Digital Investigations Technical Officer - #1759919

Job Description

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

1401- Digital Investigations Technical Officer

To provide technical assistance in a 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.

Description for Internal Candidates

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 17020/17025 & 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 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.
  
  

Competencies Required For Effective Performance

Knowledge & Experience (including qualifications)

Essential

• Possess a willingness to learn how to examine digital devices in a methodical and precise way and have an aptitude for problem solving;
• 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 17025, FSR standard, FSR Code of Practice 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

Special Conditions

• Must be prepared to handle material that may be offensive or distressing.
• Appointments to this post are subject to specific vetting and medical clearance.
• Confidentiality and trust are very important in this post and must be maintained at all times.
• 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.
• Must have full UK driving license
  
  

Hours of Work

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 Management Vetting and Security 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 may be dependent upon successfully completing medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Interview

Interviews are planned to take place on the 7th and 8th July

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.

“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”

About Us

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.