Digital Forensic Examiner in Guildford

This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions. Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions. Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.

Division / Department - Specialist Crime
Grade - See Advert
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - See Advert
Working Hours - 36.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - Yes
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Guildford

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

The Role & Key Responsibilities
Please see salary below as this is a linked grade. Successful candidates would start at the bottom of the Salary Grade Range and move along through internal training and progression.
Grade - Grade E to G through internal progression (starts at Grade E)
Salary Grade Range - £28,372 - £39,149

From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference. It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe. This is an opportunity for you to work and develop your passion and interest – to become a specialist. There is a real variety of work and because of this you will be constantly learning in an ever-changing world of technology and stretching the scope of what is possible.

The Extraction and Processing team is located in Guildford, Surrey. This is an in-office job and there is no opportunity to work from home within this role. The opening hours are 08:00-20:00 Monday – Friday and 08:00-16:00 Saturday and Sunday. You will be required to work a fixed shift pattern with a mixture of early and late shifts and some weekends. The current expectation is to work 1 in 4 weekends, and 1 week in 4 late shifts (12:00 – 20:00). This may be subject to change through consultation.

Working in the DFT gives you the scope to become a highly skilled expert in digital technology that makes all the difference to front line policing. Digital Forensic Examiners will carry out enhanced mobile and computer device forensic examinations, alongside providing support to frontline officers completing mobile examinations at our self-service kiosks. When fully trained, you will be expected to be competent in extracting data from both mobile and traditional computer type devices. You will be required to forensically examine these devices independently, in line with standard operating procedures; forming examination plans and managing multiple examination requests within your caseload. When appropriately trained, you will be required to support the delivery of training new staff members.

Skills & Experience
It is essential that the applicant is educated to A-Level standard with proven IT, literacy and numeracy skills, or alternatively:
- Previous experience in digital forensics
- Law enforcement experience with a keen and demonstrable knowledge of digital forensics

• Excellent interpersonal skills particularly the ability to effectively engage with customers using negotiating and influencing techniques
• An understanding of digital forensics including ISO 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator's Codes of Practice and Conduct
• Evidence of working independently
• Problem solver in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to learn to use specific digital forensic software applications and an aptitude for continuous learning and professional development
• Self-motivated with proven experience of working methodically to deadlines with minimal supervision
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to evidence excellent written and verbal communication skills (including report writing)
• Proven ability of managing high workloads often with conflicting priorities
• Able to demonstrate problem solving skills through inquisition and questioning
• Be understanding of the customer needs with the ability to challenge where appropriate
• Capable of absolute discretion when dealing with casework of a highly sensitive and confidential nature
• Must hold a full UK (Manual) driving licence.

Why Work With Us?
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
- career progression
- contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
- generous annual leave allowance
- discounts for everyday spend
- on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
- generous and supportive parental leave
- financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
- discounted contributory healthcare scheme

Once shortlisted, successful candidates will be invited to the following stages of recruitment:
- Group Exercise and a technical test. These will be completed on the same day
- On a separate day, you will be invited to an individual interview.

We anticipate the dates to be in January 2026.