Senior Digital Forensic Specialist

Kent Police; Chelmsford; On-site; GBP 47,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency is seeking a Senior Digital Forensic Specialist. The role involves leading a team, developing strategies for digital evidence handling, and conducting forensic analysis. Ideal candidates will have a relevant degree or substantial experience in the field, knowledge of ISO 17025, and strong technical abilities in computers and mobile devices. This position is located at Essex Police Headquarters in Chelmsford, offering a comprehensive salary package.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in digital forensic analysis and evidence presentation.
• Experience in writing technical statements for court.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team in digital evidence handling.
• Develop digital forensic strategies.
• Conduct forensic analysis of evidence.

Skills

Advanced technical ability

Understanding of ISO 17025

Team leadership

Computer hardware knowledge

Mobile phone hardware knowledge

Technical writing for court

Education

Degree in a relevant subject

3 years experience in Digital Forensic service

Job description

Starting Salary: 47709.00 (pro‑rata for part‑time vacancies)

Part/Full Time: Full Time

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Mon‑Fri with occasional evening/weekends

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an individual to undertake the role of Senior Digital Forensic Specialist within the Essex Digital Forensic Operations Team based at Essex Police Headquarters Chelmsford.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Digital Forensic Specialists in the acquisition, extraction, analysis, interpretation and presentation of digital evidence in support of criminal investigations.
• Develop and implement digital forensic strategies, ensuring processes are justified, proportionate and necessary.
• Provide deployable on‑scene services including triage of digital devices, capture of live and volatile data, vehicle infotainment system extractions and cloud account downloads.
• Conduct laboratory‑based forensic analysis of seized exhibits.
• Maintain and develop a knowledge base of emerging technologies and best practice in digital forensics.
• Manage a high caseload and meet tight deadlines while providing a supportive and constructive supervisory environment.
• Prepare technical statements for court and liaise with judicial and investigative teams.

Qualifications & Experience

• Advanced technical ability – knowledge of computer and/or mobile phone hardware, software and operating systems.
• Degree level education in a relevant subject or at least 3 years of recent experience within a Digital Forensic service provider.
• Thorough understanding of ISO 17025 and its application to forensic work.
• Experience writing technical statements for court.
• Experience leading a team to ensure service delivery.
• Full driving licence (required for on‑scene deployment).

Preferred

• Computer or mobile programming experience.
• Court experience as a digital forensic practitioner.

Working Conditions

• Core hours Monday to Friday with occasional on‑call weekends and bank holidays.
• Expectation of travel to other sites within Kent and Essex Police.
• Position based at Essex Police Headquarters Chelmsford (static office).
• Security Check (SC) vetting is required for this post.

Application Process

• Assessment consists of three stages: technical knowledge check, presentation and competency‑based interview questions.
• Applicants are invited to provide detailed evidence of experience and skills in the “reason for application” section of the online form – CVs and cover letters are not considered for shortlisting.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Kent Police and Essex Police welcome applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex or employment status. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer. Communications may be recorded for monitoring purposes.

Contact Information

For further information contact Henry Mann (Digital Forensic Coordinator) – email or phone details to follow.

Advert Closing Date

28/10/2025

Essex Police is a Disability Confident Leader and actively encourages and supports applicants with disabilities.