Digital Forensic Examiner - Extraction and Processing Team in Haywards Heath

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 - Surrey Police Grade E / Sussex Police Grade 8

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Salary Grade Range - Surrey Police £28,372 - £32,224 / Sussex Police £28,914 - £30,897

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

Shift Allowance - No

Politically Restricted - No

Location - Haywards Heath

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.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Successful candidates would start at the bottom of the Salary Grade Range and move along through internal training and progression. Grade - Grade 8 to 10 through internal progression (starts at Grade 8)

Salary Grade Range - £28,914-£35,772

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 Haywards Heath, West Sussex. This is an in-office job and there is no opportunity to work from home within this role. The opening hours are 0800-2000 Monday – Friday and 0800-1600 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: Law enforcement experience with a keen and demonstrable knowledge of digital forensics.
• Further skills required:

• 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 license.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working. 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.

Please note that we are recruiting for 1 full time position immediately and then other applicants will be held in a pool for future opportunities. Interviews will be held between 20th-24th April 2026.

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.