FOIA Coordinator - 1025171-6689

at University of Illinois in Urbana, Illinois, United States

Job Description

• • Conduct video redaction on requests for body-worn camera video records in compliance with the state of Illinois' Body-Worn Camera Act and FOIA.
• • Work within the University of Illinois Police Department's records management system and evidence drive to retrieve responsive records for transmission to the System FOIA office.
  • Coordinate with other Public Safety personnel to collect responsive records that may exist outside of traditional records management systems.
  • Develop a detailed knowledge of the state's laws on dissemination of public records including FOIA, the Body-Worn Camera Act, and the Juvenile Court Act, and how to apply those to law enforcement-specific situations.
  • Work with the Chief of Staff to explore and implement collaboration of FOIA best practices with other public universities and law enforcement agencies in Illinois. Assist the Training Division to develop FOIA-related training. Assist in the updating of FOIA-related departmental policies and procedures. Maintain proficiency in FOIA requirements by completing and passing the yearly FOIA Officer training as required by the Illinois Attorney General as well attending additional training as it relates to FOIA.
• • Deliver applicable records to those offices in a way that is consistent with state, federal and local laws.
  • Respond to public inquiries for information regarding police reports, accident reports and other matters; ensuring that the release of records follows state, federal and local laws.
  • Update online public information systems daily.
  • Perform other duties as assigned by the Administrative Lieutenant related to positive customer service experiences for university community members.
• • Coordinate with the University of Illinois FOIA Officer in the System office to receive, track and process all FOIA requests for Division of Public Safety records. Set priorities to ensure prompt compliance consistent with university processes and the law.
• • Coordinate with other university departments and organizations to meet their operational needs related to police records, including the University of Illinois System FOIA office, Title IX, and the Office for Student Conflict Resolution.

• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret FOIA documents and/or governmental regulations.
• Excellent problem-solving skills that require the ability to identify problems, gather data, establish facts, and present valid conclusions in response to problems.
• Analytical skills using a variety of software.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to develop good working relationships.
• Ability to work independently and use independent judgment and work as a team member; ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Excellent organizational and multi-tasking skills to produce accurate, detail-oriented work while meeting stringent deadlines.
• The ability to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
• Proficiency with video editing software, Microsoft computer programs (including Word, Excel, and Outlook) and Adobe Acrobat; demonstrated interest and knowledge of and aptitude for learning new software.
• Knowledge about state regulations and guidelines established by the Illinois Freedom of Information Act.
• Knowledge of any laws and/or regulations relating to police records such as, but not limited to LEADS, Law Enforcement Officer-Worn Body Camera Act (50 ILCS 706), Freedom of Information Act (5 ILCS 140/1), and the Illinois Attorney General's Binding PAC Opinions in regard to FOIAs.
• Ability to interpret and properly apply exemptions and redactions concerning all FOIA requests.