Digital Forensics Analyst - Computers

Sussex Police; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A law enforcement agency is seeking a Specialist Digital Forensic Analyst in Haywards Heath. You'll work at the center of digital forensic investigations, managing high priority cases and providing strategic advice. Candidates should possess a degree in Computer Forensics and demonstrate excellent problem-solving and communication skills. This full-time role offers career progression, a supportive working environment, and various benefits including a pension scheme and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Career progression

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave

On-site gyms

Financial and mental wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Good standard of education with proven numeracy and literacy skills at a higher education level.
• Good knowledge and understanding of digital imaging techniques.
• Strong attention to detail and excellent report writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify and protect vulnerable people through digital investigations.
• Manage and examine high priority digital forensic cases.
• Provide advice on handling and recovery of digital evidence.

Skills

IT literate

Problem solving in dynamic environments

Excellent written and verbal communication

Attention to detail

Interpersonal skills

Education

Degree level in Computer Forensic or related field

Tools

Digital forensic software

Computer hardware

Job description

This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions.

Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.

Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.

Division / Department - Specialist Crime
Grade - See Advert
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - See Advert
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Haywards Heath

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro‑rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

Please see salary below as this is a linked grade. Progression from Grade 10 to Grade 11 is dependent on satisfactory completion of a training programme

From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference.

It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.

This is an opportunity for you to develop your passion and interest in order to become a specialist in Computer Forensics, analysing the data obtained from seized devices in a wide variety of high risk / harm / threat crimes.

You will be constantly learning in an ever‑changing world of technology, keeping up with new methodologies and technological advances in computing as well as assisting the department in obtaining ISO Accreditation.

This position is located in Haywards Heath, Sussex. This is an in‑office job and there is no opportunity to work from home within this role.

Specialist Digital Forensic Analysts work at the centre of Digital Forensic Investigations, managing and examining high priority, technically complex cases not suitable for examination at local hubs as well as performing the key ‘triage’ role.

DFA’s produce forensic strategies, working with the OIC / SIO in the case to get a full understanding of case requirements. Working to strict timescales within an environment of high demand and high priorities, they routinely provide advice and support to officers regarding the handling, recovery and preservation of digital evidence and also provide written reports and statements for production at courts of law.

The post holder will regularly undertake appropriate ‘peer reviews’ and provide feedback to quality assure digital forensic reporting.

Please read the Job Description attached to this advert for more information.

Skills & Experience

• Good standard of education with proven numeracy and literacy skills at a higher education level (Degree level or equivalent).
• To be IT literate, ideally with previous significant experience in a computer related or law enforcement environment or possess academic achievements related to role (i.e. computer forensic degree or working towards one).
• Good knowledge and understanding of digital imaging techniques including the electronic extraction of data and reporting on such findings.
• Good working knowledge of using a variety of computer software applications together with disassembling / assembling computer hardware.
• A good understanding of digital forensics including the application and implications of ISO 17025.
• Evidence of working independently within an investigative / analytical environment.
• Excellent Interpersonal skills particularly the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders using negotiating and influencing techniques.
• Problem solve in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Willingness to learn specific forensic computer software applications. Together with an aptitude and willingness for continuous learning and professional development.
• Self‑motivated and proven experience of working methodically and patiently, often to deadlines, with minimal supervision.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to evidence excellent written and verbal communication skills (including report writing).
• Ability to motivate and develop others with confidence to provide feedback in an appropriate manner.
• Proven ability of managing high workloads often with conflicting priorities.
• Awareness of exhibit handling procedures (especially continuity and integrity).
• Able to demonstrate problem solving skills (including analysis and interpretation).
• Capable of absolute discretion when dealing with casework of a highly sensitive and confidential nature.
• It should be noted that the nature of this role will regularly expose the post holder to extremely distressing material and images. (The post holder will therefore be required to undergo a psychological wellbeing check. This not only forms a baseline for further checks but also ensures people are fit to undertake the role at the outset).

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working.

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on‑site gyms and a range of sports clubs
• generous and supportive parental leave
• financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
• discounted contributory healthcare scheme

For further information about this vacancy, candidates can contact the Computers Team Leader for the Digital Forensics Team - Charlotte Mckee [e-mail]

Closing date for applications – Sunday 11th January

Interviews for successful candidates – w/c 26th January

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti‑racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti‑racism statement here .

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding [e-mail] to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.

This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.

Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;

• vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
• vacancies in non‑collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
• if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment

Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.