Technical Manager (Digital)

The Technical Lead has overarching responsibility for the delivery of technical operations for major crimes, incidents, operations or any investigations that require the provision of the resources needed to ensure the required quality of forensic services. They display a holistic understanding of the factors influencing forensic intelligence and investigation, and are able to create and adapt strategic and operational plans when required.

• Act as senior advisor within a forensic organisation having responsibility for ensuring the technical operations of the unit meets the appropriate quality and accreditation standards and adheres to the organisations own management systems policies and procedures.
• Provide broader collaboration and partnership opportunities across policing and wider organisations to ensure a standardised approach to forensic services, engaging in research and development as required.
• Leading and managing a program of quality control to develop and influence recommendations and lessons learned. Determining the root cause of non-conformances and suggesting process improvements.
• Lead forensic practitioners in the completion of audit and inspection processes, and the investigation and resolution of complaints, to identify quality of service issues, potential improvements and to maintain and improve quality of service.
• Integrate learning into best practice through appropriate quality assurance processes.
• Determine calibration and laboratory testing schedule of all technical equipment to maintain force minimum standards with regards to all technical equipment utilisied for evidential purposes.
• Engage and demonstrate active leadership and implementation of force workforce strategy, including wellbeing when processing sensitive or potentially distressing content.

Prior Education and Experience:

• A master’s level qualification in a forensic discipline or quality assurance and/or equivalent experience.
• Substantial expertise in the forensic discipline, specialist subject matter knowledge in the provision of forensic science within a quality management system, and has a working knowledge, and can apply their knowledge to other forensic disciplines.
• Experience of delivering continual improvement of digital forensic scientific methods to meet the requirements of ISO17025 and/or ISO17020 and the Forensic Science Codes of Practice and Conduct, specifically leading others through the validation process of complex methods and ensuring workforce competence.
• 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 Crinminal Evidence Act , Geneneral Data Protection Act and Human Rights Act.

Skills:

• Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise a demanding workload and resources to meet objectives and deadlines.
• Able to demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of digital devices and there application for digital forensics.
• Comprehensive understanding and specialist knowledge of the rules and requirements of evidence gathering and its presentation at court.
• 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 Human Rights Act for forensic working practices.
• Apply best practice to forensic activities and guide practitioners on the validations of these methods.
• Ability to communicate, explain, disseminate, and influence the delivery of digital and technical information accurately and appropriate to the audience.

• Maintain and update knowledge and appreciation of the changing digital forensic landscape and how it is employed in criminality.
• Maintain and update knowledge on relevant legislation and national policy/guidance current.
• Research and employ best digital forensic practice techniques to enhance police service delivery.
• Horizon scanning for 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 Specialist
• Digital Forensic Practitioner
• Digital Forensic Senior Practitioner
• Digital Forensic Unit Manager