Forensic Scientist III-Digital Forensics Examiner - Fort Wayne

Indiana State Police (IN); Fort Wayne (IN); On-site; USD 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Indiana State Police in Fort Wayne seeks a civilian Digital Forensic Examiner to support the Forensic Services Division’s digital evidence examinations and court presentations. The role includes training progression, compiling evidence, and maintaining proficiency in forensic procedures.

Requirements include a bachelor's degree in digital forensics or related fields (or 5 years substitute experience), knowledge of digital device components, and ability to testify as an expert witness.

Qualifications

• Satisfactory progress in an ISP recognized digital forensics examination training/testing program and competency testing.
• Identification, documentation, collection, packaging, preservation and examination of routine digital evidence.
• Ability to understand search and seizure rules as interpreted by courts.

Responsibilities

• Identify, examine, collect, and process digital evidence at crime scenes and laboratory environment.
• Perform administrative and support functions to maintain analytical service.
• Ensure timely transportation of evidence to/from a laboratory and/or district.
• Acquire and maintain analytical proficiency in digital forensic examinations.
• Maintain effective communication with scientific and criminal justice communities and Departmental personnel.

Skills

Communication

Testimony as expert witness

Analytical thinking

Ability to travel

Driver's license

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in digital/cyber forensics or computer science

Five years experience as a Digital Forensic Examiner may substitute for a Baccalaureate degree

Job description

To serve as a civilian employee of the Indiana State Police (ISP) whose primary responsibility is to support the Forensic Services Division’s responsibilities in forensic digital evidence examinations with associated court presentation and continue training in examination of routine digital evidence.

RESPONSIBIITIES

• Identify, examine, collect, and process digital evidence at crime scenes and laboratory environment.
• Perform administrative and support functions to maintain analytical service.
• Ensure the timely transportation of evidence to/from a laboratory and/or a district.
• Acquire and maintain analytical proficiency in digital forensic examinations.
• Maintain effective communication with the scientific and criminal justice communities and Departmental personnel.

DUTIES

• Satisfactory progress in an ISP recognized digital forensics examination training/testing program and competency testing.
• Upon completion of relevant training, the identification, documentation, collection, packaging, preservation, and conduct examination of routine forensic digital evidence of limited complexity and difficulty utilizing approved Unit Procedures Manual.
• Work under the direction of a higher-level forensic examiner or supervisor including the review of records.
• Communicate analytical procedures, methodology, policies, and conclusions to various elements in the criminal justice system including court testimony as an expert witness.
• Conduct preliminary examinations of digital evidence for establishing probable cause within limits of FSD policy.
• Participate in a proficiency testing program.
• Assist in preventative maintenance of forensic digital evidence examination applications and equipment.
• Participate in continuing education and training programs in the analysis of digital device evidence of a more complex and difficult nature.
• Comply with Standard Operating Procedures, Rules, Regulations, and FSD policies.
• Perform other duties as required.

• Baccalaureate degree or higher in digital/cyber forensics or computer science.
• Five years experience as a Digital Forensic Examiner may substitute for a Baccalaureate degree.
• Knowledge of digital device components.
• Ability to respond to requests for service while in an off-duty status required.
• Ability to perform complex forensic digital evidence examination procedures in an unbiased manner following the Unit Procedures Manual.
• Ability to comprehend, demonstrate, and explain advanced knowledge of theory and practical operation of various forensic digital evidence examination applications and examination techniques.
• Ability to effectively operate various computer systems and software.
• Ability to operate and maintain forensic digital evidence examination equipment.
• Ability to adhere to established laboratory safety practices.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to testify as an expert witness in an objective, unbiased, and professional manner.
• Ability to understand search and seizure and rules of evidence as interpreted by the courts.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Ability to travel by aircraft and other vehicles.
• Ability to attend training at alternate locations for extended periods of time.