Audio/Visual Forensic Analyst

Summary Statement

The Arizona Department of Public Safety is seeking an experienced Audio/Visual Forensic Analyst. The successful candidatewill work under general supervision, perform forensic examination, extraction, clarification, and evaluation of audio and video media for use in criminal or administrative investigations and court proceedings. Perform related duties as assigned. This is a competitive classification.

This recruitment will be used to establish an 18-month eligibility list to fill current and future vacancies. Apply promptly, application period may close without notice.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

Written Exam - Weighted 20%

Qualifications Appraisal Board (QAB) - Weighted 80%

Please click here to review the Exam Plan with detailed information regarding the testing for this position.

Essential Functions (not intended to be all inclusive)

1.Disassembles, repairs, and reassembles audio and video tape media as needed to assist in evidence recovery.

2.Identify media that has been tampered with or altered.

3.Acquires working digital images/copies from a variety of information storage media such as videotapes, audiotapes, compact discs, DVDs, movie film, flash cards, etc.

4.Examines the contents of a storage medium in such a way as to preserve the integrity of the evidence.

5.Analyzes and extracts images and/or video of evidentiary value for details such as personal identification, clothing, footwear, vehicles, and other background information.

6.Prepares images and video for dissemination to approved entities.

7.Clarifies audio, video, and/or images in accordance with known best practices and forensic standards.

8.Prepares written reports of forensic examination findings to include procedures used, observations, analysis, and results of the examination.

9.Testifies in local, county, state, and federal courts as an expert witness.

10. Provides technical guidance and assistance to investigators, analysts, prosecutors, and others involved in the investigation as to the proper procedures to follow when seizing digital media.

11. Maintains copies of analysis results in accordance with retention standards.

12. Collects, transports, labels, and secures evidence from crime scenes and/or during forensic processing in accordance with established evidence-handling requirements.

13. Works with investigators and prosecutors to assist in the preparation of search warrants, investigative information, and cases for court purposes.

14. Validates hardware and software.

15. Remains current on job-specific procedures, laws, rules, and regulations through professional development courses, meetings, research, and job-related publications.

16. Prepares and presents a variety of training programs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Knowledge of:

1. applicable federal, state, county and/or city statutes, rules, regulations, ordinances, codes, administrative orders, case law, and Department policies and procedures.

2. major audio and video file formats.

3. media storage techniques, including digital and analog.

4. multiplex recordings, and how to isolate images in the various views.

5. compression of image files, and how the original image is affected by compression.

6. methods of forensic filtering in audio and video examinations.

7. types of noise and interference that are often encountered in acoustic and visual environments.

8. recording equipment, including cameras, lenses, infrared lighting, and microphones.

9. industry standard software as well as emerging changes.

10. how to identify and document evidence discovered during analysis relative to criminal justice investigations, organize findings, draw logical conclusions, and present findings in a concise, organized, and understandable manner following established reporting guidelines.

11. chain of custody and evidence storage procedures.

12. legal terminology, court processes, and providing expert testimony in support of analytical findings.

Skill in:

1. the use of computer hardware, keyboards, peripheral devices and word processing software, and audio and video software.

2. clear articulation of observations both verbally and in writing.

3. researching, gathering, organizing, analyzing data and drawing logical conclusions.

Ability to:

1. exercise sound judgment in safeguarding/disseminating confidential or sensitive information.

2. perform audio and video forensic examinations and extractions.

3. read, comprehend, and interpret complex information, including directions/instructions.

4. plan, organize, coordinate, and prioritize multiple tasks and projects to complete job functions in an orderly, efficient manner.

5. compose clear and concise analysis reports.

6. understand relevant legal terminology, chain of custody, and court processes and provide expert testimony in federal, state, and municipal courts in support of casework.

7. train and instruct others in the area of video and audio forensics.

8. maintain composure and work effectively under highly stressful conditions.

9. establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the assignment.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a high school diploma or GED and three (3) years of experience in audio/video forensics and/or computer programming, computer systems analysis, criminal investigations, intelligence analysis, or closely related experience. Possession of aLaw Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) certification or an equivalent certification from another organization may substitute for the required experience.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Work is primarily performed in an office setting.

May be required to carry up to 40 pounds.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid State of Arizona driver license.

Travel (in and out of state) may be required to perform certain work functions.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

Will be required to respond to crime scenes and work varying, irregular hours, or rotating shifts to include weekends, holidays, callouts, and overtime.

Must have or obtain Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) Forensic Video Technician certification within eighteen months (1.5 years) of hire.

Must have or obtain Law Enforcement & Emergency Services Video Association (LEVA) Video Analyst certification within five (5) years of hire.

Must successfully complete the examination process.

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Progression to the next pay step requires an overall performance rating of at least "Standard" in the last 12 months.