Criminal Investigator - Digital Forensic Examiner

Duties:

Primary duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Independently, or with responsibility for directing the work of experienced Special Agents or other personnel as required, plan, coordinate, direct and conduct complete investigations involving any matters under the investigative jurisdiction of the Department of Justice.
• Conduct day-to-day digital forensic investigations, including data preservation, data recovery, and analysis through the use of specialized expertise.
• Serve as subject matter expert on technical matters relating to digital evidence and testify in court or at hearings as an expert witness in the area of digital forensics.
• Prepare and review search warrants and affidavits to ensure that all items of a pertinent nature are encompassed within terms of the warrant.
• Provide specific technological support to investigative units, including the search, seizure, evidence preservation, forensic recovery of data from crime scenes and systems, and provide expert testimony in these matters.
• Participate in covert investigative operations involving law enforcement agencies from federal, state, and local jurisdictions.
• Preserve the integrity of physical evidence by safeguarding the chain of custody and utilizing evidence handling techniques known to be effective by law enforcement. For example, properly mark, tag, and seal evidence, and limit access to those with an administrative or investigative need in order to further the investigation and prepare the case for grand jury and trial.
• Conduct thorough and in-depth interviews of victims, witnesses, and suspects.
• Serve as a search team leader; search persons, vehicles, structures and/or area using prescribed search techniques.
• Obtain and serve arrest warrants, grand jury and Attorney General subpoenas. Make arrests.
• Continuously review and evaluate case evidence to determine value and completeness in preparation for grand jury or prosecution.
• Prepare and finalize comprehensive and factual reports that outline findings in a clear and concise format and address questions prompted by the facts in the case.
• Prepare properly documented legal exhibits integral to the criminal transactions and that are admissible in court and easy to understand by non-experts.
• Transport prisoners and provide protection for selected witnesses in criminal proceedings wherein the witness's personal safety has been threatened.
• Coordinate with medical and scientific personnel when investigative assistance is required. For example, pathology, ballistics, laboratory analysis, etc.
• Establish and maintain essential partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as out of state law enforcement agencies, to ensure the effective exchange of criminal intelligence.
• Use restraining devices and personal defense tactics.
• Operate photographic and surveillance equipment.
• Utilize technical knowledge of wireless communication infrastructure, covert and other technical devices.
• Act as statewide expert on investigative strategy and techniques relating to wireless surveillance and tracking, covert monitoring, and electronic evidence collection.
• Establish and maintain a computer forensic laboratory by obtaining and equipping facilities and developing procedures and policies that relate to the analysis of computer evidence.
• Conduct forensic data recovery and analysis of computer systems seized by law enforcement agencies requesting our assistance.
• Develop computer programs to both actively facilitate investigations of computer crimes and assist in the recovery of computer-related evidence.
• Seek out and attend training that will ensure specific matter knowledge relating to the assigned duties

Requirements:

OUR CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

• Four years of recent (within the last ten years) full-time criminal investigative experience. College-level coursework in a related field or criminal investigation training in criminal law may be substituted on a year-for-year basis for up to two years of the required experience; AND
• Two years of work experience as a computer forensics examiner; AND
• Must possess and maintain, or be able to obtain, IACIS CFCE Certification or an industry recognized Digital Forensic Certification within 18 months of hire/appointment date.
• Candidate must either possess an active Oregon (DPSST) Advanced Police certification (or higher), OR
• Have another state or federal equivalent certification and/or be able to obtain an Advanced Police certification within a year of hire; AND
• Maintain a qualifying score with duty firearm(s) as well as certification in First Aid and CPR; AND
• Must have and maintain a valid and Oregon State drivers license and good driving record to drive a vehicle in normal and emergency situations; AND
• Must pass a computerized criminal history and driver and motor vehicle services check, as well as clear a comprehensive background investigation and employment check (Criminal Justice Division) which includes a DPSST required psychological exam and meet physician-attended standards. (Adverse background data may be grounds for immediate disqualification.)

DESIRED SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

• Extensive knowledge of the principals and methods of effective field investigations, covert investigation, surveillance, and Oregon Revised Statues.
• Experienced with managing and motivating information contacts.
• Experienced with methods of collecting physical evidence.
• Experience with working independently, prioritizing own work and meeting time sensitive deadlines, at times with little notice and frequent interruptions.
• Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in applying laws and policies, in addition to exercise confidentiality with sensitive case information.
• Ability to prepare and present findings, establish proof of facts and evidence before grand juries, courts, and other adjudicative bodies.
• Ability to provide accuracy and attention to detail with stating facts clearly, concisely, objectively, and with correct English grammar both orally and in writing; when preparing written reports, memoranda and statements.
• Must be skilled and able to communicate effectively with people from various educational, cultural, and socioeconomic, to gain their confidence and cooperation.
• Experience must include proficiency with word processing software and internet databases usage.
• Knowledge and skills with operating a variety of photographic equipment used in crime scene photography and surveillance photography.
• Ability and willingness to travel frequently away from home and (as required) for weeks to months at a time.

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