Data Forensic Investigator

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 a Data Forensic Investigator 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 computers in order to obtain the best evidence possible for a wide variety of criminal cases. On a typical day you will be analysing computers and mobile devices and liaising with a broad range of Police officers, staff and outside organisations.

In this role, your main responsibilities will be:

• To assist in the maintenance of systems, storage, server facilities within the Hi-Tech Crime Unit
• Manage Hi-Tech 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 including:

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• You will hold a degree in computer science with relevant workplace experience and/or possess extensive investigatory experience, knowledge of computer based evidence gathering and computer investigation.
• You will have be computer literate and have experience in a range of operating systems (DOS, Windows 9X, 2000XP and Vista), together with a knowledge of relevant legislation. Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000,
• Computer Misuse Act, Criminal Justice Act, Data Protection Act and ACPO (Assosciation of Chief Police Officers, now The National Police Chief’s council) Guidelines for Computer Based Evidence.
• It is essential that you have effective communication and presentation skills, along with proven investigative and analytical skills. 
• You must have technical knowledge in the construction, dismantling and reassembly of computer systems, together with a knowledge of BIOS (basic input/output) and CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) and architecture evidence and its recovery. You will also have knowledge of forensic data recovery methods and software and the investigation of Internet networks.
• It is also essential that you have the ability to work with graphic and traumatic images and information on a regular basis.

This role will require you to travel to alternative locations on an ad hoc basis to undertake the role; travel expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with force policy
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.