Police Records Disclosure Specialist

Under the direction of a supervisor, the Police Records Disclosure Specialist analyzes, processes, and responds to requests for public records in the Police Department. This position reviews requests, seeks out clari?cation and additional information when necessary, and determines the appropriate records that should be released or exempted from disclosure under the Public Records Act, state law, Model Rules published by the State Attorney General, and the City’s policies and procedures. This role will regularly consult and collaborate with legal and other public records staff throughout the City. Police Records Disclosure Specialists provide access to police records to keep the community informed about governmental actions and decisions, promoting transparency and increasing confidence in public institutions. The Police Records Disclosure Specialists are at the same time are mindful of the right individuals have to privacy.
We are looking for a service-oriented individual to join our team of dedicated individuals who take pride in public service and will support the vision of our Unit; Quality – Efficient – Support. Police Records Disclosure Specialists report to a Police Records Supervisor and are key members of the Police Administrative Services Division assigned to the Records Unit.
The Bellevue Police Department has 186 commissioned officers and 48 professional staff serving a
city of more than 144,000 residents. The Bellevue Police Department mission statement is "To provide
a safe place to live, work, and visit through quality law enforcement practices delivered by dedicated
professionals. We focus our efforts and resources to Reduce Crime, Reduce the Fear of Crime, and
Enhance the Quality of Life for all who call Bellevue home."

Performs duties and responsibilities commensurate with assigned functional area which may include any combination of the following tasks:

• Serves as a point of contact for the public, assisting in accessing information and records; fosters cooperative relationships; exhibits and supports a positive culture of transparency.
• Performs special projects and other work as assigned.
• Creates exemption logs citing the reasons for and statutes relied upon when redacting or withholding exempt information.
• Locates, gathers, and organizes large volumes of records.
• Researches, interprets, and remains current on all relevant Revised Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), federal regulations, and case law regarding public disclosure as communicated by Assistant City Attorney / Police Legal Advisor and attends trainings on such issues.
• Communicates with requestors to provide “fullest assistance” to and “most timely possible action” on public disclosure requests, including clarifying and prioritizing elements of the requests, negotiating reasonable timeframes for response, and memorializing the communications in writing.
• Evaluates, analyzes, and redacts information contained within public records in different formats (digital and physical), including audio and video records that may be exempt from disclosure.
• Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
• Consults, collaborates, and coordinates with City Public Records of?ce, Supervisor, and Assistant City Attorney / Police Legal Advisor regarding public disclosure when necessary.
• Reviews and responds to records requests to ensure they are responsive and complete; makes independent and accurate determinations regarding application of statutory exemptions; creates documentation substantiating application of statutory exemptions; discloses public records consistent with legal and policy mandates.

• Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, working both independently and cooperatively with others.
• Ability to document information, research, and resources.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to the public and staff.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Skill in handling multiple and competing deadlines and priorities.
• Ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation of search for requested records, including timeline, communications, documents provided, and exemptions or redacted materials. Extensive skill in analyzing and organizing complex data; including large volumes of information under strict legal deadlines.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with requestors and to provide timely responses.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation required to compose and proofread written documents and correspondence.
• Ability to resolve issues and concerns.
• Ability to preserve confidentiality and integrity of records.
• Knowledge of public disclosure under the Washington State Public Records Act. Knowledge of applicable codes, laws and regulations including Required Code of Washington (RCW), Washington Administrative Codes (WACs), and applicable case law and information. Knowledge of and demonstrated skill in the use of computer applications such as Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Word, Excel, and Access) and Adobe Acrobat.
• Skill in working with complex records/information and in interpreting rules, regulations, and policies.

• Washington State Access Certification required (or ability to obtain within six months of hire) and maintain certification throughout the course of this assignment with the department.
• High school diploma or GED
• Three years of experience in records/information management and familiarity in reviewing confidential data and working within the public sector or law enforcement.
• Driver’s License may be required.