Digital Forensic Investigator (SWROCU)

Job Description

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) is looking for experienced Digital Forensic Investigators keen to progress their careers as part of our Regional Cyber Crime Unit.

The Regional Cyber Crime Unit is a multi-disciplinary team that works closely with partners and deals with the most serious types of cyber criminality affecting the South West region.  Alongside these investigations, the team has a significant part to play in investigating cyber dependent crimes such as computer network intrusions, denials of service, ransomware extortion, malware development, supply, deployment and data theft/ breaches.

The role requires a dynamic and innovative investigator using cutting edge techniques and technology. There will be a need for you to display a sound forensic approach to investigations and you’ll undertake live and dead box data recovery and network forensics to provide evidentially sound technical support to operations and investigations into the most serious incidents of computer network based crimes. You will need to be able to communicate your findings in both written and verbal form to the understanding of cyber-crime investigators and victims.  

You will have a minimum of 1-2 years' experience in the specialist field of computer forensics, together with a working knowledge of forensic based computer examination software packages.

Main responsibilities will include:

  • Forensics analysis of:
  • Computers and large-scale computer networks
  • Mobile devices
  • UAVs (drones)
  • Vehicle telemetry systems
  • Malware
  • Scene attendance at warrants and victim premises
  • Advanced project development
  • Providing technical advice to a range of departments
  • Continual research and development

Technical skills in computer network analysis, mobile phone and device examination are important. There will be structured training course opportunities, but you will also be expected to keep up to date with current cyber-crime trends and technologies.  An awareness of the threats posed by cyber-crime is also essential.  The post holder must hold a full current driving licence. Some flexibility in the pattern of working may be required to meet special demands of the duties of the post.

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) was established in September 2010 to disrupt, dismantle and destroy serious and organised crime across the South West of England. It is made up of the five forces in the region – Avon and Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, Dorset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire – to work across the county borders. It brings together the capability and funding to gather intelligence, crack serious and organised crime networks and seize the assets of the criminals involved. SWROCU is part of the national ROCU network who work hand in hand with local forces and national partners to target and disrupt criminals posing the greatest risk of Serious and Organised Criminality (SOC). This includes offenders involved in cyber threats, economic crime, drug conspiracies, modern slavery and human trafficking and child sexual abuse and exploitation. SWROCU seeks to lead and support the region working with the forces and national leads to promote consistency and use of best practice and technology.

The SWROCU works in close partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC), United Kingdom Border Force (UKBF), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the HM Prisons and Probation Service (HMPPS).

Police staff in one of our five regional forces can find out more about the work of this team and read first-hand accounts of people working at SWROCU at https://www.southwestrocu.police.uk/

Our capabilities are here to advise, to assist, or to fully adopt investigations.

What we can offer you

  • Salary: A&S – PO2-5 (£39,036 - £41,928)
  • Continuous professional development – we encourage and support career growth, giving you the opportunity of a flourishing career.
  • Well-being support – we have many support mechanisms in place to assist in improving your personal health and wellbeing.
  • Other perks include discounts and savings for you and your family on retail, dining out, holidays and theme parks to name just a few.
  • Flexible local government pension scheme.

Skills, experience and qualifications required

Essential:

  • The postholder will hold a degree or equivalent and have minimum of 1-2 years’ experience in the specialist field of computer forensics, together with a working knowledge of forensic based computer examination software packages
  • They will possess strong written and verbal communication skills, including presentation skills, the ability to handle difficult conversations and potentially hostile situations. They will have excellent interpersonal skills and will have the ability to convey technical matters to a non-technical audience. They will also have a working knowledge of legislation relating to the use, investigation and seizure of electronic material.
  • Effective decision making and the ability to influence others in the decision making process are essential. The post holder will hold a full current driving license or be able to travel around the South West Region using alternative transport.
  • Knowledge of relevant legislation such as Computer Misuse Act, ACPO Good Practice Guide for Digital Evidence and the
  • Data Protection Legislation, together with a knowledge of malware, database construction, network investigation, forensic laboratory practices and procedures, evidence handling and court presentation would all be advantageous. Experience of presenting evidence in court is also desirable.
  • Some flexibility in the pattern of working may be required to meet special demands of the duties of the post.

Recruitment and Selection

  • Recruitment webinar: Tuesday 10th September at 13:00hrs - Hosted by the capability lead or a member of their team, this is an opportunity to find out more about the role, the team you would be part of, and ask any questions.
    Please contact swrocurecruitment@avonandsomerset.police.uk, whereby invites will be sent accordingly. Please note that webinars will not be recorded.
  • The closing date for receipt of applications is: Sunday 29th September 2024 at 23:55hrs
  • Shortlisting will take place week commencing: Monday 30th September 2024
  • Assessments/Interviews will be held week commencing: TBC

How to Apply

All applications are processed through the Avon and Somerset Constabulary online Oleeo portal.

Contact SWROCURecruitment@avonandsomerset.police.uk for further information.

If you reach the assessment/ interview stage of a process and become a reserve applicant, we would like to retain your application. This will be pending further vacancies arising for the same role in a 12-month period. By giving your consent this does not prevent you from applying for any other opportunities.

The application window may close early if we feel we have enough successful applications submitted. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We look forward to receiving your application. 

Additional Information

Vetting and safeguarding

This post is subject to a higher security clearance at MV and SC – Management Vetting and Security Clearance Level.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Police Barred and Advisory lists

Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of five years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or three years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SWROCU is working hard to increase diversity and inclusion where communities are currently under-represented including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions, gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve. All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible and Part Time Working

All requests for flexible working patterns and part-time working will be considered and be dependent on the role, this includes job shares and part-time hours.

Travel to Work Protocol    

This is an incentive whereby staff working for SWROCU may be able to claim compensation for travelling to work if they meet a set criteria.  

For more information, please refer to a copy of the protocol attached. Should you have any questions please make contact with SWROCUBusinessTeam@avonandsomerset.police.uk

If you are interested to find our more information about this post, please email us at: SWROCURecruitment@avonandsomerset.police.uk

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country. 

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