Digital Forensic Analyst

BASIC PURPOSE

Reporting to the Detective Sergeant, under general direction, this non-commissioned Digital Forensic Analyst conducts highly technical analysis and procedures in the collection, processing, preservation, and presentation of digital evidence to assist law enforcement in a variety of criminal investigations. This position is responsible for duties which include, but are not limited to, acting as a technical expert within the Department regarding digital forensics; preparing detailed reports of investigations and analysis; assisting prosecuting attorneys with trial preparation to coordinate digital evidence presentation; making court appearances and giving testimony related to cases; and deploying into the field to locate and preserve digital evidence at crime scenes and search warrant services.

The first review of applications is tentatively scheduled to begin on 12/20/2024.

The first round of interviews is tentatively scheduled for the second week of January 2025.


Please note: the Hiring Manager reserves the right to make changes to this posting at any time. This recruitment may be used to fill other positions of the same job classification. Once all the position(s) from the recruitment announcement are filled, the recruitment may only be used to fill additional open positions for the next six (6) months.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

These duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Conducts seizures and examinations of electronic devices including cell phones/smart phones, tablets, laptops, personal computers and corresponding electronic data storage media to secure and recover data as evidence.
• Assists in the execution of search warrants for evidence in criminal investigations. Conduct on-site forensic analysis previews of digital evidence.
• Acts as subject matter expert, making determinations and recommendations regarding appropriate items to be seized based on search warrant particulars and relevant case law.
• Assists and participates in Internet-based investigations with the Human Resources Department, including online operations. Collects, processes and preserves, mobile devices, computer related evidence in support of police department investigations. May provide support assistance in other department investigations up to and including property crimes, sex crimes, homicides, etc.
• Compose reports for police management on findings from digital evidence extraction and analysis.
• Compiles all relevant case information in easy-to-understand format. Collects, preserves, labels, catalogs, and stores evidentiary items for presentation in criminal proceedings in accordance with legal standards. Presents the case and responds to questions regarding findings to prosecutors and defense teams and in trial.
• Provides continuity within the organization by assisting new detectives with learning new technology-based investigative skills and tools pertinent to their position. This may include but not be limited to, peer-to-peer related investigations, call detail records or open-source intelligence techniques.
• Develops and provides presentations for community organizations as well as for Internet Crimes Against Children conferences. Provide in-service training for Lacey Police Department personnel (e.g. how to best store and/or preserve the information stored on phones, how to write search warrants for digital evidence and other things electronic)
• Transports property and/or evidence for processing (e.g. laboratory examination) or disposal, documenting chain of custody as required by law and best practices.
• Manages and stores digital evidence based on established Washington State retention schedules. Prepares and destroys digital evidence on a regular basis as established by governing RCW's, City and Department policies. Enters evidentiary property into computer systems, updating entries as required and retrieving information from the system. 
• Establishes and maintains cooperative, effective relationships with co-workers, department members, city employees, and the general public.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
High School Diploma or G.E.D. AND four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience in police digital evidence analysis, digital data recovery or closely related experience 

An Associate’s Degree in digital forensics or a related field AND two (2) years of increasingly responsible experience in police digital evidence analysis, digital data recovery or closely related experience 
  
* May have a combination of experience, education, and training that would substitute for the above     
  requirements.
 
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• IACIS (International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists), Cellebrite, or SCERS (Seized Computer Evidence Recovery Specialist) certification.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS OR LICENSE(S):

• Must pass an extensive background investigation, including fingerprints, polygraph and psychological testing.  
• Must successfully complete pre-employment medical testing for the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
• Must maintain a level of physical and mental fitness necessary to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without a reasonable accommodation.
• Must possess a valid Washington State driver’s license at time of hire OR must obtain within 30 days from date of hire and must have a driving record acceptable to the City and the City’s insurance carrier.
• Verification of identity and United States work authorization must be completed as required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act.
• Must have the ability to obtain ACCESS and WACIC training within six (6) months of hire.
• Must successfully complete WSCJTC Law Enforcement Records and Property & Evidence Room Management training within 12 months of hire date.
• Must obtain one (1) industry accepted certification directly related to digital forensics within twelve (12) months of hire date.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Police Department policies, procedures, and other rules and regulations.
• Principles, methods, and practices of investigation, evidence identification, and collection.
• Multiple operating systems including Windows, Linux, OSX, Android, IOS, and others as well as electronic devices, hardware and other peripherals.
• Rules of evidence and applicable laws.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• English usage, spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws that pertain to collection, processing, and preservation of computer-related evidence.

 
Skill in:

• Performing digital evidence extraction from computers and mobile devices.
• Analyzing cellular records for intelligence to include use of PenLink solutions, mapping and historical record analysis.
• Creation of deliverables for officers, detectives, prosecutors, and juries.
• Providing excellent customer service to co-workers, other City employees, outside agencies and the general public.

 
Ability to:

• Interpret and apply Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Maintain and demonstrate discretion and confidentiality related to the area of work.
• Operate and use modern office equipment appropriate computer programs.
• Work in a manner consistent with the City of Lacey’s policies and values.
• Demonstrate good judgment and responsibility in handling varied situations correctly.
• Respond effectively to the public under adverse and emotional circumstances, and to maintain a courteous and helpful disposition.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships within a structured organization, and across other City departments.
• Accurately interpret and follow complex written and oral instructions, procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe working environment.
• Read and write the English language and communicate effectively in both verbally and in writing.
• Research and analyze complex information in order to determine correct action(s).
• Effectively plan and organize work in order to meet established deadlines.
• Maintain regular, reliable, and punctual attendance.
• Portray an image of knowledge, confidence and professionalism.
• Provide a high level of customer service at all times.