The Public Information Act Specialist is responsible for the secure management, analysis, and dissemination of video, photographs, and other media evidence collected from various sources (e.g., vehicle dash cameras, body-worn cameras, surveillance systems, as well as various record management systems) to support investigations, Maryland Public Information Act (MPIA) requests, and legal proceedings.
This position reports to the Records Supervisor and plays a key role in ensuring that all video, photographs, reports, and other media evidence, is processed and handled in compliance with the Maryland State Law, Federal Law, and departmental protocols. The ideal candidate will possess strong technical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and an understanding of legal and procedural standards for digital evidence handling.
Duties:
- Evidence Collection & Preservation:
- Collect, log, and securely store video, photographs, and other media from multiple sources in accordance with departmental policies.
- Ensure proper chain-of-custody procedures are followed to maintain evidence
· Media Analysis & Processing:
- Review and analyze video, photographs, and other media, to identify key information, enhance, block or blur sensitive images, and extract pertinent
- Use specialized analysis software to process and manage digital
· MPIA Requests Management:
- Coordinate the processing and release of evidence in response to MPIA
- Verify that all MPIA releases are conducted in compliance with legal guidelines and departmental procedures, ensuring sensitive or exempt images or information is protected.
· Liaison with the State’s Attorney’s Office:
- Collaborate with the State’s Attorney’s Office to provide timely and accurate evidence for criminal investigations and court proceedings.
- Testify in court proceedings as is
- Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation to support legal reviews and testimony.
· Internal Requests & Coordination:
- Address internal requests from officers and departmental units for video, photographs, and other media, review evidence, and provide case
- Maintain clear communication with investigators and command staff regarding evidence availability and processing status.
· Documentation & Record-Keeping:
- Maintain detailed logs and reports of all evidence handling activities, ensuring that records are accurate, up-to-date, and stored securely.
- Document any modifications, analyses, or transfers of evidence to preserve a clear audit trail and chain of custody.
· Equipment & Technology Management:
- Work closely with the IT department to ensure all systems and software used for evidence management are current and functional.
· Compliance & Training:
- Stay current with changes in state and federal regulations regarding evidence handling, MPIA requirements, and legal standards.
- Assist in training staff on best practices for handling and processing video, photographs, and other media evidence.
- Coordinate with the City of Bowie Attorney regarding the release of evidence and identify key information, enhance, block, or blur sensitive images as
- Incumbent will complete all other duties as
Minimum Qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED equivalent;
- Able to successfully pass background check and drug/alcohol
Preferred Qualifications:
- Associate or Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice, Information Technology, or a related field;
- Previous experience in law enforcement, evidence management, or analysis; Proficiency with photography, video, and other media editing/uploading and analytical software;
- Understanding of MPIA regulations and legal protocol related to evidence
SALARY: $30.16 per hour ($62,736 annually)
HOW TO APPLY: Please visit the City’s website at: www.cityofbowie.org and click on the Employment link. We are only accepting electronic applications submitted through BambooHR.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Friday, March 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
The City of Bowie is a drug and alcohol-testing employer; EOE