Digital Forensics Analyst - Computers

Surrey Police & Sussex Police Collaboration; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A police collaboration organization in Haywards Heath seeks a Specialist Digital Forensic Analyst to handle complex digital investigations. The role requires a degree in computer forensics or a related field, along with proven IT skills and excellent communication abilities. You will work in a dynamic environment focused on processing sensitive materials. Additionally, you will have opportunities for career progression and benefit from a supportive work-life balance, including access to mental wellbeing resources.

Benefits

Career progression

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

On-site gyms and sports clubs

Financial and mental wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Higher education level (Degree level or equivalent) required.
• Experience in a computer related or law enforcement environment preferred.
• Ability to manage high workloads and conflicting priorities.

Responsibilities

• Analyze data from seized devices in serious crimes.
• Provide advice on handling and preserving digital evidence.
• Conduct peer reviews of forensic reporting.

Skills

Proven numeracy and literacy skills

IT literacy

Knowledge of digital imaging techniques

Understanding of digital forensics

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in computer forensics or equivalent

Tools

Computer software applications

Job description

Vacancy Information

This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities / employers with different terms and conditions.

Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.

Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.

Division / Department - Specialist Crime

Grade - See Advert

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Salary Grade Range - See Advert

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

Shift Allowance - No

Politically Restricted - No

Location - Haywards Heath

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro‑rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner

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.

Grade 10 - £35,772 - £39,276

Grade 11 - £41,487 - £45,765

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 or

Further Information