Digital Forensic Technical Officer

Applications are invited for a newly created role within the Regional Cyber Crime Unit, working within an ISO accredited lab

The aim of the NEROCU is to reduce the impact, and increase the disruption, of serious and organised crime within the region and beyond. We target those areas of criminality we believe pose the greatest regional threats to the people and businesses within the area we cover, working collaboratively with other UK law enforcement agencies and partners from both private and public sectors. The NEROCU will directly influence the capabilities of these groups stifling and reducing their criminal activity

The Home Office Serious and Organised Crime Strategy are based upon the following principles:

- Pursue - prosecuting and disrupting people engaged in serious and organised criminality
- Prevent - preventing people from engaging in serious and organised criminality
- Protect - increasing protection against organised crime
- Prepare - reducing the impact of serious and organised crime where it takes place

The Forensic Technical Officer role is based in Sunderland and provides an exciting opportunity for applicants to work within an environment where NEROCU staff work alongside NCA colleagues, supporting the most sensitive Policing capabilities

**The role**:

- Working under the direction of the technical manager of the Cyber digital forensic capability, completing relevant tasks regarding ISO17025 accreditation and Forensic Science Regulator guidance, ensuring all equipment, software and staff are compliant with the unit requirements
- This is a full time agile-working post which consists of a blend of home working and office based

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Test, evaluate and validate new equipment (hardware/software), processes and methods under the direction of the technical manager to ensure that it meets the requirements of the unit and complete a schedule of validation and testing of all relevant DFU equipment (hardware and software)
- Undertake Forensic Pre
- Imaging and Imaging of all types of digital exhibits / devices prioritising work to ensure effective investigative support. Supply supporting documentation and peer review service
- Maintenance and ongoing upgrade of physical and virtual lab environment including security management and situational awareness
- Assist the Technical Manager in the review of the Quality Management System registrations, to resolve issues, analyse root causes and take effective action to prevent re-occurrence and actions to minimise and mitigate risks
- Provide support in ensuring compliance with all aspects of quality assurance by conducting audits as directed by Digital Forensics Unit Technical Manager and/or Quality Manager
- Maintain a document library of relevant documents and versions compliant with the requirements of ISO to enable the unit to gain/maintain accreditation
- To assist the technical manager to develop and produce standard operating procedures for the unit under the direction of the technical manager ensuring that all processes maximise evidence yield. Review unit equipment, checking for updates available to ensure the unit continues to function effectively
- Provide advice and guidance to staff around Regulatory requirements including the Forensic Science Regulator Codes, ISO17025, 17020 and ILAC G19 in line with National guidelines
- Prepare evidential CCTV product for NEROCU investigations / Case file build
- Undertake other duties as required up to a level consistent with the nature, responsibilities, and grading of the post

**Essential Skills**:

- Forensic training /experience in both computer and mobile phone theory and tools
- Understanding and experience of the Forensic Science Regulator Codes Practice and Conduct and International Office of Standardisation forensic quality standards
- Able to plan effectively; to allocate tasks and work appropriately to identify and mitigate risks to delivery and to meet customer requirements
- Demonstrable experience of information gathering and problem solving
- The ability to work effectively within a small team and with and stakeholders in line with force values and professional standards of behaviour
- Demonstrable experience in writing detailed reports to describe technical matters to a non-technical audience.

**Desirable skills**:

- Previous experience of technical work within an accredited quality management system
- Undergraduate degree or equivalent level academic / technical qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. computer science, digital forensic investigation, policing/investigation) or equivalent vocational qualifications
- Ability to prioritise workload, delivering service provision to meet customer requirements and Service level agreements
- Demonstrate experience in problem solving in the field of digital forensics
- Experience in giving oral and/or written evidence within the criminal justice system

Please note, as part of this role, you may be required t