Data Forensic Technician

Are you an innovative problem solver? Do you want to make a difference in your community by examining computers and digital devices to obtain vital evidence?

We are now recruiting for a Data Forensic Technician in 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 devices in order to obtain the best evidence possible for a wide variety of criminal cases. On a typical day you will be extracting and analysing data from computers and liaising with a broad range of Police officers, staff and outside organisations.

In this role, your main responsibilities will be:

• Be responsible for the management, maintenance, record handling, storage and quality assurance of forensic exhibits/paperwork, ensuring adherence to ACPO good practice.
• Provide administrative support to the Unit, managing records of stock control and undertaking systems and processes for server data backup and restore routines. To arrange for services/repairs to be carried out where appropriate.
• Act as first point of contact for the Unit, dealing with enquiries from members of staff, the public, other law enforcement agencies, CPS and Counsel by phone or in person, giving advice in accordance with guidance or making the appropriate referral.
• Forensically image computers and media devices and forensically assess media devices for evidential purposes using specialist hardware and software.
• Examine computer and media devices using triage examiner software, reporting examination results.
• Produce evidential statements and present evidence in court.

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• You will be computer literate and hold a computer related qualification. You will also have experience of using a variety of software tools and applications and be able to draft correspondence, formulate basic reports as directed and carry out basic research.
• You will have previous administration experience, preferably in a highly confidential environment and will have good planning and organisational skills to work to tight deadlines. Good problem solving skills are also essential, together with excellent interpersonal skills as the ability to work as part of a team as well as independently with minimum supervision is paramount. A working knowledge of specialised forensic software/hardware and an understanding of ACPO guidelines and principles for computer based electronic evidence is also essential.
• You must have a basic knowledge of computer soft and hardware storage devices, connectivity types etc. is essential, together with good practical skills and ability to assemble/connect specialist technical equipment. You will also have an understanding of relevant legislation and have experience of applying legislation to evidential data.
• Ideally you will hold a full UK driving licence – or be able to have suitable personal arrangements to be transported to various locations to undertake role as and when required.

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.

Does this sound like the role for you? Click the link below to apply.

We are looking for people who share our values of caring, inclusive, courageous and learning.

To find out more about our Inclusive Culture

To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.

Why work for Avon and Somerset Police?

Avon and Somerset Police has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Avon and Somerset is the force for you.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.

All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

Police Barred and Advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and safeguarding

Avon and Somerset Police are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.