Digital Forensics Officer (Internal or only External Transferees)

This advert is only open for Transferees from other Police Forces.

To provide technical assistance within a laboratory environment or at crime scenes to investigating officers through the digital forensic investigation of computers, mobile phones and other digital data devices that have been or are suspected of being used in the commission of crime. Communicate verbal and written summaries of findings for investigating officers to review and make informed decisions as to how to progress inquiries. Provide evidential reports for the purpose of presenting evidence to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and Court.

Key responsibilities

Manage forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is maintained at all times;
Understand and follow Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025, FSR Code of Practice and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices;
To carryout Audits in line with ISO 17025 & Forensic Science Regulator requirements;
Manage case workload through the use of Socrates and VERSE Case Management systems;
Prepare evidential reports (which may include enhanced reports) upon completion of Digital Forensic Examinations;
Assist the development of staff through coaching/mentoring;
Be at the forefront of technical developments within Digital Forensics;
Assist in triage, seizure and retention of digital devices on a scene or within a laboratory environment for subsequent forensic examination;
Provide fact and procedural based evidence at Court as and when required; and to carry out any duties commensurate with the purpose of the post that may from time to time be determined.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential skills

Possess a willingness to learn how to examine digital devices in a methodical and precise way and have an aptitude for problem solving both at scene and laboratory;
Be conversant with common computer and mobile operating systems and have a keen interest in and understanding of computer systems and mobile devices;
Possess a willingness to learn how to dismantle computers and/or safely handle mobile devices for examination purposes, whilst maintaining accurate contemporaneous records. Identification, removal and safe handling of key computer and/or mobile device components;
Be willing to attend both residential and non-residential digital forensics training courses and work towards and complete an in-house DFU Competency Assessment
Be conversant with the ISO 17025, FSR standard, FSR Code of Practice and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence;
Ability to work on own initiative and take responsibility for own learning and development, with assistance from mentors and provided resources;
Be enthusiastic, hard-working and flexible
Digital Forensics Officers routinely deal with cases involving those in positions of trust or high-profile persons and therefore the post holder must be trustworthy, able to work discreetly and maintain confidentiality at all times.
Must have a full UK Driving Licence

Desirable Skills

Understanding of relevant commercial and open-source software tools applicable to the role;
Understanding of programming and/or scripting languages;
Understanding of other common operating systems such as OS X and Linux;
Experience and knowledge in performing Digital Forensic examinations and the impact they have on investigations; and have attended and passed an accredited training course relevant to Digital Forensic examination of computer and/or mobile device-based evidence.
Evidence of innovation and developing new technologies and/or ways of working to improve efficiency and processes.

Successful applicants must understand that as part of the Unit’s important work to safeguard children and investigate offenders, this role involves exposure to material and subject matter that may be of an obscene, offensive or distressing nature.

Hours of work: The post holder will be required to work a shift pattern that incorporates earlies, lates and weekends including bank holidays and from time to time outside of core shift hours. Core hours are 7am-10pm.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Interviews: TBD

Contact: For further information contact T/DS Cameron Bennett cameron.bennett@westmidlands.police.uk

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

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