THE FOLLOWING VACANCY HAS BEEN ADVERTISED EXTERNALLY
Digital Forensic Technical Officer
Digital Forensics Unit
Protective Services, Crime
Positions Available
Seven posts are available, based within the DFU Hub Calder Park (Wakefield) with potential opportunity to work within District Spoke Locations on occasion.
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the West Yorkshire Police Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) and we are seeking to recruit seven Digital Forensic Technical Officers. Primarily based at the DFU Hub, with opportunities to work from several District Spoke locations across West Yorkshire where operational demand requires, successful candidates will play a vital role in supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation activities, delivering quality assurance and compliance support to an operational department.
Successful applicants will join a dynamic and growing team within the Digital Forensic Unit. Working under the direction of the Technical Manager and Senior Technical Officers, you will undertake activities that support compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation requirements and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice for digital forensic activities.
This is a diverse and challenging role that offers excellent opportunity to contribute to the Force’s expanding digital forensic capabilities. Day to day responsibilities may include:
• Evaluating and validating new and existing hardware and software.
• Creating and updating standard operating procedures.
• Investigating non-conforming work.
• Maintaining a library of documentation to support and inform staff.
• Reviewing and verifying unit equipment, including functionality checks and testing updates.
• Providing advice and guidance relating to ISO/IEC 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator’s Code of Practice.
• Conducting research projects into new software or hardware beneficial to the DFU.
• Completing peer reviews of casework.
This role would suit individuals with a degree in Digital Forensics (or related discipline), as well as those with experience of working in quality assurance, accreditation or technical environments who are looking to develop their career in a new direction.
Benefits
• 27 days annual leave per year, rising to 32 days after 5 years’ service, plus statutory bank holidays.
• Flexi time scheme, based on a standard working day of 7 hours 24 minutes within a 37 hour working week.
• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
• Access to the Employee Assistance Service (EAS), offering 24/7 support, helplines, and wellbeing resources.
• Option to participate in the Cycle to Work scheme.
• Access to the ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme, offering thousands of online and high street discounts.
Newly appointed candidates will be required to work from the DFU Hub Calder Park (Wakefield) for their initial training period before undertaking any potential duties at District Spoke locations.
Enhanced vetting may be required.
West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.
The 2024 version of the Competency Values Framework applies to this process. Please disregard the old link to the 2016 version which is contained in the role profile.
Closing date for applications is at 23:55 hours on 16th August 2026.
