Video Unit Manager

Division/Unit: Video Unit

Civil Service Title: Chief Investigating Accountant

Position Title: Video Unit Manager

Salary Range: $100,000 - $115,000

Job Description:
The New York County District Attorney's Office (DANY) is seeking a Video Unit Manager for its Investigation Bureau. The Video Unit Manager will serve as the subject matter expert in digital forensic video analysis and provide technical support for audio/visual equipment handling, with a focus on evidence management. The Video Unit is responsible for managing forensic equipment, including the acquisition, processing, and analysis of video evidence for investigations and court proceedings. The unit ensures secure evidence handling and compliance with chain-of-custody protocols, supporting various cases such as criminal, street, and sex crimes.

Reporting to the Chief of the Investigation Bureau, the Video Unit Manager will lead a team of technical experts, including supervisors and analysts, overseeing operations to ensure the timely and efficient processing of video evidence. The Video Unit consists of skilled supervisors and analysts responsible for various audio-visual tasks, including but not limited to transporting and setting up equipment for trials and investigations; performing routine preventive maintenance; maintaining inventory records; supporting Assistant District Attorneys by operating audio-visual equipment and ensuring evidence integrity through proper chain of custody; making audio and video duplicates; conducting redactions; providing training on handling audio/visual evidence; conducting video recordings of statements and crime scenes; processing evidence in the field; maintaining accurate records; and managing repairs to audio/video equipment related to evidence. The Manager will also review and update protocols to drive continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with best practices and maintaining compliance.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic leadership for the Digital Forensic Video Analyst team members—supervisors and analysts, aligning efforts with departmental goals while overseeing productivity and resource allocation.
• Ensure compliance with departmental guidelines and manage updates to protocols and procedures to enhance efficiency and best practices.
• Evaluate departmental protocols for continuous improvement while adhering to best practices and organizational standards.
• Oversee the repair and maintenance of audio-visual and video production equipment, ensuring optimal functionality for investigative and courtroom use.
• Develop and implement training programs that ensure team proficiency in necessary licenses, certifications, and emerging technologies, fostering professional growth.
• Manage complex team schedules and review staff performance, ensuring all staff and functions align with their tasks and standards, and are evaluated on a yearly basis to effectively utilize resources and meet operational demands.
• Supervise and provide overall guidance to the supervisors in managing the Investigation Bureau and Video Unit Requests dashboard. Ensure work assignments are clearly defined, prioritized, and allocated based on resources and urgency. Collaborate with department leadership and Executive Management to align tasks with the Office’s priorities and ensure effective completion.
• Collaborate with HR on recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure staffing needs are met, facilitating onboarding and training for new hires.
• Serve as the subject matter expert in digital forensic video analysis, providing technical support and guidance for timely evidence processing. Offer expert consultation on forensic video handling and, if needed, serve as an expert witness in court.
• Design and implement a structured training program to standardize processes, build technical skills, and support staff development. Oversee cross-training and promote collaboration to ensure continuity and effective operations.
• Coordinate resources to support Assistant District Attorneys (ADAs) in trial preparations, collaborating with IT for comprehensive solutions.
• Oversee the recovery of body-worn camera videos for court presentations and provide necessary training on usage and procedures.
• Ensure proper compliance with the collective bargaining agreement. Address concerns and issues by consulting with HR and the union to ensure consistent application of city regulations and policies.
• Perform other managerial duties as required.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

• A baccalaureate degree from an accredited college, including or supplemented by 24 semester credits in one or a combination of the following areas of study: electronics technology, television production, broadcast communications, film production, or audio production and three (3) years of extensive experience in digital forensic video analysis, including working with audio-visual equipment, video editing, and evidence recovery; or
• A four-year high school diploma or its educational equivalent and seven (7) years of satisfactory, full-time work as a media services technician at the Offices of the District Attorneys (DA), with at least 18 months in an administrative, managerial, executive, or supervisory capacity. The supervisory work must have involved supervising staff performing media services technician duties for DA offices.
• Minimum seven (7) years of extensive experience in digital forensic video analysis, including working with audio-visual equipment, video editing, and evidence recovery.

License Requirements:

• Valid motor vehicle driver’s license in good standing for transportation of equipment as needed.

Preferred Requirements/Skills:

• Proven hands-on leadership skills with the ability to manage, mentor, and support a team of technical professionals.
• Strong technical knowledge of video and audio equipment, maintenance procedures, and troubleshooting.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills, particularly when managing evidence and equipment.
• Valid New York State Notary Public commission.
• LEVA Level 1 and 2 certifications.
• Ability to stay current with new audio-visual and video technologies and provide guidance to team members on best practices.

How to Apply:

• Apply with a Cover Letter and Resume.

Hours/Shift:

• Monday - Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.

Additional Information:

• Current office employees: To be eligible for a transfer or promotion, staff must have already served at least one (1) year in their current unit/bureau/department and be in good standing. In addition, must meet the minimum and additional qualifications of the position.
• Authorization to work in the United States is required for this position.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Residency Requirement:

• New York City residency is generally required within 90 days of appointment. However, City Employees in certain titles who have worked for the City for 2 continuous years may also be eligible to reside in Nassau, Suffolk, Putnam, Westchester, Rockland, or Orange County. To determine if the residency requirement applies to you, please discuss with the agency representative at the time of interview.

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.