Digital Forensic Senior Practitioner

The Digital Forensic Senior Practitioner s a senior advisor within the digital forensic environment and supports and manages the delivery of digital services for major crimes, incidents, operations or any investigations that require specialist digital forensic investigative assistance.

They provide an enhanced specialist service and knowledge with regard to the capturing, preserving, and analysing of digital intelligence and evidence for investigations where digital technology and data acquisition opportunities exist.

Working independently, they manage ‘end to end’ processes and/or teams within the digital forensic workspace.

They are responsible for analyses and assessments, whilst influencing and formulating policy and process design. They also create and adapt strategic and operational plans as required.

• Provide dynamic specialist technical advice and guidance to Senior Investigating Officers on digital forensic is proportionate victim focused opportunities, in proactive, reactive investigations and crime in action, to guide the investigation on the best course of action in the circumstances.
• Co-ordinate and advise on the effective use of advanced forensic knowledge and techniques in a digital environment to ensure the appropriate planning, capture, preservation, processing, and analysis of digital evidence utilising a range of technical hardware and software devices and tools in the laboratory and at scenes.
• Deliver competent, factual reports, evidential statements, when appropriate expert and interpretive reports, and continuity processes as required for the Criminal Justice System and force procedures/systems.
• Identify and apply technical changes to the digital work environment using analytical decision making, problem solving, risk awareness and system management.
• Operate in a safe, lawful manner and ethical manner when dealing with digital devices and information and giving due consideration to wellbeing working practices when processing sensitive or potentially distressing content.
• Take responsibility for providing support and guidance to practitioners and technicians on field work advising investigators on how to approach problem solving the technical aspect of a digital forensic strategy.
• Supervise a team of staff to ensure that they are engaged and motivated to perform their duties and manage their welfare and development through coaching and mentoring.
• Co-ordinate the allocation, delivery, and priority of the digital forensic team workload to advance and support the force investigations.

Prior Education and Experience:

• A masters level technical degree or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience of working in digital forensic environment with current technical knowledge of digital forensic services.
• Knowledge and understanding of operating with an accredited environment.
• Comprehensive understanding of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System.
• Practical expertise on a broad range of digital forensic investigations within live casework.
• Knowledge of relevant legal powers/procedures/acts such as, Criminal Procedures Investigations Act, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, General Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act.

Skills:

• Able to deliver expert analysis of digital devices.
• Expertise in analysing a problem, breaking it down into component parts, interpreting large quantities of numerical data and determining and implementing the appropriate action.
• Able to configure and allocate digital forensic equipment safely and in appropriate manner.
• A comprehensive understanding and specialist knowledge of the rules and requirements of evidence gathering and its presentation at court.
• A comprehensive understanding of digital technology and the forensic opportunities offered by their examination.
• Ability to communicate, explain, and disseminate digital and technical information accurately and appropriate to the audience.

• Maintain knowledge and appreciation of the changing digital forensic landscape and how it is employed in criminality.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant legislation and national policy/guidance.
• Research and employ best practice techniques to enhance police service delivery.
• Horizon scanning for new approaches to evidence-based policing.
• Seek opportunities to improve upon the delivery of professional/expert witness evidence testimony.
• Scan for emerging technologies and how best to incorporate them into professional practice.
• Seek out and undertake meaningful training/attachment opportunities to enhance skills base and service delivery.
• Maintain and update knowledge and understanding of performance management process and ensure they are implemented effectively when managing teams.

Not Applicable

• Digital Forensic Technician
• Digital Forensic Practitioner
• Digital Forensic Specialist
• Technical Manager (Digital)
• Digital Forensic Unit Manager