Higher Digital Forensic Officer

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. Main Role Purpose To 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. 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 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 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 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 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 Contacts – Internal & External Police Officers Police Staff CPS Officers Other Police Forces External agencies Suppliers and manufacturers of relevant equipment 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 The Authority reserves the right to vary the duties and responsibilities of staff under condition prescribed in National Agreement. Thus, it must be appreciated that the above duties maybe altered as the future changing needs of the service may require. In addition, members of staff liable to serve at any of the Authority’s places of employment as may be required. By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including: Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme. Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements. Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities. A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs. 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 passing medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test. Probationary Policy: (Current WMP Staff) Under the Probation Policy, if you are currently in your probation period, during your probationary period you will not be permitted to apply for alternative police staff roles within the Force unless there are exceptional circumstances. In such cases, you would require the support of your line manager prior to applying for alternative roles, and if successful, your probationary period will start over.- Policies – Probation Period (Police Staff) (wmpad.local) 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”