Digital Forensic Services

Based within the Digital Forensic Hubs in Banbury, Oxford, Aylesbury, Milton Keynes, Slough and Loddon Valley. In this varied role you will support the recovery of digital evidence by handling, screening, triaging and logging exhibits; this will involve dissembling digital devices and using software applications to forensically acquire data.

The work of the Unit is extremely demanding and directly involved in supporting the investigation of various crimes across the whole of the Thames Valley Police area. You will ensure that early examination of exhibits occurs to determine the best course of action in any case using a comprehensive triage process to identify those exhibits suitable for further analysis. This can involve material or images of a distressing nature.

The successful candidate will have practical experience and knowledge of computer hardware and software together with a good standard of education, including numeracy and literacy skills. You will be able to work with minimal supervision and administer your own workload. The ability to produce accurate contemporaneous records is essential.

You must have capability to travel to different locations across the Force and undertake all assignments in a timely manner; being available to work some evenings and weekends, when required. Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working, public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason, a full UK driving licence is considered essential.

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

Where will you be working?

We have 6 hubs around the force, covering each county:

• • • Berkshire: Loddon Valley and Slough
    • Buckinghamshire: Aylesbury and Slough
    • Oxfordshire: Banbury and Oxford

Eligibility

• • • Good standard of secondary education including English, Science and Maths to GCSE level (grades A-C/4-9) or equivalent. Excellent verbal and written English and good numeracy skills. Good aptitude with respect to IT with the ability to learn and effectively utilise new systems in order to extract and analyse data to progress/record investigations.
    • Ability to work to guidelines and procedures with the ability to recognise sensitive information and maintain discretion and confidentiality.
    • Able to comply with Health and Safety requirements, including having the physical ability to undertake training in manual handling in order to undertake all tasks commensurate with the post, e.g. capable of loading/unloading crates of digital exhibits. Lifting PC towers onto desks and moving on shelves etc.
    • Age 18 at date of application – no upper age limit.
    • Full Driving Licence and capability to travel to different locations across the Force

Training

• • • Department Induction and orientation of the Forensic Investigation Unit and wider Investigative teams.
    • On the job training alongside another trained and competent Digital Evidence Technician
    • You will receive in-house officer safety training as well as first aid training to College of Policing standards.
    • Progression and Development to the Digital Forensic Unit as a Level 2 Digital Forensic Technician and then onwards to a Level 3 Digital Forensic Investigator

Application Process

• 1. • Application via CV submission
     • Assessment
     • Interview
     • Provisional offer – followed by vetting, references and medical checks
     • Formal offer

As a Digital Forensic Technician based within Thames Valley Police’s Digital Forensic Unit (DFU) you will be involved in the most challenging and interesting cases of computer forensics work and will be directly involved in the investigation of serious crime, specifically homicide, child sexual exploitation and complex Fraud.

The work of the Unit is extremely demanding and directly involved in supporting the investigation of various crimes across the whole of the Thames Valley Police area.

You will undertake forensic examinations of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices in accordance with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines and court approved investigation techniques, alongside ISO 17025 accreditation in line with the Forensics Regulators Codes of Practice.

The successful candidate will have practical experience and knowledge of computer hardware and software together with a good standard of education, including numeracy and literacy skills. You will be able to work with minimal supervision and administer your own workload. The ability to produce accurate contemporaneous records is essential.

Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working; public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason a full UK driving licence is considered essential.

Along with all other posts in the Force Crime Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

Where will you be working?

A central location in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, with a potential move to new premises in Bicester, Oxfordshire in late 2024.

Eligibility

• Experience in a Digital Forensic environment or related field is desirable.
• Proven ability to work unsupervised/prioritise workload in order to meet deadlines and manage demands, frequently working under pressure sometimes dealing with distressing/disturbing material.
• Proven knowledge and experience of a wide range of computer hardware/digital devices (mobile phones, software/operating systems and networks. Demonstrable experience of, or willingness to, investigate and analyse considerable amounts of data; focusing on potential and relevant evidence.
• A good communicator ± confident and assertive when required – who is able to deal with people at all levels both internally and external agencies, as well as working well in a team. Reducing highly technical issues into an easy to understand format. Whether within the team or with colleagues from other law enforcement agencies and external providers or advising colleagues, senior officers, barristers and the Judiciary.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate contemporaneous logs and records in a manner that can be easily retrieved by others. Good written skills/previous experience of provision of statistical information to a high level of accuracy, with a methodical approach and ability to analyse and produce solutions to problems.
• Previous experience of computer/mobile phone forensic techniques/software e.g., X-Ways, Axiom, Cellebrite, XRY, GrayKey etc.
•  Able to recognise sensitive information and maintain discretion and confidentiality. Maintain a high degree of integrity and trust when dealing with sensitive and Government Security Marked information.
• The post holder must be willing to work flexible hours to suit the requirements of the department and must be willing and able to travel for business purposes, regionally and nationally. Full UK driving licence.

Training

• Department Induction and orientation of the Forensic Investigation Unit and wider Investigative teams.
• On the job in house training on methods for competency whilst being mentored by an experienced DFU Digital Forensic Technician.
• A number of highly respected external training courses from the world’s leading Digital Forensic training companies.
• Progression potential to a DFU Digital Forensic Investigator and numerous inter departmental opportunities including, quality management, supervisory and staff management roles.

Application Process

• 1. • Application via CV submission
     • Assessment
     • Interview
     • Provisional offer – followed by vetting, references and medical checks
     • Formal offer

As a Digital Forensic Investigator based within Thames Valley Police’s Digital Forensic Unit you will be involved in the most challenging and interesting cases of computer forensics work and will be directly involved in the investigation of serious crime, specifically homicide, child sexual exploitation and complex Fraud.

You will undertake forensic examinations of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices in accordance with the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) guidelines and court approved investigation techniques, alongside ISO 17025 accreditation in line with the Forensics Regulators Codes of Practice.

You will provide high quality written and oral evidence that can be presented to the Crown Prosecution Service and at Court as an expert witness. A digital Forensic Degree or experience in a Digital Forensic environment or related field is desirable.
You will be asked to complete a 10 minute presentation at interview and also a short practical test. This is a linked grade role and starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience as detailed in the job description.

Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working; public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason a full UK driving licence is considered essential.
Along with all other posts on the Force Crime Departments this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

Where will you be working?

A central location in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, with a potential move to new premises in Bicester, Oxfordshire in late 2024.

Eligibility

• A digital Forensic Degree or experience in a Digital Forensic environment or related field is desirable.
• Previous experience in a Digital Forensic environment including experience of exhibit handling procedures and giving evidence in court. Demonstrating a working knowledge of Digital Forensic techniques and software tools across a wide range of hardware and operating systems. Knowledge or experience of working within a quality system and meeting the requirements of the FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct.
• Proven ability to work unsupervised/prioritise workload in order to meet deadlines and manage demands, frequently working under pressure sometimes dealing with distressing/disturbing material.
• Proven knowledge and experience of a wide range of computer hardware/digital devices (mobile phones, software/operating systems and networks. Demonstrable experience of, or willingness to, investigate and analyse considerable amounts of data; focusing on potential and relevant evidence.
• A good communicator ± confident and assertive when required – who is able to deal with people at all levels both internally and external agencies, as well as working well in a team. Reducing highly technical issues into an easy to understand format. Whether within the team or with colleagues from other law enforcement agencies and external providers or advising colleagues, senior officers, barristers and the Judiciary.
• Proven ability to maintain accurate contemporaneous logs and records in a manner that can be easily retrieved by others. Good written skills/previous experience of provision of statistical information to a high level of accuracy, with a methodical approach and ability to analyse and produce solutions to problems.
• Previous experience of computer/mobile phone forensic techniques/software e.g., X-Ways, Axiom, Cellebrite, XRY, GrayKey etc.
• Previous experience in law enforcement/investigative organisation/s.
• Able to recognise sensitive information and maintain discretion and confidentiality. Maintain a high degree of integrity and trust when dealing with sensitive and Government Security Marked information.
• The post holder must be willing to work flexible hours to suit the requirements of the department and must be willing and able to travel for business purposes, regionally and nationally. Full UK driving licence.

Training

• • Department Induction and orientation of the Forensic Investigation Unit and wider Investigative teams.
  • On the job in house training on methods for competency whilst being mentored by an experienced Senior Digital Forensic Investigator.
  • A number of highly respected external training courses from the world’s leading Digital Forensic training companies.
  • Linked grade progression to a Senior Digital Forensic Investigator and numerous inter departmental opportunities including, quality management, supervisory and staff management roles.

In this newly established and exciting role, as a Digital Technical Supervisor you will be responsible for managing a Quality Technical Officer. Your role will encompass the establishment and supervision of standard operating procedures for Digital Forensics, as well as the implementation of new technical capabilities and quality standards at the newly formed Digital Forensic Hubs.

Alongside this, you will be researching and developing new technologies to help fight and solve digital crime. Implementing as appropriate and liaison with the Digital Forensic Units. Managing accreditation in ISO 17025 / 17020 in line with the FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct with direction from the Digital Technical Manager who will directly line manage this position.

The role will require previous Digital Forensic knowledge and an understanding of accreditation is required for the workflows and framework which is currently being put into place.

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter, motivated and keen to make a difference alongside technical knowledge and experience.

Any candidate must have the capability to travel to different locations across the force and undertake all assignments in a timely manner. Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working, public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason, a full UK driving licence is considered essential.

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

 

In this newly established role, as a Quality Technical Officer you will support, develop, maintain and review the frontline team’s day-to-day delivery of Quality Standards and accreditation activities (ISO 17025 / 17020 in line with the FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct) and technical training, to support the delivery of accredited services to the Force and Criminal Justice System.

This role is responsible for the day-to-day operational tasks for accredited activities, reporting any issues to the Technical Supervisor (Frontline) / Digital Forensic Technical Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity for any experienced Digital Forensic practitioner who will spend approximately 80% of their time dealing with quality and 20% on existing Digital Forensic case work to maintain competence in the role.

In conjunction with the Digital Forensics Technical Manager/Technical Supervisor (frontline), identify validation requirements and undertake and co-ordinate appropriate validation action in accordance with documented processes. Alongside, carrying out internal audits as required by the Quality and Performance Supervisor.

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter, motivated and keen to make a difference along with that all important Technical knowledge and experience. See the job description for more details.

Any candidate must have capability to travel to different locations across the Force and undertake all assignments in a timely manner. Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working, public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason, a full UK driving licence is considered essential.

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

Where will you be working?

Based in Kidlington, Oxfordshire (moving to Bicester in 2025) but with the expectation of travel during work time with a works vehicle to regularly attend the 6 Digital Forensics Hubs at the below locations across the force:

• Berkshire: Loddon Valley and Slough
• Buckinghamshire: Aylesbury and Slough
• Oxfordshire: Banbury and Oxford

An exciting newly created role that will support, develop, maintain and review the Forensic Audio Visual and Imaging team’s day-to day-delivery of Quality Standards and accreditation activities (ISO 17025 / 17020 in line with the FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct) and technical training, to support the delivery of accredited services to the Force and Criminal Justice System.

This role is responsible for the day-to-day operational tasks for accredited activities, reporting any issues to the Technical Supervisor (Multimedia) / Digital Forensic Technical Manager.

This is an exciting opportunity for any experienced Forensic Audio Visual or Imaging Technician who would like the chance to develop their career further and learn new skills within an experienced team. The work is varied and this role would support the daily operational functions on cases that involve Major Crime and Serious Organised Crime.

In conjunction with the Digital Forensic Technical Manager / Technical Supervisor (Multimedia), any successful candidate would help identify validation requirements and undertake and co-ordinate appropriate validation action in accordance with documented processes. Alongside, carrying out internal audits as required by the Quality and Performance Supervisor.

The ideal candidate would be a self-starter, motivated and keen to make a difference along with that all important Technical knowledge and experience. See the job description for more details.

Any candidate must have capability to travel to different locations across the Force and undertake all assignments in a timely manner. Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working, public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason, a full UK driving licence is considered essential.

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.