Police Digital Media Forensics Specialist

Duties

Examples of ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists Police Department personnel with the procurement and implementation of new equipment and/or software applications related to the collection, storage, organization, security, and dissemination of digital media. This may include in-car video recorders, interview room audio/visual recording systems, body worn cameras, digital audio recorders, or other devices.
• Responds to crime scenes and/or other locations where evidentiary digital media may be present to assist with the collection of data and/or transportation of devices containing such.
• Available on an on-call basis to assist at crime scenes or with emergency technical issues related to digital media.
• Examines and evaluates evidence to determine techniques and procedures to be employed in the development of usable images that both answer the question being asked of the data and preserve the integrity of the original.
• Assists Police Department personnel with cell phone data extractions to include the use of GrayKey and/or Cellebrite and provide supplemental reporting and documentation of the extractions.
• Coordinates with Police Property/Evidence unit staff to address technical issues related to the submission of evidence for prosecution of criminal cases by local, county, state, or federal courts. May assist other law enforcement agencies with digital media conversions, formatting, duplication of media, or other services.
• Assists with the analysis and clarification of digital media (video, audio, and photographic) for use by investigators or others.
• Testifies as an expert witness in criminal or civil court or other public hearings to the forensic work performed and to verify the integrity of evidentiary data collected or the protocols followed for collection.
• Coordinates with Police Department personnel and other city staff to ensure consistency and standardization of technology equipment types and placement in vehicles.
• Coordinates with Police Department administrative and command staff to conduct research and analyze workflows, media, and presentation needs within the Police Department to ensure the most appropriate and effective application of available technology tools.
• Coordinates with Technology Solutions personnel and vendors to provide support for Police Department hardware and/or software technology systems related to digital media. Schedules and coordinates software upgrades related to digital media with vendors and/or Technology Solutions personnel.
• Coordinates with quartermaster personnel and the Technology Liaison Officer to monitor service requests and ensure all reported technology issues related to digital media are handled in a timely manner and documentation is provided for future tracking of problem response efforts.
• Coordinates with quartermaster personnel, the Technology Liaison Officer, and Technology Solutions personnel to maintain a shared working inventory of all Police Department technology equipment related to digital media including current location or placement in the fleet.
• Assists with training of Police Department personnel in the use of new hardware and/or software applications related to digital media.
• Performs documentation and administrative tasks, as directed, in a timely manner.
• Pursues and continues learning about emerging technologies that can benefit the Police Department through digital media studies, conferences, classes, and journals.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

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

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Various digital media technologies, including audiovisual equipment and any software used to record events, convert file formats, clarify images or audio, and publish data to physical media. Preferred candidate would have a knowledge of public safety organizational procedures, an understanding of Microsoft server software and Active Directory, and a general knowledge of hardware and software used in audiovisual presentation needs.

Skill in:

• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; organizing and maintaining records, providing effective customer service and managing conflict; working without direct supervision and adapting to changing priorities. Accurately determining technology requirements and identifying and applying appropriate digital media technology and/or equipment to address needs. Resolving technology related issues in stressful situations; operating a variety of standard office and specialized forensic equipment and software.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, media production, criminal justice or related required. Master’s degree preferred.

Experience:

• Three (3) years of experience with digital media, computers, and cell phone extractions in a law enforcement environment.
• Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above minimum qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications:

• Texas Class C driver’s license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law); LEVA Certified Forensic Video Technician or other professional digital forensic training preferred. Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner or Cellebrite Certified Recovery Specialist and/or Certified GrayKey Operator preferred.

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