The Digital Forensics Officer will provide technical assistance at scene or laboratory environment 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.
The role will be based at Ridgepoint House.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in triage, seizure and retention of digital devices on a scene or within a laboratory environment for subsequent forensic examination;
- Manage forensic exhibits to ensure continuity, confidentiality and security is maintained at all times;
- Understand and follow Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO 17020 and ISO17025 standard and ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine computers, mobile phones and other digital devices;
- To carryout Audits in line with ISO 17020/17025 & Forensic Science Regulator requirements;
- Manage case workload through the use of Socrates and VERSE Case Management systems;
- Prepare enhanced evidential 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;
- 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 experience
Essential
- 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 Windows and/or 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 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;
Desirable
- 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
Skills
Essential
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team of Digital Forensic examiners;
- Possess good communication skills (both verbal and written) in support of training staff and delivering innovative technologies;
- Be enthusiastic, hardworking and flexible;
- Must have full UK driving license
Desirable
- Cat B (Van) driving licence
Hours
The post holder will be required to work a shift pattern that incorporates working weekends, bank holidays and from time to time outside of core shift hours. Core hours 7am to 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.
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.
West Midlands Police is the second largest police force in the country, covering an area of 348 square miles and serving a population of almost 2.8 million.
The region sits at the very heart of the country and covers the three major centres of Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton. It also includes the busy and thriving districts of Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull and Dudley. Leisure, retail and conference amenities, together with Premiership and Championship football teams, attract millions of visitors annually.
The West Midlands is an area rich in diversity, with 18 per cent of its population from ethnic minority backgrounds.
An average of 170,000 motorists travel through the region daily, making its motorways some of the busiest in Europe.
Against this backdrop, the force deals with more than 2,000 emergency calls for help every day, as well as patrolling the streets and responding to incidents 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week.
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