Data Forensic Investigator - SW Forensics

Are you an innovative problem solver? Do you want to make a difference in your community by examining digital devices to obtain vital evidence? We are now recruiting for Data Forensic Investigators within our South West Forensics collaboration. This is a key role within the department supporting, enhancing and creating new avenues of investigation for Officers and helping to bring offenders to justice.

In this role you will be part of a fast-paced team dealing with the interrogation of a wide range of computers in order to obtain the best evidence possible for a wide variety of criminal cases. On a typical day you will be taking responsibility for the management of technical investigations, analysing computers and mobile devices and liaising with a broad range of Police Officers, staff and outside organisations.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• To ensure continual professional and organisational development particularly in areas such as changes in technology and data recovery methods.
• To assist in the maintenance of systems, storage, server facilities within the Data Forensics Crime Unit.
• Manage electronic and digitally based Crime investigations including forensically examining and reconstruction of computer data to identify evidence of criminal offences.
• Interview suspects/witnesses and offenders providing expertise in respect of technical issues of computers.
• Build, maintain and develop all aspects of computer systems used in investigation, maintaining specialist knowledge of development of computers and software.
• Provide operational support to officers e.g. providing specialist advice and knowledge, attending search warrants to seize property utilising designated powers and conducting on-site investigations.
• Provide training to other members of the unit and force in all aspects of Hi-Tech crime investigations.
• Become an accredited investigator to allow presentation of evidence at court in line with the Council for the Registration of Forensic Practitioners.
• Assist with Major Incident investigations providing specialist advice and knowledge in relation to Hi-Tech aspects of the investigation.

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

We are seeking an individual with either a degree in computer science with relevant workplace experience or who has investigatory experience and knowledge of computer-based evidence gathering and computer investigation. You will be computer literate and have experience in a range of operating systems (Microsoft, Linux, Android, iOS), together with a knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Computer Misuse Act, Criminal Justice Act, Data Protection Act and ACPO Guidelines for Computer Based Evidence.

Effective communication and presentation skills, along with proven investigative and analytical skills are essential. You should also possess technical knowledge of computer and phone architecture, knowledge of forensic data recovery methods and software, and the investigation of Internet networks. Additionally, you must have the ability to work with graphic and traumatic images and information on a regular basis.

Recruitment Information:

Assessments and interviews are scheduled week commencing 15th June 2026; however, this could be subject to change. To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a 5-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last 5 years. You must hold a full UK Driving Licence or be able to have suitable personal arrangements to be transported to various locations to undertake the role as and when required.

Does this sound like the role for you? Please apply, ensuring you address all the criteria thoroughly and clearly. We suggest using a structured approach, such as the STAR method or an alternative, to outline your responses effectively.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please click the 'apply' button below, you will then be taken to a registration page. Please complete this registration form to create an account, once created you will be taken to the application. If you have previously created an account please click 'login' at the bottom of the page next to the 'submit registration' button. Once logged in, you will be taken to the application.