Senior Law Enforcement Services Specialist - Promotional

This recruitment is promotional only. You must presently be a full or part-time regular or probationary County of Sonoma, Community Development Commission, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, or Sonoma County Water Agency employee to apply. Only qualified permanent and/or probationary Sheriff's Office employees on the eligible list may be considered for this position. This employment list may also be used to fill future full-time or part-time positions as they occur during the active status of the list.

About the Role

As a Senior Law Enforcement Services Specialist assigned to the Discovery Unit, you will support and coordinate the timely and accurate release of law enforcement records and evidence. You will work with the District Attorney's Office, Public Defender's Office, attorneys, members of the public, and partner law enforcement agencies to process requests for body-worn camera footage, photographs, dispatch audio recordings, reports, and other official records.

• Process subpoenas for records, track requests using multiple databases and spreadsheets, prepare invoices, collect applicable fees, and coordinate the delivery of subpoenas to Sheriff's Office personnel for appearances in criminal, civil, family, and traffic courts.
• Process and respond to Public Records Act requests and sealing juvenile court records.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and possesses many of the following:

• Experience working in a law enforcement field and/or with Superior Court databases
• Knowledge of the California Public Records Request Act and confidentiality requirements
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability to changing situations and the ability to reprioritize tasks
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to use databases and spreadsheets to enter and retrieve data
• Capability to remain calm in stressful situations and provide or elicit required information to/from involved parties
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and Adobe Acrobat
• Ability to uphold confidentiality

Requirements

Experience and Education

Any combination of training, experience, and education which would provide an opportunity to acquire the knowledge and abilities listed herein. Normally this would include:

• One year of experience as a Law Enforcement Services Specialist II or equivalent experience, or
• Two years of experience providing legal administrative support in a law enforcement agency.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must be willing to undergo and successfully complete a thorough background investigation conducted by the Sheriff’s Office.
• Must certify with the Department of Justice as Full Access Operators to inquire, enter, or update information through the CLETS and the NCIC.
• Depending on assignment, may require additional Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) certification or training in law enforcement records, property and evidence chain of custody, and Public Records Act reporting and response.
• May be assigned to work shift assignments in a 24-hour, seven-day a week law enforcement operations center and may rotate among day, swing, and graveyard shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Required to wear a uniform.

License

Possession of a valid driver's license at the appropriate level, including special endorsements as required by the State of California, may be required depending upon assignment. The advertised position does not require possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Related course work or training sponsored by the POST Commission is desirable.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Thorough Knowledge Of:

• Multiple automated criminal justice telecommunication systems and subsystems
• Public safety departmental procedures, the criminal justice system, and policies and procedures related to law enforcement records maintenance activities
• Legal documents, forms, and terminology
• General office practices and procedures including filing and the operation of standard office equipment
• Data processing principles and the use of word processing and personal computing equipment
• Standards and legal requirements of confidentiality and privacy
• A variety of code languages used in automated law enforcement data systems
• Penal, vehicle, civil, health and safety, welfare and institution, municipal, and other statutory codes and authorities
• Codes, ordinances, and legal procedures for coding, processing, and disseminating criminal history and incident information

Considerable Knowledge Of:

• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, and procedures related to the maintenance and processing of records
• Standard law enforcement information and record-keeping terminology, practices, and procedures
• Principles and techniques of automated information entry, retrieval, and records systems
• Methods and techniques for inventorying and record-keeping principles and procedures
• Organization, procedures, operating details, and legal provisions pertaining to the department
• Customer service principles, including handling irate and distressed people
• Computer applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and/or databases
• General English usage including style/format, grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Basic mathematics (for simple calculations)
• Telephone procedures and etiquette
• The basic functions and activities of a law enforcement agency

Ability To:

• Examine documents for completeness, sufficiency, and conformity
• Maintain accurate records
• Understand and interpret instructions, rules, regulations, and laws pertaining to the handling and maintenance of law enforcement records
• Maintain confidentiality of records, files, and related documents
• Work under steady pressure with frequent interruptions and a high degree of public and law enforcement contact by phone and in person
• Interpret laws, procedures, policies, and rules related to law enforcement administration
• Frequently use independent judgment related to records management and accuracy with high consequence of error
• Effectively deal with irate individuals in difficult situations
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions
• Make decisions in routine procedural matters
• Demonstrate good judgment while working within the guidelines of established policies and procedures
• Communicate clearly and effectively with people of all ages and backgrounds
• Establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with staff, public, and outside agencies
• Locate, identify, and correct technical inaccuracies
• Make accurate arithmetic calculations
• Operate a variety of office equipment

Selection Process

The selection procedure will include an Application and Supplemental Questionnaire Appraisal Examination (weight 100%) to evaluate each applicant's qualifications. Personally identifiable information (PII) is removed from applications to ensure a fair and unbiased evaluation process.

Additional Information

Being part of the Sheriff's Office requires a thorough background investigation process, which includes:

• Assessment of prior work history and verifying educational experiences
• Court reports, public records searches, and understanding past patterns relating to drug usage, financial patterns, etc.
• Gathering information from former employers, friends, family members, etc.
• Polygraphs, drug tests, and medical and physical examinations

This process can take anywhere from 3-5 months. Candidates must be honest and forthcoming about information that may arise during the background process. Deception during any portion of this process is grounds for disqualification, even after employment.