Digital Forensic Technician

This profile has recently been updated to include the CVF 2024 and core skills, and the new version can be found on College Learn by entering the Profile title in the search function. Please note this profile is out of date and is in the process of being reviewed.

The Digital Forensic Technician supports the appropriate capture, preservation, and initial processing of digital evidence. They will provide triage and early decision-making for criminal investigations that will ensure the integrity of any digital evidence. They will apply their technical knowledge to a range of digital materials, primarily from mobile devices and computer peripherals.

• Apply the principle of digital forensics to support the criminal justice process.
• Provide advice to investigators on the use of approved scientific methodologies and rationales to support investigations.
• Apply the appropriate techniques and standard methodologies and forensic science technologies for digital examinations to ensure the capture, preservation and integrity of digital evidence.
• Apply correct procedures for handling exhibits and evidential material to ensure the continuity and security of digital evidence.
• Produce evidential contemporaneous notes and reports for disclosure purposes in support of the criminal justice process.
• Conduct forensic examinations using specialist technical equipment across a range of locations, ensuring handling, transport, storage, and environmental factors are all considered to maximise evidential opportunities.
• Apply and support quality controls that aligning to standard operating policies and procedures to ensure all forensic work meets the Forensic Science Regulators statutory code of practice.
• Apply handling guidelines of physical forensic evidence whilst conducting digital investigative decisions to ensure the preservation of all evidence.
• Apply organisational minimum standards with regards to equipment testing and maintenance to ensure effective operation of the equipment.
• Follow safe and lawful practices when processing sensitive and potentially distressing content to ensure due consideration is given to wellbeing working practices.

Prior Education and Experience:

• Awareness of forensic science and has an attitude for information technology.
• Awareness of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

Skills:

• Standard operating procedures for a range of digital forensic capture and preservation process.
• Able to present evidence in court and at other hearings.
• Able to use resources efficiently in own role and to comply with financial rules and procedures.
• Able to break down a straightforward problem into component parts and determine appropriate action, including the evaluation of forensic investigation of crime scenes, and to take decisions and evaluate outcomes.
• Skilled in the use of standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements, including creating visual records for forensic investigations.
• Ability to manage and conduct effective and efficient priority and high-volume investigations.
• Good communication skills with the ability to listen to others in accordance with the varied needs of differing situations, individuals, groups, and communities.
• Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
• Able to identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.
• Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate continuous improvement plan.
• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
• Able to identify potential new ways of working and innovation where appropriate and possible to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.

CPD is ongoing; it enables the individual, in collaboration with their organisation, to maintain, develop and gain recognition for existing and new professional skills, knowledge and competence. It is undertaken to ensure we continue to provide high quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. More information on how to plan CPD can be found here.

Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of a Professional Development Review (PDR). PDR is a tool to support police officers and staff to take ownership of their professional development and plan career progression. More information on how to use a PDR for development can be found here.

This section has three parts:

1. annual learning/mandatory training/accreditation requirements
2. signposting to suggested activities and resources for the individual to maintain and enhance competence and professional development in the role, and
3. any ongoing professional registration and/or licensing requirements of the role

Annual learning/accreditation requirements: (Outlines mandatory/annual learning or requirements to maintain accreditation in the role. Please note any exemption is at Chief Constable discretion, in line with local force policy.)

Not applicable

Professional development:

In order to keep up to date with new approaches to evidence based policing, and new technological approaches within the Digital Forensic Science field, the following should be considered:

• Keep up to date with relevant national guidance.
• Apply quality standards to demonstrate the maintenance of competencies in line with the forensic science regulators statutory code of practice.

Not Applicable

• Digital Forensic Practitioner Senior
• Digital Forensic Specialist
• Digital Forensic Senior Practitioner
• Technical Manager (Digital)