Digital Evidence Specialist

Under general supervision, the Digital Evidence Specialist provides E-Discovery and trial assistance by obtaining, compiling, processing and maintaining digital evidence. Works with multiple video systems from local law enforcement agencies to obtain digital media information. Maintains physical evidence related to ongoing trials. Assists attorneys with evidence retention, trial preparation, and provides training for users on applicable technology.

Job Responsibilities

Essential functions, as defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include any of the followingrepresentative duties, knowledge, and skills. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and duties performed by incumbents of this class. Employees are required to be in attendance and prepared to begin work at their assigned work location on the specified days and hours. Factors such as regular attendance at the job are not routinely listed in job descriptions, but are an essential function. Essential duties and responsibilities may include, but are not limited to, the following:

Proactively initiate case evidence for attorneys. Obtains, compiles, processes and tracks a variety of electronic evidence digital from applicable law enforcement agencies or other sources. Digital evidence may include copies of squad car, interview room, body cam and third party videos, audio recordings including 911 calls, and still photographs.

Inventories, organizes and logs incoming digital evidence. Adheres to procedures that ensure proper handling of sensitive digital evidence.

Converts digital media formatting as required for editing, redacting, or displaying.

Redacts protected and/or sensitive material from digital media as directed by attorney.

Edits digital material for length and relevance. Synchronizes audio and video clips with written transcripts.

Provides subject matter expertise and technical support to legal staff in relation to issues arising from accessing and/or viewing digital evidence. Acts as liaison with Information Technology staff and Attorney?s Office regarding E-Discovery technical needs including network storage concerns and maintenance and upgrades for equipment. Provides direction and finds solutions for questions and issues involving digital evidence.

Supports trial attorneys with the preparation of digital and/or physical evidence and works with them to develop plans for trial or hearings using a courtroom presentation system.

Collaborates with other governmental offices to design and create exhibits for trials and/or hearings.

Communicates with defense attorneys to schedule appointments for digital media viewing. Duplicates digital media as necessary.

Provides training for attorneys and support staff in use of technology related to digital evidence.

Keeps up-to-date on changes in technology related to E-discovery.

Stores, retrieves, secures, accesses, and implements the chain of custody and maintenance of records of all evidentiary, including physical, property from all law enforcement agencies; verifies proper packaging to ensure integrity of all property and evidence in accordance with State law and court orders.

Logs physical evidence in and out of the evidence room and makes notes in judicial dialog; verifies all evidence is sealed, dated, and initialed by the requesting attorney before sending back to law enforcement agency.

Manages and maintains the organization of the evidence room; sorts through evidence from closed cases and verifies it is ready to be returned to original agency; calls agencies coordinate the pickup of returned evidence.

Demonstrates the ability to exemplify, by his/her actions, the County PRIDE philosophy.

Performs related duties as assigned.

Standards for Initial Consideration

Education, Training, and Experience Guidelines
Associate?s degree in information technology, computer science, paralegal studies or criminal justice; AND three years of experience in the legal industry or technical field OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge of:
State and Federal electronic document filing and retrieval.

Applicable local, State, and Federal laws, codes, regulations, and ordinances.

General office practices, procedures, and Microsoft programs.

Substantive and procedural law.

Judicial system, laws, and court proceedings.

Investigative and research techniques.

Legal terminology.

Research techniques and resources.

Chain of custody and evidence handling regulations and protocols.

Legal research software and resources.

Utilizing digital media applications for recovery, retrieving and storing data.

Retrieval of body cam squad video.

Inventory systems, data storage, data storage and retrieval systems.

Records maintenance and retention policies and procedures.

Customer service principles, practices, and etiquette.

Skill in:
Reviewing and editing multi-media files.

Working effectively with little or no direct supervision.

Prioritizing and multi-tasking work to meet deadlines.

Maintaining accurate records, documentation, and filing systems.

Handling and maintaining the confidentiality of files and information.

Interacting tactfully and professionally with County staff, outside agencies, and the public.

Establishing and maintaining cooperative working relationships.

Communicating effectively verbally and in writing.

Benefits

The following is a summary of benefits provided to non-union County employees. Benefits for employees covered under a collective bargaining agreement may vary somewhat depending on specific contract provisions.

• Scott County Employment Benefits