DFU Technician

Durham City Safety Group; Chester-le-Street; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Durham Constabulary is seeking dedicated individuals to join the team as forensic examiners, analyzing electronic evidence from devices to support criminal investigations. You will ensure exhibit integrity, prepare comprehensive reports, and present findings in court when required.

The role emphasizes collaboration, high professional standards, and a commitment to public service while contributing to community safety and policing excellence.

Qualifications

• GCSEs including English Language or Literature and Mathematics (Grade 9 to 4/A to C).
• At least two years admin experience, e.g. composing original letters and documents, processing invoices, maintaining records.
• At least one year’s technical experience including forensic examination of electronic data and devices.
• Strong commitment to public service and organisational values.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities.
• Relevant qualifications and/or experience for the role.

Responsibilities

• Carrying out forensic examinations of digital devices and storage media to recover, retrieve, analyse and present digital evidence.
• Provide advice/guidance to investigating officers on forensically sound recovery of evidence.
• Prepare and present forensic findings and CJA statements, and present evidence in court when required.
• Maintain detailed records of every action during examination processes.
• Ensure continuity and integrity of exhibits and be prepared for cross-examination.
• Deliver high standards of service aligned with organisational priorities and community safety.

Skills

Excellent communication and Interp.

Work under pressure

Team collaboration

Problem-solving and decision-making

Education

GCSEs incl. English & Maths

Tools

LIMA case management system

Job description

Hours/Contract: Full Time, Permanent, Shift Pattern

Monday

Tuesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Week 1

RD

1000-2000

1000-2000

RD

RD

0800-1800

0800-1800

Week 2

0800-1600

0800-1600

RD

1000-2000

1000-2000

RD

RD

Week 3

1000-2000

0800-1600

0800-1700

0800-1700

0800-1600

RD

RD

Closing Date: 5pm, Thursday 12th November 2026

Make a Difference – Join Our Team

We are looking for dedicated and motivated individuals to join Durham Constabulary, helping to protect our communities and deliver an outstanding policing service. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful work where your skills and commitment will make a real impact.

The Role

The forensic examination and analysis of evidence from electronic based systems and devices ensuring continuity of all exhibits and maintaining integrity throughout to prove or disprove the presence of criminal offences under investigation. To compile extensive forensic findings of evidence reports and to present such evidence in a Court of LawAs part of our team, you will play a vital role in supporting operational policing and delivering high-quality services to the public. Working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment, you will collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve positive outcomes and uphold our core values of professionalism, integrity, and service.

What You’ll Do

• Utilising the LIMA case management system call up and receive exhibits (digital devices and storage media) liaising direct with Investigating Officers and /or Property Clerks.
• Carry out forensic examinations of digital devices and storage media in order to recover, retrieve, analyse and present digital evidence contained therein in accordance with national guidelines through the use of proprietary and bespoke hardware and software. This will include:
• The TRIAGE of devices through the dismantling of laptops/computers etc. to remove hard drives to establish if there is a requirement for a full forensic examination of the device.
• Forensic imaging of hard drives requiring full forensic examination, this the first part of ISO17025 accreditation.
• Maintain detailed records of every action taken in relation to processes used during the examination of digital devices.
• To provide advice and guidance to investigating officers in relation to the forensically sound recovery of evidence and intelligence held on digital devices and storage media.
• The preparation and presentation of forensic findings of evidence reports and Criminal Justice Act statements in support of these investigations, presenting evidence in Court when required professionally and competently.
• Ensure the continuity of all exhibits maintaining integrity throughout the investigation and includes producing any relevant documentary or physical exhibits as requested when required as part of presenting evidence at Court, ensuring integrity and continuity processes are observed and be subject to cross examination.
• Deliver high standards of service aligned with organisational priorities
• Contribute to the safety and wellbeing of our communities
• Work effectively as part of a team in a demanding but rewarding environment
• Support continuous improvement and organisational excellence
• Adhere to policies, procedures, and professional standards at all times

What You’ll Bring

• 4 GCSE’s including English Language or Literature and Mathematics (Grade 9 to 4/A to C). An individual who possess an equivalent e.g. NVQ must provide evidence of Maths and English.
• At least two years admin experience, e.g. composing original letters and documents, processing invoices maintaining accurate records, exercising judgement in processes and people.
• At least one year’s previous technical experience including forensic examination of electronic data, dismantling, rebuilding and troubleshooting to extract data from computers and various digital devices.
• A strong commitment to public service and our organisational values
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• The ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing priorities
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Relevant qualifications and/or experience for the role

If you hold a higher qualification than those required above or minimum 5 years relevant experience, please evidence this on your application and it will be reviewedby our recruitment team.

For further information, please view the Job Description and Person Specification attached.

Further information

Any offer of employment will be subject to appropriate vetting checks which will be maintained/updated throughout the period of service.

Applicants must have been a UK resident for at least three years prior to the date of application.

If applicants have not been a resident in the UK for at least three years and can provide a VERIFIABLE certificate from the police of any country where they have taken temporary residence. The certificate must indicate that they have not been convicted of any offence whilst in that country or involved in any investigation by a Law Enforcement Agency.

Any tattoos deemed to be obscene, or advocates sexual, racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, by written word or design is prohibited and the presence of such a tattoo would preclude an applicant from passing the recruitment process for employment with the Constabulary.

We are committed to equal opportunities, we therefore encourage you to complete and return the equality monitoring form. This form is optional, and your responses will be kept confidential and for statistical purposes only.

Please note: some documents may not currently be suited for use with assistive technology. If you require information in an alternative format, please contact us .