At a Glance
- Tasks: Use forensic tech to recover digital evidence and support police investigations.
- Company: West Yorkshire Police, dedicated to community safety and diversity.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension scheme, wellbeing support, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Tech-savvy with problem-solving skills; relevant qualifications or experience required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Digital Forensic Technician – Digital Forensics Unit (Protective Services, Crime) – full‑time, permanent posts across West Yorkshire locations: Calder Park (Wakefield), Normanton Police Station, Huddersfield Police Station, Elland Road Police Station (Leeds), Halifax Police Station, Trafalgar House Police Station (Bradford). The role operates Monday to Friday on a flexible working scheme.
Key Responsibilities
- Inform investigations, use forensic software and hardware to recover images from witnesses or suspects’ digital devices, including mobile phones in accordance with NPCC guidelines and maintain a log of steps taken.
- Commence forensic processes on digital devices and images, prepare reports for investigators; handle data of a sensitive and confidential nature, including graphic child‑abuse imagery, in a professional and forensically sound manner.
- Identify and collate the recovery of CCTV material using relevant software and hardware for intelligence and evidential purposes in line with requests, ensuring relevant legislation, policies and procedures are adhered to.
- Provide administrative and technical support to the team.
Essential Criteria
- Intermediate knowledge and expertise of common operating systems and applications, and ability to use software packages relating to digital forensics and CCTV recovery.
- Capacity to concentrate for long periods on technical tasks with attention to detail.
- Aptitude for problem solving in a methodical and orderly manner.
- Level 3 qualification or above in a technical discipline or relevant experience and expertise in a technical environment.
- Willingness and ability to complete core courses in the recovery and analysis of digital evidence, as specified by NPCC.
- Physical and emotional resilience to deal with abusive and offensive imagery; willingness to undergo regular psychological assessments.
- Ability and willingness to work flexibly when required.
- Willingness and ability to travel for business purposes.
Benefits / What We Offer
- Generous annual leave allowance – 27 days annually, rising to 32 days after five years (plus bank holidays).
- Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund – a secure defined benefit CARE pension scheme.
- Membership options for the Police Treatment Centre and the Police Children’s Charity (eligibility dependent).
- Access to savings, discounts and cashback rewards through staff schemes, including eligibility to purchase a Blue Light Card.
- Option to sign up to the Cycle to Work scheme (eligibility dependent).
- Access to internal wellbeing services and support programmes.
- Supportive HR policies, including maternity, paternity and other family‑friendly provisions.
- A meaningful career with a clear sense of purpose supporting policing services that protect communities.
- Opportunities to join staff networks, wellbeing groups, and sports clubs.
The post will close at 23:55 hours on 19th July 2026. The post is suitable for job share. West Yorkshire Police is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all minority groups and individuals who identify with one or more of the protected characteristics as defined by the Equality Act 2010. Applicants should be aware that it is not always possible to carry out adequate vetting checks on persons who have not been resident within the UK for the last five years. Where this applies, applicants may be refused because it was not possible to vet them to the appropriate standard.
XC7741- Digital Forensic Technician **External** employer: West Yorkshire Police
West Yorkshire Police is an exceptional employer, offering a meaningful career as a Digital Forensic Technician with a clear sense of purpose in supporting community safety. Employees benefit from generous annual leave, a secure pension scheme, and access to wellbeing services, all within a supportive work culture that values diversity and employee growth. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities to engage in staff networks and sports clubs, this role provides a rewarding environment for those committed to making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land XC7741- Digital Forensic Technician **External**
✨Get Involved in the Cybersecurity Community
Diving into the cybersecurity community is key for landing that full-time gig. Join forums like Reddit's r/cybersecurity or attend local meetups to connect with industry veterans and other job seekers. Networking is everything in this field—don’t just be a passive lurker!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Capture the Flag Competitions
Participate in Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions; these are not just a fun way to boost your skills but also a chance to showcase your talent to potential employers. Many companies, including West Yorkshire Police, love seeing candidates who actively engage in these challenges.
✨Tailor Your Online Presence
Make sure your LinkedIn and any professional profiles reflect your cybersecurity expertise. Share your projects, whether they’re personal or from a previous role, to catch the eye of hiring managers. This is how they’ll find your passion and commitment to the field!
✨Apply Directly Through West Yorkshire Police
Don’t forget to head straight to our website and check out any openings for cybersecurity roles at West Yorkshire Police. Applying directly can sometimes give you an edge, especially if you can mention that you've been following our work or engaging in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace XC7741- Digital Forensic Technician **External**
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show off your technical skills:In cybersecurity, it's crucial to highlight your technical prowess. Make sure your CV showcases specific skills like network security, penetration testing, or threat analysis. If you have relevant certifications (like CEH or CISSP), pop those on the front page to grab attention!
Tailor your portfolio for the role:Even for a full-time role, a portfolio can set you apart. If you've worked on any cybersecurity projects—be it CTF challenges, security assessments, or research papers—include these in your application. This demonstrates not just your skills, but also your hands-on experience!
Use real-world examples:When writing your cover letter, don’t just stick to your qualifications. Share real-world examples of how you’ve tackled security issues or vulnerabilities. This gives the hiring team at West Yorkshire Police insight into your practical problem-solving abilities and makes your application memorable.
Demonstrate your passion for cybersecurity:Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, so show us that you’re always learning! Mention any recent courses, webinars, or industry events you’ve attended. This not only exhibits your enthusiasm but also signals to West Yorkshire Police that you’re committed to staying ahead in the game.
How to prepare for a job interview at West Yorkshire Police
✨Sharpen Your Technical Skills
For a role in cybersecurity, it’s essential to be up-to-date with the latest tools and techniques. Brush up on your knowledge of firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and vulnerability assessment tools. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve applied these skills, as hands-on experience can really set us apart in interviews.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect the interviewers at West Yorkshire Police to throw in some hypothetical situations to see how you’d handle them. Think about common security breaches or incidents and be prepared to explain how you would respond. This not only shows your problem-solving skills but also your understanding of real-world cybersecurity challenges.
✨Highlight Your Certifications
Certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH can give you a significant edge in a full-time role in cybersecurity. Make sure to mention these during your interview and be prepared to discuss what you learned through those certifications and how they relate to the position at West Yorkshire Police.
✨Show Your Passion for Cybersecurity
Since you’re going for a full-time gig, showing genuine enthusiasm for the field can make all the difference. Share any personal projects, blogs, or communities you’re part of that relate to cybersecurity. This not only showcases your passion but also your commitment to staying engaged in this ever-evolving field.
