Digital Download Technician - Digital Forensic Investigation Unit

Applications are sought from staff wishing to seek a new career within digital forensics. Mobile digital devices can provide evidence or intelligence in nearly all investigations, often providing the crucial information which leads to a successful resolution. The prevalence and complexity of mobile devices has led the constabulary to invest in a new team to meet the phone and mobile digital device download demand. The new team of 7 technicians will be responsible for assisting in the processing of 8000+ digital devices which are submitted each year.

The role of the Digital Download Technician is an exciting opportunity for those wishing to gain experience within the world of digital forensics. Successful candidates will be required to attend a digital forensic course that will provide the knowledge and skills required to download digital mobile devices and create a report detailing information extracted from a device.

Successful candidates will be responsible for the following -

Preserve and retrieve data from digital devices in accordance with national guidelines, utilizing bespoke software.
Process recovered data into a form suitable for examination of evidential content in accordance with best practice and produce resulting information in a form which can be readily understood, evaluated and where applicable, be used as evidence.
Maintain an appropriate investigation log of activity and produce detailed statements.
To act as an advisor to colleagues utilising digital device extraction software, regarding digital evidence recovery and examinations.
Present evidence in court which is technically correct in a manner that a lay person may understand
On a day-to-day basis, the post holder will be responsible for the examination of a multitude of digital devices in a methodical manner in order to extract and record data in accordance with MoPI (Management of Police Information)
Presenting a product in an evidential format to the OIC, CPS and courts. A detailed log of any examination will be recorded in order for others to replicate work when required.
The post holder will be responsible for liaising with officers requesting digital device examinations in order to provide guidance on investigations relating to the recovery of digital evidence.
The work will require the post holder to be innovative, enthusiastic, have a can-do, flexible approach and committed to maintaining a good subject knowledge.
The Digital Forensic Units are currently working towards achieving ISO 17025 accreditation throughout the department and the successful candidate will assist in the process by completing quality-based tasks.

In addition to the above, Digital Download Technicians may be required to travel throughout the county to collect mobile devices for examination, return devices that have been examined, perform software/hardware, maintenance, etc. Therefore, candidates will be required to hold a full driving licence and may be required to complete a driving assessment.

The role of a Digital Download Technician will be a demanding but exciting role with the chance to make a real difference to the effectiveness of investigations and safeguarding. You will report into one of the Digital Forensic Investigation Unit Managers/SGT’s, but will need to be able to work unsupervised, be self-motivated and innovative. Passion and experience within the field of technology is desirable, but full training will be provided.

This post has a shift pattern consisting of an early, late and weekend cover. Candidates will initially be requested to work Monday to Friday 08:00 - 16:00, whilst training is completed and the unit is brought up to strength. Please see attached shift pattern for confirmation of hours.

As this is a new role, there is no template for what it looks like, however the following key skills would be desirable:

Experience with using digital device extraction software.
Knowledge of ISO 17025 accreditation
Knowledge and experience of Police investigations (including exhibits handling, evidence case preparation and disclosure).

Successful candidates will be provided with full training and therefore experience in the above is desirable but not essential.

To apply, please provide evidence against the following CVF areas. Consider using the acronym S.T.A.R (Situation, Task, Action, Result) when structuring your answers and providing specific examples (minimum of 500 words and no more than 250 words per individual CVF):

Minimum Entry Requirements (500 words)

We Take Ownership
We Analyse Critically
We Deliver, Support and Inspire
We are Collaborative

A short 250 words resume of your career to date will also be helpful but will not be scored

If you are successful at shortlisting, you will be expected to provide evidence against all CVF’s at interview stage.

The role will be based at Herts HQ, but will involve travel across the county.

If you would like to find out more about the role, please contact D.S. Glen Turrell-Oldacre - glen.turrell-oldacre@herts.police.uk

Additional Information

All internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period to apply for this role.

Internal applicants within Hertfordshire Constabulary should upload either a CV or provide relevant skills, experiences and qualifications on Word/PDF document.

This vacancy is live to those at risk of redundancy and will remain open to redeployees until a conditional offer has been agreed with a successful candidate. Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any point during the recruitment process up until an appointment is offered. If a redeployee does apply and is successful, they will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions.

As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’.

It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed.