Digital Forensics Specialist

Duties

• The Digital Forensics Specialist advises the unit supervisor in planning, coordinating, and directing digital forensic activities.
• Inventories, examines and performs complex technical analyses of computer-related evidence such as digital media, including hard drives, cell phones, optical disks, memory cards, and other electronic data storage media.
• Locates, examines, and collects digital evidence that may exist on external “cloud” servers.
• Prepares written findings, displays, or graphic representations for court presentation; testifies and interprets findings established by laboratory analyses and may serve as a qualified expert witness.
• Conducts research into new methods and procedures of scientific criminal investigation; maintains awareness of new developments in digital forensics; and incorporates new developments as appropriate within policy guidelines.
• Works with other law enforcement agencies to coordinate findings or seek alternative digital forensic analysis methods.
• Participates in law enforcement working groups and/or task forces as directed. Participates in meetings or other related groups.
• Provides local law enforcement agencies with forensic research, application, advanced casework, methodology development, and training.
• Processes crime scenes and/or clandestine laboratory scenes for video evidence and physical evidence and reconstructs the events of the crime from the evidence.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Ability to:

• Troubleshoot, repair, and optimize a variety of computer types, peripheral equipment, software, and networks.
• Disassemble suspect computers.
• Identify and analyze data available on computers taken in investigations.
• Gather and preserve evidence.
• Work as a team member.
• Operate laboratory computer equipment and software.
• Provide technical support to Police Investigators.
• Give and follow oral and written instructions.
• Maintain adequate record-keeping systems.
• Write reports and correspondence.
• Testify in court.

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques used in computer systems criminal investigation.
• Evidence collection.
• Analysis and documentation of investigations.
• Computer hardware, software, and networks.
• Specialized forensic software.
• Standard business and personal computer software and the internet.
• Computer operating systems.
• Departmental practices and procedures.
• Applicable laws, rules and regulations such as California Penal Code, California Health & Safety Code, California Vehicle Code, California Evidence Code, Municipal Code and various training and information bulletins.

Experience & Education

Any combination equivalent to experience and education that could likely provide the required abilities is qualifying.

A typical way to obtain these abilities would be:

• Equivalent to an Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university in criminal justice, forensic science, or related field -AND- a minimum of two years’ experience in criminal investigation and/or personal computer and network hardware and software.

License & Certification

• Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's license upon appointment; must pass an extensive background check.

The employee may be required to be on-call for crime scene investigations after normal working hours.

Do you have the Education Required? See available on-line and campus-based degree programs now!