PRA and its application to records created by LPD. Apply knowledge of PRA, Department operations and administration to analyze public records, respond to requests, retain, and destroy records.
• Apply in‑depth technical knowledge to develop search strategies for electronic searches in LPD systems and databases including New World, Digital Evidence Management System, email, Body-Worn Camera systems, personnel and training records, specialty unit records, and multiple legacy systems.
• Understand and comply with Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) compliance standards for law enforcement records systems.
• Review print records by reading and identifying exempt content.
• Coordinate with LPD Media Unit and other City Departments on requests for newsworthy matters.
• Work with IT Department for technology solutions for record management.
• Provide testimony in legal proceedings as required.
• Mentor clerks assisting with processing of PDRs.
• Provide continuous monitoring and guidance to others assisting with public disclosure.
• Compile and report on data, statistical information, and demographics to further departmental transparency and community relations.
• Assist clerks in answering calls and front counter contacts during breaks when clerks are unavailable.
• Execute special projects assigned from the Records Unit Manager to assist with departmental initiatives.

Job Location and Equipment Utilized

Work is performed in an office environment, both on-site and off-site, and occasionally outdoors. Equipment utilized includes standard office equipment and personal computer with associated software and peripherals, audio and video review and editing software and equipment.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• In‑depth Knowledge of PRA and procedures related to confidential/evidentiary materials.
• In‑depth knowledge of audio/video recording, review and editing and software.
• Ability to communicate effectively, courteously, and tactfully with the public.
• Ability to read and analyze statutes and other written communications satisfactorily.
• Ability to draft reports, citations, and simple memoranda.
• Ability to proficiently operate a computer and related software and peripherals.
• Ability to follow paperwork processes in a detailed manner.
• Ability to work under time‑pressure and ability to deal with potentially disturbing or graphic audio/visual content.
• Ability to perform advanced level redaction and audio and video editing.
• Ability to communicate in English and preferably a second language (commonly spoken languages in Lynnwood including Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Russian, or Amharic).

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Manual dexterity to utilize a computer, video review equipment, and standard office equipment.
• Ability to bend at waist to retrieve and lift files.
• Visual acuity and ability to review body worn camera video recorded in varying light and weather conditions.
• Hearing acuity to review audio portion of body worn camera audio that can be of varying quality and recorded in potentially noisy environments.
• Visual acuity to read written and numerical materials.
• Ability to speak and hear to exchange information.
• Ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.

Certified Public Records Officer (obtainable within one year of hire) or paralegal in public records field and a valid Washington State Driver's License and a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier. Ability to pass a background investigation. The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions of this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all‑inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned including work in other functional areas to cover absences or relief, to equalize peak work periods, or otherwise to balance the workload.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit: Police Support Guild