Police FOIA Specialist I

Abacus Staffing, a leading provider of comprehensive employment/placement

solutions, is seeking market talent. We offer meaningful and long-term employment

opportunities, a competitive pay structure and outstanding customer service to a

workforce of more than 20,000, nationally.

Title: Police FOIA Specialist I

Payrate: $21.48 per hour

Location: Virginia Beach

Job Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented and highly organized Police FOIA Specialist I to support law enforcement records management and public information requests. This position is responsible for processing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, subpoenas, court orders, and related records requests while ensuring compliance with applicable laws, policies, and confidentiality requirements.

The ideal candidate will possess strong research, analytical, and communication skills, with the ability to review sensitive law enforcement records, apply legal exemptions, and perform accurate redactions.

Responsibilities

• Respond to FOIA requests received through email, phone, fax, USPS mail, in-person requests, and the GovQA portal.
• Process and respond to:
• Subpoena duces tecum requests
• Guardian ad litem orders
• Motions for discovery
• Federal subpoenas
• Court orders
• Requests from law enforcement agencies
• Government agency requests
• Child Protective Services requests
• Body Worn Camera (BWC) footage requests
• Interpret the Freedom of Information Act, applicable exemptions, and related legal requirements.
• Review, redact, and release records in accordance with policy and law.
• Maintain current knowledge of changes to the Virginia State Code and applicable regulations.
• Coordinate with internal departments and external agencies to gather information needed to fulfill requests.
• Research and review records including:
• Police reports
• Officer notes
• Body Worn Camera video
• Dash-cam and in-car video
• Service calls
• Arrest records
• Case files
• Determine release eligibility and ensure compliance with department policies and legal requirements.
• Track and respond to requests within required deadlines.
• Communicate professionally with police personnel, courts, attorneys, government agencies, and the public.
• Prepare cost estimates for records requests in accordance with department policy.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned based on departmental needs and workload demands.

Minimum Qualifications

• Any combination of education above the high school level and/or experience equivalent to four (4) years in positions requiring:
• Research and information gathering
• Records review and analysis
• Report preparation
• Interpretation of policies, procedures, or regulations
• Strong attention to detail and ability to handle confidential information.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with computer applications and electronic records systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply legal requirements, policies, and procedures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a law enforcement, legal, government, records management, or FOIA-related environment.
• Experience reviewing and redacting sensitive documents and video evidence.
• Knowledge of public records laws and records retention policies.

Additional Requirements

• Successful completion of all applicable background investigations and screening requirements.
• CJIS/VCIN/NCIC certification is required or must be obtained and maintained as required by the department.
• Must successfully pass all department-required screenings, including criminal history checks and other applicable employment verifications.

Skills & Competencies

• Critical thinking and research abilities
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Legal and policy interpretation
• Records management and documentation
• Attention to detail and accuracy
• Professional judgment and confidentiality
• Customer service and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple requests and deadlines

Weekly pay and benefits available!

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