Digital Forensic Unit Manager

The Digital Forensic Unit Manager holds a senior management position as the head of a technical function, with responsibility for managing and developing digital forensics within the force, to inform decision making and mitigate threat, risk and harm.

A Digital Forensics Manager ensures current and emerging technology is integrated into the end to end digital forensics workflow with the strategic vision to be innovative and dynamic in approach. Maintaining an awareness of risk and emerging issues they create and adapt strategic and operational plans when required.

• Lead the co-ordination of the allocation, delivery, and priority of the digital forensic team workload to advance and support investigations in line with force priorities
• Act as a professional advocate who provides advice, direction, and expertise across the force on all digital forensic related matters contributing to the achievement of policing objectives.
• Lead and inspire people to improve and manage performance in line with force procedures, providing direction and advising on professional development to ensure a professional and efficient service.
• Able to create strategic organisational change that reshapes the service or function, to deliver appropriate responses to emerging trends and issues.
• Provide strategic direction on the appropriate interpretation of current and relevant legal powers/procedures/Acts such as Criminal Procedures Investigations Act, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, General Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act for forensic working practices.
• Work in partnership with other agencies, forces, and other organisations to deliver effective collaboration arrangements that will improve the force’s efficiency and capacity to protect the public.
• Scope, plan and coordinate the development and implementation of digital forensic projects, policies and processes at a strategic level to ensure they are consistently introduced, applied and monitored.
• Ensure the appropriate delivery of all laboratory testing and technical standards for equipment regarding evidential and professional standards.

Prior Education and Experience:

• A relevant technical degree and leadership qualification or equivalent experience.
• Comprehensive understanding of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice System.
• Detailed technical knowledge of digital forensic services and how this can be used to meet the force digital objectives.
• Practical experience on a broad range of digital forensic investigations
• Experience in leading change programmes in either complex organisations or projects where the interests of stakeholders need to be managed and balanced.
• Knowledge of relevant legal powers/procedures/acts (e.g. Criminal Procedures Investigations Act, Police and Criminal Evidence Act, General Data Protection Act, Human Rights Act).
• Significant experience in management of leading diverse teams, build relationships and influence at all levels.

Skills:

• Skilled in setting digital forensic function, team and individual objectives, assessing progress, identifying emerging risks, issues and opportunities, and taking corrective steps as required to ensure that the right results are achieved.
• Able to apply or devise specialised concepts and methods of technical analysis (or commission them from others), to clarify and / or solve complex problems.
• Able to allocate resources appropriately for the digital forensic function and utilise commercial acumen to make risk-based decisions that deliver effective outcomes within the available budget.
• Able to lead, develop and motivate a diverse team; creating strong engagement of individuals with their personal and team performance objectives and with force values, behaviours and strategic priorities.
• Able to use a range of communication and influencing techniques and methods to successfully negotiate, collaborate and/or effect change and engage with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Able to deliver change that reshapes the analytical function, to deliver appropriate responses to emerging trends and issues.

• Maintain and update knowledge and appreciation of the changing digital forensic landscape and how it is employed in criminality.
• Maintain and update relevant knowledge on legislation and national policy/guidance current.
• Research and employ best digital forensic practice techniques to enhance police service delivery.
• Horizon scanning for with new approaches to evidence-based policing and service delivery.
• Seek opportunities to improve upon the delivery of professional/expert witness evidence testimony for self, and staff.
• 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
• Digital Forensic Senior Practitioner
• Technical Manager (Digital)