Digital Forensic Analyst

4 weeks ago

Starkville, United States City of Starkville Full time
Description

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:

This is law enforcement responsible for performing a variety of highly technical digital/video forensic examinations in support of criminal and administrative investigations undertaken by the Department.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Collect, preserve, and process video evidence for use in criminal investigations as directed, including, but not limited to, physical digital/electronic devices collected from crime scenes by detectives.
  • Respond to crime scenes and other locations to collect and preserve digital multimedia evidence from physical electronic devices as directed; assist with securing, returning, and connecting processed equipment.
  • Assist agency personnel with converting/transcoding proprietary video/audio files into standard playable formats.
  • Evaluate the reliability of video evidence by conducting a forensic examination of important technical issues that may impact reliability.
  • Analyze diverse items of digital media using forensic software and hardware to acquire/extract the data from the digital media.
  • Assist with performing advanced cloud stored video acquisitions.
  • Author supplementary reports.
  • Respond to subpoenas for deposition and provide courtroom testimony as an expert witness as required.
  • Prepare any forensic multimedia work performed and exhibits incorporating digital multimedia evidence for investigative use and trial presentation; orally communicate technical presentations in court and to a large audience.
  • Continue advancing skills through research and attendance at educational conferences, attend departmental training, and relevant courses and/or workshops.
  • Perform advanced forensic imaging/cloning and examinations of digital video recordings from multiple video management systems.
  • Develop and provide digital evidence training to agency personnel.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the Police Department.
  • Working knowledge of federal, state, and county laws, ordinances, and regulations governing the dissemination and retention of criminal information.
  • Working knowledge of legal issues for digital/video evidence as it relates to search and seizure laws and the examination of the evidence.
  • Working knowledge of records management system standard operating procedures.
  • Working knowledge of the practice of digital/video forensics, including but not limited to the collection, processing, preservation, analysis, and the presentation of digital/video evidence, industry best practices and their day-to-day applications.
  • Skill in problem solving.
  • Ability to deal firmly and courteously with the public.
  • Ability to cope with objectionable images and disturbing situations (e.g., crime scenes).
  • Ability to respond to crime scenes and/or search warrants outside of normal hours to forensically recover and document digital evidence.
  • Ability to collect, organize, and evaluate data and to develop logical conclusions and/or solutions.
  • Ability to handle confidential information.
  • Ability to learn specialized department software applications.
  • Ability to analyze situations quickly and objectively, and to determine proper courses of action to be taken.
  • Ability to give credible testimony in court.
  • Possess and apply strategic thinking skills, including having the ability to clearly define objectives, generate an action plan, define necessary resources, effectively anticipate change, brainstorm, troubleshoot and generate solutions.
  • Skill in use of computer software, especially Microsoft Office Suite, and knowledge of other police modeling software.
  • Possess exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including active listening skills, conflict resolution, seeking clarification as needed, building relationships and where possible creating "win-win" outcomes using positive reinforcement and diplomacy.
  • Capable of being coached, open to feedback, and engaged in continuous improvement as it relates to knowledge, skills and abilities associated with this position and as an employee of the department.
  • Effective time management skills.
REQUIRED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
  • High school diploma or GED required.
  • An associate degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a major in computer science, forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
  • Must possess a valid Driver's License and acceptable MVR.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • A bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education with a major in computer science, forensic science, criminology, criminal justice, or a related field.
  • Two years of experience practicing digital/video forensic examinations for a law enforcement agency


WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The job is performed primarily indoors in an office environment within a law enforcement agency. Requires the ability to sit, stand, walk, see, and effectively communicate with others for extended periods of time. Remaining in a stationary position for extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

May be required to lift objects weighing up to 50 pounds without assistance. Must be able to handle multiple tasks or projects simultaneously; work with numerous interruptions; and adjust to changing priorities