Digital Media Investigator

The Digital Media Investigator supports major crime, incidents, operations or any investigation that requires specialist digital investigative assistance. They provide assistance and advice in support of live incidents, investigations, gathering intelligence and conducting proactive/reactive investigations where digital technology and data acquisition opportunities exist.

• Support the development of a digital strategy in conjunction with Senior Investigation Officers to reach objectives for how digital media can support investigations.
• Seek specialist support from roles such as Analysts, Communications Data Investigators (SPoC), Digital Forensics, Covert Authority Bureau, Vehicle Examiners and National Crime Agency to apply appropriate expertise to the advancement of an investigation.
• Undertake open and closed source investigations in relation to specific subjects, to support incidents, operations and investigations.
• Undertake proactive research in to the latest hardware and software products available including applications, assessing how they may support police investigations and making recommendations to improve processes.
• Support investigations through preparation of relevant disclosure material, in liaison with Crown prosecutors when necessary.
• Share best practice both in Force, regionally and nationally to aid collaboration and continuous improvement in policing.

Prior education and experience:

Have knowledge and understanding of the Law & Procedure in connection with the following key business areas:

• Digital Forensics (Computers & mobile devices)
• Network Investigations
• Wi-Fi opportunities
• Open Source Investigations
• Communications Data Investigations
• ANPR
• CCTV
• Radio Frequency Propagation Surveys (Cellular & WiFi)

Key legislative knowledge of:

• IPACT
• PACE
• CPIA including PII
• Human Rights
• Data Protection

Strong understanding of processes including:

• Investigation, prosecution and case file preparation
• Exhibits management and giving of evidence
• Grading systems for SPoCs and risk matrices used by the HTCU.

Experience working on a Major Investigation Team/Serious Organised Crime Investigation Team or local Criminal Investigation Team, and Major Incident Room.

Skills:

• Able to communicate clearly, adapting language, form and message to ensure understanding.
• Skilled in using specialised software related to digital media investigations to extract, analyse and report on data.
• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work and use resources effectively and efficiently.
• Able to identify cause and effect and develop a course of action designed to target root causes.
• Able to identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.
• Good team working skills demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.
• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.

• Stay up-to-date with the changing landscape of communications data.
• Undertake attachments to other units, e.g. Digital Forensic Unit, SPoC Unit and Intelligence Units.
• Develop a working knowledge of and identify emerging technologies, seeking out new data acquisition opportunities and stay apprised of any updates from service providers.
• Be aware of any changes to legislation that may affect digital work.
• Keep up-to-date with changing legislation and current national policing priorities.
• Keep up to date with new approaches to evidence based policing.
• Research new methodologies of gaining digital evidence/data within the parameters of the law and local force policy.
• Maintain and enhance knowledge of both cyber-dependent and cyber-enabled crime.
• Maintain and enhance ability to testify in court as a professional witness.
• Understand and implement the current Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPACT) and Codes of Practice.
• Attend role-specific DMI CPD Events and training, where appropriate.
• Demonstrate operational experience through deployment as DMI on a Major Incident /Operation.

Not applicable.

• Communications Data Investigator
• Radio Frequency Surveyor
• Communications Data Investigator Manager
• Digital Media Investigation Co-ordinator