Digital Media Exploitation Unit Constable - Counter Terrorism Policing
Closing date: 25th February 2026 23:59
Rank: Police Constable
Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity.
Based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport, CTP West Midlands (CTPWM) coordinates the regional counter terrorist response and provides specialist support to police forces in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia, the West Midlands and Wales.
This role is open to internal candidates OR for external candidates offered as a 2-year secondment or transferee opportunity. The role involves working as part of a team, working predominately Monday to Friday but also provides a 24/7 on-call service on a rotational basis.
The role
As a constable on the Digital Media Exploitation Unit (DMEU) you’ll provide specialist advice and assistance to investigating officers and intelligence officers where digital devices have been used in connection the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and associated criminal offences.
You’ll forensically examine computers, mobile phones and any other digital devices, displaying and evidencing working knowledge of legal, evidential and procedural issues in relation to the investigation.
Responsibilities
- Advising investigating officers on how to handle seized digital media, including all elements of pre-planning for searches and where practicable assisting in searches recovery and seizure.
- Understand and follow Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025 standard and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices.
- Providing practical assistance on how to store and prepare computers for forensic examination.
- Interpret and explain forensic data in a non-technical and accessible manner, both verbally and in writing.
- Prepare enhanced evidential reports upon completion of Digital Forensic Examinations.
- Meet expert defence witnesses to prove the validity of the forensic methodology used by the unit.
- Research and test new products and techniques against increasingly powerful and complex technologies, keeping abreast of current developments in technology and forensic practice.
- Keeping comprehensive, accurate and accessible records of the progress of forensic work undertaken and of the methodology and rationale implemented in undertaking forensic examinations.
- Assisting in developing digital forensic strategies for the operations carried out by CTPWM.
Skills and competencies
Essential
- Working knowledge of legal, evidential and procedural issues in relation to the investigation of complex crime.
- Thorough working knowledge of MS Windows operating systems, basic network technologies, and internet technologies.
- Thorough working knowledge of mobile phone operating systems an understanding of they work and knowledge of key forensic artefacts.
- 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.
- Experience in preparing complex digital forensics reports and statements of evidence.
- Be conversant with the ISO 17020 & 17025, Forensic Science Regulator standard and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence.
- Be able to regularly work with material that may be of an obscene, offensive or distressing nature. Treat such material in the appropriate manner ensuring it is secured and handled according to defined policies.
- Ability to work independently and undertake research.
- Full Driving Licence.
Desirable
- A working knowledge of non-Windows based computers e.g. Mac OS, Linux.
- Experience of dealing with CPS, Counsel and the Criminal Courts in matters relating to computer-based evidence.
- Understanding of relevant commercial and open-source software tools applicable to the role.
- Understanding of programming and/or scripting languages.
- Have attended and passed an accredited training course relevant to Digital Forensic examination of computer and/or mobile device-based evidence.
Additional Information
⇄ This position is offered as a permanent post to West Midlands Police or a 2 year secondment. To qualify for the latter, you must confirm in your application that you have received approval, through the process established by your Chief Officer, for secondment to another force.
Security clearance
⚠ This post requires British nationality (some dual nationalities may be ineligible) and an Enhanced Security Check Clearance.
You will need to undergo additional security clearance checks, with the offer of employment being conditional on obtaining all of the necessary security clearances.
There are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries once in post.
Diversity and Inclusion
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: “Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm”
We are 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.
Advertisement Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if the maximum volume of applications has been reached. Candidates with unsubmitted applications will not be informed prior to the advert closing.
Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.