|
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania |
|
|
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING |
|
|
Position Number: 00229062 |
Description Activated On: 4/15/2026 7:44:29 AM |
Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively. Process Right-to-Know, Subpoena and various other requests for Department investigative reports, personnel records, training materials and regulations. Makes independent approval/denial determinations as to the release of requested materials, and is knowledgeable in Department regulations and procedures, as well as state and federal legislation and court decisions. |
|
Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor. 35% Serves as a Deputy Agency Open Records Officer. Receives Right-to-Know request, maintains logs, calculates appropriate time period, tracks responses, issues interim and final responses, and maintains electronic or paper copy responses of request for public information as a processor of the Right-to-Know Act. The duties will require advanced legal review and analysis of the requests to determine the legality and scope of the requests. Directs Right-to-Know request to other appropriate agencies and recovers public records from third parties when necessary. Approves or Denies access to public records. Serve as point of contact for Department of Treasury under the provisions of Chapter 17 of Act 3 of 2008. Processes Act 22 Requests for Mobile Video Recordings, subpoenas for the Department, and Crime Victim’s Rights Act Requests. 20% Researches and gathers information for records requested in "Right to Know" request through verbal and/or written correspondence with the assigned Bureau and Troop RTKL Coordinators. Reviews gathered information and reports for completeness and is responsible for independent approval or denial of requested material and provide requested documents to requestors of records. As such, this position must remain knowledgeable and current of relevant State and Federal legislation and court decisions as well as Department and other agencies' regulations, policies and procedures. Conducting extensive research into the variables associated in complying with said requests is of paramount importance. This position will be available for all court proceedings and will provide relevant expert testimony in conjunction with actions taken. 10% Receives subpoenas for Department personnel and records relative to vehicular crash investigations, patrol-related incidents, criminal activity, personnel records, and department administration regulations, operations manuals and training materials. Logs all subpoenas and monitors deadlines to ensure requested records are provided in a timely manner, comprehend and interprets subpoenas, legal documents and requests for conformance to legal requirements. Additionally determines to whom copies must be provided to ensure provision of records and/or photographs. When necessary, attorney of record is contacted to obtain additional information for compliance with subpoena. 5% Handles sensitive and confidential records consistent with Departmental regulations and proper application of the law, applies appropriate case law and statutory guidelines. Critical high level legal decision making must occur. Redacts information that is exempt from disclosure or according to 65 P.S. § 67.706. Prepares and forwards appealed files to the Office of Open Records. 5% Contacts and advises attorneys of record of discrepancies, time compliance issues, and when requested records cannot be provided due to ongoing investigation(s) and objections by prosecuting attorneys. Additionally, interacts with all organizational segments of the Department and various other agencies by telephone or correspondence to resolve questions and problems associated with processing of subpoenas or requests. When required, prepares files for the Office of Chief Counsel containing case summaries, all pertinent facts and information, along with recommendations for compliance or denial of information. Returns improperly executed and/or served subpoenas to issuing attorneys, with an explanation of proper subpoena procedures. 5% Works directly with District Attorneys and United States Attorneys to determine what documents (if any) are to be released to defense counsel when subpoenas are received. Consults with the Office of Chief Counsel and Department Bureau Directors to determine the release of Specialized documents, evidence, and procedures, such as in-depth laboratory requests and for radar and speed detection data. 5% Conducts extensive research on State and Federal legislation and court decisions and prepares Points of law and memorandums for the Office of Chief Counsel. Ensures Department policies and procedures are properly maintained and up to date. Makes chain-of-command aware of any points of interest and if necessary changes required. 5% Proofreads and inspects varying types of materials to ensure that the information is accurate, grammatically correct, complete, consistent and adheres to department rules and regulations. 5% Maintains and monitors accounts payable database (including those provided for copying and photographic services); receives, records and processes payments for services provided, and corresponds with delinquent account holders. 5% Performs other related duties as required. |
Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature. As authorized by Department regulations and legislative statues, is responsible for the independent approval or denial of a Right to Know request or subpoena by determining the validity of the Right to Know request or subpoena, the type of records and information for release, and reasonableness as to compliance date. Discusses or refers unique questionable matters with supervisor or Office of Chief Counsel such as letters challenging decisions not to release a report. Case summaries are then prepared and submitted for review. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License Experience: Licenses, registrations, or certifications: 1. N/A 2. N/A 3. N/A 4. 5. 6. |
||||||||||||||||||||
Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.
|