TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE SPECIALIST

TECHNICAL SURVEILLANCE SPECIALIST

South Fulton, GA Job Details Full-time $70,472.50 a year 1 day ago Qualifications Driver's License Bachelor's degree Full Job Description

GENERAL STATEMENT OF JOB

The incumbent of this position serves as a technical surveillance specialist (electronics specialist) in the City of South Fulton Police Department. As such, the incumbent is responsible for coordinating all technical activities relating to law enforcement clandestine technologies and operations for the City of South Fulton Police Department.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Functions:

Serves as an expert source of technical electronics program knowledge and support for The Technical Operations Section. The incumbent interprets and adapts broad policies for the agency, taking into account knowledge of the local conditions and specific enforcement operations. Develops operating guidance and maintenance procedures for the SFPD. Coordinates with SFPD management officials on projected covert electronics systems, current and planned capabilities, cost/benefit questions, etc.; furnishes technical leadership, review, and problem-solving assistance to surveillance system users, the Chief of Police or his designee, and representatives of other Federal, State, local, and foreign law enforcement agencies. Directly participates with police officers and investigators in utilizing technical surveillance techniques (these techniques include but are not limited to: photo and video surveillance, surveillance vehicles, technical installations in a high-voltage environment, body worn transmitters and receivers, tracking devices, video over IP applications, microwave systems, pole cameras, pen registers, Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)-based intercepts, Title-Ill intercepts, covert installations, digital video recorders (DVR), network video recorders (NVR), and video management software, etc.) to gather evidence in support of criminal investigations and other enforcement operations. Attends and receives briefings concerning the objectives of specific investigations, available intelligence on identified suspects, and the evidence collection requirements for the activity, all of which must be documented. At briefings, provides options and recommendations pertaining to technical electronics support. Reviews affidavits and court orders prior to conducting technical surveillance activities to ensure appropriateness of techniques being used. Assists the Fulton County District Attorney'sOffice in the preparation of applications and court orders in order to maximize the effectiveness of electronic surveillance methods. When necessary, makes recommendations for alternative techniques. Repairs systems and equipment to include detecting and diagnosing malfunctions, tearing down equipment, repairing or replacing parts or components, or aligning, calibrating and testing the modified or repaired equipment. Performing preventative and corrective maintenance to keep equipment and systems in reliable conditions; installing equipment in accordance with plans, specifications, and detailed instructions, and reinstalling repaired or modified systems. Evaluates the objectives required to plan the implementation of technical surveillance activities. Conducts physical site surveys to determine the procedures required to use technical surveillance to obtain evidence that will be admissible in a court of law. Monitors all legislative and judicial actions that may impact SFPD surveillance operations, including court decisions, legislative initiatives and conflicting State statutes. Develops written operational plans that document the best technical electronic options for the specific investigation(s). Presents recommendations to SFPD police officers/investigators/detectives, and other law enforcement agencies as the case may dictate. Prepares reports detailing the technical surveillance procedures used during the course of an investigation. Gathers, handles, records and files evidence with the appropriate custodian as required by SFPD directives. Fabricates electronic equipment in accordance with plans, specifications, and instructions, including constructing, assembling, arranging, mounting, or wiring electronic parts and components and making measurements to diagnose malfunctions to ensure equipment operates within prescribed standards. Designs, acquires, assembles, modifies, tests, and prepares technical surveillance equipment for installation. Conducts covert installations in a variety of undercover locations (e.g. vehicles, apartments, warehouses, etc.). Accompanies and assists special agents or other law enforcement personnel in making court¬ authorized entries into a suspect's property (e.g., house, office, warehouse, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, etc.) to install, adjust, repair, or recover any number of surveillance devices such as telephone intercept equipment (to include complex T-III intercepts), CALEA-based intercepts, video cameras, microphones, microwave transmitters, and tracking devices, etc., either singularly or in combination, to obtain desired results. May pose as a maintenance employee, radio technician, or utility employee to mask their identity when conducting surveillance, site surveys and installations. The incumbent testifies on behalf of the Government in criminal prosecutions as a result of the technical surveillance equipment support that was provided during the investigation. Interprets the effect of broad law enforcement policies, applicable State and Federal statutes, SFPD directives and legal concerns on technical surveillance activities, systems, and functions. Develops operating guidance for field units regarding these issues. Prepares technical surveillance bulletins to notify police officers/investigators/detectives of the techniques used by criminals to subvert technical surveillance evidence gathering by law enforcement. Surveys and analyzes the technical surveillance needs of SFPD's law enforcement program through the compilation of available data, degree of utilization, and the nature of problems that are particular to their enforcement mission. Applies specialized knowledge and expertise to formulate new ideas and evaluate potential uses of new state-of-the-art technical surveillance equipment in the SFPD law enforcement environment. Continually evaluates the effectiveness of SFPD's specialized electronic/technical surveillance equipment through a variety of activities. Conducts analytical studies to establish and document standardized maintenance procedures, and reviews current procedures and operations to ensure that they are sufficient to meet the needs of SFPD's law enforcement operations. Makes recommendations for improved operational effectiveness. Analyzes current systems at the operational level in order to develop data required for long-term planning. Consults with police officers/investigators/detectives; conducts surveys to review usage rates, determine cost benefits, and operational considerations such as ease of usage, adaptability to varying situations, ease of modification, environmental conditions, etc. Routinely furnishes information and suggestions to SFPD Command for system changes that will maintain a state-of-the-art posture for the department. Independently presents detailed observations, findings, and recommendations orally or in writing to SFPD Command regarding the enhancement of efficiency through modification or application of the departments electronic/technical surveillance systems. Through the use of scientific and technological advances, develops and designs modifications, expansions, and improvements to electronic/technical surveillance investigative equipment based upon the law enforcement mission. Formulates plans and conducts tests on complex surveillance systems. Controls and coordinates the use of special purpose technical surveillance equipment. Establishes preventive maintenance schedules and standards. Conducts periodic maintenance on electronic/technical surveillance equipment in accordance with SFPD and equipment manufacturers policies and procedures. Provides electronic surveillance and technical communications support during Tier I events. Prepares and provides justifications for equipment requests and the impact the equipment will have upon the law enforcement mission. Prepares equipment evaluation input for the acquisition of new technical surveillance equipment. Coordinates with providers for emergency repairs, periodic maintenance, and the purchase of parts and supplies. Disposes of technical surveillance equipment in accordance with SFPD policy and procedures. Maintains accountability on assigned electronic/technical surveillance equipment. Maintains liaison and working relationships with public utility firms, State and local law enforcement agencies, and other Federal agencies in joint electronic projects or cases. Monitors the latest developments in the advancement of new technical surveillance techniques and devices. Represents SFPD in interagency training conferences, participates in seminars, and receives specialized training. Develops and implements technical training for SFPD on the application, operation, and use of technical surveillance equipment. Ensures that electronic/technical surveillance equipment is used correctly, and maximum utilization is derived. Serves as a liaison with other law enforcement agencies by sharing techniques and equipment to gather evidence for presentation in court. Performs other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Thorough knowledge of the laws, regulations, and restrictions that govern technical surveillance evidence gathering, and familiarity with Federal law enforcement and investigative operating parameters as they relate to the laws of arrest, search, and seizure. Expert knowledge of the techniques and theories characteristic of electronics, such as knowledge of basic electricity and electronic theory. Ability to utilize expert knowledge of a wide variety of state-of-the-art surveillance equipment and devices in planning and implementing law enforcement clandestine methods and procedures to support investigative activities. Expert knowledge of electronic equipment design, development, evaluation, testing, installation, and maintenance. Knowledge of Internet Protocol networking and networking equipment. Extensive knowledge of designing and analyzing circuits, determining design feasibility, evaluating equipment performance under varying environmental conditions, and collecting performance data. Ability to evaluate the adequacy of equipment for such purposes as repair, calibration, and testing. Ability to analyze and diagnose faults in the operational configuration of electronic systems and equipment and ability to interpret circuit wiring, logic cable diagrams, drawings, specifications and schematics of complete systems and equipment to understand the function and interconnections of the various assemblies and be able to troubleshoot the system. Requires significant expertise in and a professional knowledge of the theories, principles, practices, techniques, uses, and operation of electronic/technical surveillance equipment, and demonstrated experience indicating use of complex ES investigative techniques. Must possess demonstrated experience in technical support and use of ES equipment, to include, but not limited to, body worn transmitters and receivers, tracking devices, video over IP applications, microwave systems, pole cameras, pen registers, GALEA-based intercepts, Title-Ill intercepts, covert installations, video cameras, audio mixers, specialized communications equipment, electronic test equipment, and specialized tools. Ability to plan and direct the installation of complex systems and associated facilities, particularly where there are site selection and construction problems, dealing with contractors and public utilities, and the possible need to modify equipment for novel site characteristics. Knowledge of aerial devices or bucket trucks. Knowledge of the budgetary process, as it relates to proper use of SFPD funds. Knowledge of SFPD personal property inventory system, electronic surveillance use and inventory requirements, and technical surveillance equipment disposal, etc. Ability to develop positive working relationships with department personnel, other city employees, and representatives with other law enforcement agencies, community groups and the public. Ability to maintain absolutely confidentiality of information. Ability to organize projects and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines.

MINIMUM EDUCATION AND TRAINING

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Criminal Justice, Information Technology, Management Information Systems, or a related field. Any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that meets the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job will be considered. At least 1 year of Local, State, or Federal law enforcement experience is preferred; prior military intelligence training preferred. Do not have to be an active, current law enforcement officer. Requires a valid state driver's license with an acceptable driving history. Must operate a Government-owned vehicle. GA CDL license preferred. Prior experience with a Real Time Crime Center and covert video/audio systems preferred. This is a sensitive local government position. Employment for the selected candidate(s) is contingent upon the successful completion of a departmental background investigation to including criminal, credit and driver's history checks, polygraph examination, fingerprinting and drug screening.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND STANDARDS REQUIRED

Physical Requirements:

Physical Ability:

The incumbent must be in sound physical condition. The position requires moderate to heavy lifting, walking, climbing high ladders and antenna towers and radio towers, reaching locations via a bucket truck, bending, crouching, etc. These activities occur over prolonged periods of time during the installation, repair, and removal of surveillance systems in field environments. The position requires prolonged periods of sitting in surveillance vehicles. The work often requires long hours under stressful conditions. The position requires the incumbent to carry a cellular telephone and be on-call 24 hours a day.

Sensory Requirements:

Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate colors or shades of colors, sounds, taste, odor, depth, texture, and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors:

Work is performed in offices, shops, and the field. Installation, maintenance, and repair activities often take place outdoors or in isolated areas. The incumbent may frequently be required to work outdoors under a variety of climatic conditions. Frequent work conducting technical installations in a high-voltage environment.