Digital Forensics Analyst

Surrey and Sussex Police; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 56,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Discounts for everyday spend

On-site gyms and sports clubs

Generous parental leave

Financial and mental wellbeing guidance

Job summary

A law enforcement agency based in Haywards Heath is seeking a Specialist Digital Forensic Analyst to handle high-priority forensic investigations. The role involves examining complex digital evidence, managing cases, and providing strategic advice. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. This is a full-time in-office position with no remote work opportunities. The successful candidate will engage in continuous learning and support departmental ISO Accreditation efforts.

Qualifications

• Good standard of education with proven numeracy and literacy skills at higher education level.
• Experience in a computer-related environment or relevant academic achievements.
• Understanding of digital imaging techniques including data extraction.

Responsibilities

• Manage and examine high-priority, technically complex cases.
• Produce forensic strategies and provide advice on digital evidence handling.
• Perform peer reviews and quality assurance of digital forensic reporting.
• Triage and manage complex digital evidence workflows for officers.

Skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Problem-solving

IT literacy

Problem solving

Willingness to learn forensic software

Discretion

Report writing

Education

Degree in Computer Forensics or equivalent

Tools

Computer software applications

Job description

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Surrey and Sussex Police provided pay range

This range is provided by Surrey and Sussex Police. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Please see salary below as this is a linked grade. Progression from Grade 10 to Grade 11 is dependent on satisfactory completion of a training programme

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 develop your passion and interest in order to become a specialist in Computer Forensics, analysing the data obtained from seized devices in a wide variety of high risk / harm / threat crimes.

You will be constantly learning in an ever-changing world of technology, keeping up with new methodologies and technological advances in computing as well as assisting the department in obtaining ISO Accreditation.

This position is located in Haywards Heath, Sussex. This is an in-office job and there is no opportunity to work from home within this role.

Specialist Digital Forensic Analysts work at the centre of Digital Forensic Investigations, managing and examining high priority, technically complex cases not suitable for examination at local hubs as well as performing the key ‘triage’ role.

DFA’s produce forensic strategies, working with the OIC / SIO in the case to get a full understanding of case requirements. Working to strict timescales within an environment of high demand and high priorities, they routinely provide advice and support to officers regarding the handling, recovery and preservation of digital evidence and also provide written reports and statements for production at courts of law.

The post holder will regularly undertake appropriate ‘peer reviews’ and provide feedback to quality assure digital forensic reporting.

Please read the Job Description attached to this advert for more information.

Skills & Experience

• Good standard of education with proven numeracy and literacy skills at a higher education level (Degree level or equivalent).
• To be IT literate, ideally with previous significant experience in a computer related or law enforcement environment or possess academic achievements related to role (i.e. computer forensic degree or working towards one)
• Good knowledge and understanding of digital imaging techniques including the electronic extraction of data and reporting on such findings.
• Good working knowledge of using a variety of computer software applications together with disassembling / assembling computer hardware.
• A good understanding of digital forensics including the application and implications of ISO 17025.
• Evidence of working independently within an investigative / analytical environment.
• Excellent Interpersonal skills particularly the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders using negotiating and influencing techniques.
• Problem solve in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn specific forensic computer software applications. Together with an aptitude and willingness for continuous learning and professional development.
• Self motivated and proven experience of working methodically and patiently, often to deadlines, with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to evidence excellent written and verbal communication skills (including report writing).
• Ability to motivate and develop others with confidence to provide feedback in an appropriate manner.
• Proven ability of managing high workloads often with conflicting priorities
• Awareness of exhibit handling procedures (especially continuity and integrity).
• Able to demonstrate problem solving skills (including analysis and interpretation).
• Capable of absolute discretion when dealing with casework of a highly sensitive and confidential nature.
• It should be noted that the nature of this role will regularly expose the post holder to extremely distressing material and images. (The post holder will therefore be required to undergo a psychological wellbeing check. This not only forms a baseline for further checks but also ensures people are fit to undertake the role at the outset).

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 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 use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with Surrey Police or Sussex Police.

Further Information

For further information about this vacancy, candidates can contact the Computers Team Leader for the Digital Forensics Team - Charlotte Mckee [e-mail]

Closing date for applications - Sunday 11th January

Interviews for successful candidates - w/c 26th January

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Information Technology

Industries

Law Enforcement