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Police Records Disclosure Specialist

City of Bellevue | Bellevue, WA

Posted Date 6/16/2025
Description 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 clarifcation 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:
  • Locates, gathers, and organizes large volumes of records.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Creates exemption logs citing the reasons for and statutes relied upon when redacting or withholding exempt information.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Consults, collaborates, and coordinates with City Public Records office, Supervisor, and Assistant City Attorney / Police Legal Advisor regarding public disclosure when necessary.
  • 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.
  • Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Skill in working with complex records/information and in interpreting rules, regulations, and policies.
  • Skill in handling multiple and competing deadlines and priorities.
  • Ability to manage multiple requests simultaneously and maintain attention to detail.
  • Ability to document information, research, and resources.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with requestors and to provide timely responses.
  • Ability to resolve issues and concerns.
  • Ability to preserve confidentiality and integrity of records.
  • Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing to the public and staff.
  • Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
  • English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation required to compose and proofread written documents and correspondence.
  • Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, working both independently and cooperatively with others.
Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Driver’s License may be required.
  • Applicants must be 18 years of age who can read and speak fluent English and either:
    • A US citizen, or
    • A lawful permanent resident, or
    • A Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient with employment authorization from USCIS.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
  • Customer Focus: We are focused on the needs of the customer, and on developing strong relationships with our customers.
  • Instills Trust: Through authenticity, integrity, and honesty, we gain the trust and respect of all of those with whom we work.
  • Communicates Effectively: We understand the need to develop multimode forms of communication to address the needs of all the audiences with whom we are engaging. Cultivates Innovation: We are focused on generating new and creative ways for our organization to be successful.
  • Values Differences: Recognizing the value that different perspectives and cultures bring to an organization.
Drug Use
The use of illegal drugs referred to in this acknowledgement means the use of drugs which are unlawful under the provisions of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act in this state or its equivalent in any other jurisdiction. (Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.) Simple possession of most of the following substances will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may be grounds for disqualification. Note that any use or abuse of drugs may be grounds for disqualification or contribute to rejection during the background investigation; these are merely the automatic disqualifiers. Please call the Personnel Services Unit before applying if you are unsure if the standard applies to you. The City of Bellevue is a Drug Free Workplace.

The following drug involvement will be disqualifying:
Usage:
  • Any use of heroin,
  • Any possession or use of GHB or any other “date rape” drug, including giving it to others,
  • Any use of any illegal drug within three years of application* (Excludes marijuana which is addressed below.)
  • Misuse of Prescription drugs will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
  • Any use of illegal drugs (other than marijuana) since applying to, or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies). Please note that while many states have decriminalized marijuana, it is still federally illegal and police officers are expected to adhere to all laws and regulations, on and off duty.
Distribution/Manufacturing/Sales:
  • Any participation in, or allowing of, the manufacture, selling, offering to sell, cultivation, warehousing, distribution, holding or transporting for another, transporting for sale, or financing of any illegal drugs/narcotics within five years of application*, including extraction and concentration of THC oils from marijuana for the production of “honey,” “wax,” “dabs,” or any other THC concentrate,
  • Any distribution of illegal drugs or illegal distribution of marijuana since applying* to, and/or while employed by, any law enforcement agency (including military police agencies),
Forged/Abused Prescriptions:
  • Any prescription forgery, prosecuted, undetected or otherwise, within five years of application*
Criminal Violations
The following will be disqualifying:
  • Any adult felony conviction.
  • Any juvenile felony conviction within the past five years.
  • Any misdemeanor conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude.
  • Commission of any crime of violence, including domestic violence.
  • Commission of any sexual offense within the past five years.
  • Any conviction of a felony crime at any time while employed in any capacity with a Law Enforcement Agency (including volunteer, intern, and reserve positions).
  • Any single theft of property or money in excess of $100 value within the past five years.
Salary71,882.37 - 91,742.16 Annual
Field
Police
Highest Educational Degree Required
High school diploma

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