Police Digital Media Forensics Supervisor

At the City of Plano, our values make us who we are and guide us as we SERVE our city. As members of Team Plano, our organizational Values (what is most important to us) make up the acronym, SERVE (Stewardship Engaged Respectful Visionary Excellence).

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday - Friday / 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. , 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

• On-call week would be 24-7 to include weekends and holidays

The Digital Media Forensics Unit (which this position supervises) was formed in 2015 and consisted of one unit personnel. Because of the tremendous growth in the use of surveillance video in both the private and public sectors the unit has now grown to four Digital Media Unit Forensics Specialists and one Digital Media Unit Forensics Supervisor.

The Unit handled over 4,600 requests for digital media related assistance in 2022 with the primary focus on digital media evidence collection from crime scenes and evidence processing. This includes creating still images from videos, video and audio enhancement and clarification, and other video technology related assistance.

Most recently, all personnel in this unit became Cellebrite certified and uses this, among other technology, to conduct cell phone extractions for the department.

Summary of Duties: The Digital Media Forensic Supervisor oversees all activities of the Digital Media Forensic Specialist (DMFS) section in the Forensic Services Division. Ensures the proper collection, analysis, and storage of digital data to be used by law enforcement personnel for crime resolution and the District Attorney for prosecution.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Responds to crime scenes and supervises digital media collection.
• Supervises on-call response to crime scenes and technical emergencies.
• Supervises, schedules, reviews, and evaluates the work activities of assigned staff; approves timesheets and payroll; coordinates with police supervisors to ensure all priorities met and the quality of work is consistent.
• Examines and evaluates digital media evidence and communicates with law enforcement personnel regarding significance.
• Reviews and approves digital media collection reports.
• Supervises and carries out digital media training.
• Pursues continuing education to keep digital media section current with technological advances in field.
• Meets with other supervisors and Forensic Services Division Manger to coordinate responsibilities.
• Available on an on-call basis to assist at crime scenes or with emergency technical issues related to digital media.
• Examines and evaluates evidence to determine techniques and procedures to be employed in the development of usable images that both answer the question being asked of the data and preserve the integrity of the original.
• Assists with the analysis and clarification of digital media (video, audio, and photographic) for use by law enforcement personnel or others.
• Assists Police Department personnel with cell phone data extractions to include the use of GrayKey and/or Cellebrite and provide supplemental reporting and documentation of the extractions.
• Assists with training of Police Department personnel in the use of new hardware and/or software applications related to digital media.
• Coordinates with Police Department administrative and command staff to conduct research and analyze workflows, media, and presentation needs within the Police Department to ensure the most appropriate and effective application of available technology tools.
• Testifies as an expert witness in criminal or civil court or other public hearings to the forensic work performed and to verify the integrity of evidentiary data collected or the protocols followed for collection.
• Assists Police Department personnel with the procurement and implementation of new equipment and/or software applications related to the collection, storage, organization, security, and dissemination of digital media. This may include in-car video recorders, interview room audio/visual recording systems, body worn cameras, digital audio recorders, or other devices.
• Ensures forensic software licenses are maintained and renewed as needed.
• Participates in a professional organization to discuss and further the field of Digital Forensics.
• Regular and consistent attendance for the assigned work schedule is essential.

Marginal Duties:

• Performs other duties as assigned.

TypicalDecisions: The incumbent must exercise technically accurate judgment in the selection, implementation, and evaluation of digital media and related technologies regarding law enforcement and public safety applications. The incumbent must use discretionary judgment in performing work. The incumbent must adhere to all guidelines related to the preservation of evidence and chain of custody while conducting any forensic examinations.

Minimum Qualifications:

Knowledge of: Various digital media technologies, including audiovisual equipment and any software used to record events, convert file formats, clarify images or audio, and publish data to physical media. Preferred candidate would have a knowledge of public safety organizational procedures, an understanding of Microsoft server software and Active Directory, and a general knowledge of hardware and software used in audiovisual presentation needs.

Skill in: Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; supervising the work of personnel; organizing and maintaining records, providing effective customer service, and managing conflict; working without direct supervision and adapting to changing priorities. Accurately determining technology requirements and identifying and applying appropriate digital media technology and/or equipment to address needs. Resolving technology related issues in stressful situations; operating a variety of standard office and specialized forensic equipment and software.

Education: Bachelor's degree in computer science, digital media forensics, criminal justice, or related is required. A Master's degree in computer science, media production, criminal justice or a related field is preferred.

Experience: Four (4) years of experience with digital media, computers, and cell phone extractions in a law enforcement environment, including one (1) year of supervisory experience required.

Any work-related experience resulting in acceptable proficiency levels in the above Minimum Qualifications is an acceptable substitute for the above specified education and experience requirements.

Licenses and Certifications: Texas Class C driver's license (must obtain within 30 days of hire per state law).

Cellebrite Certified Mobile Examiner or Cellebrite Certified Recovery Specialist and/or Certified GrayKey Operator.

Law Enforcement and Emergency Services Video Association International, Inc. (LEVA) Certified Forensic Video Analyst Certification or International Association for Identification (IAI) Forensic Video Analyst certification preferred.

Conditions of Employment: Must pass a drug test, driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings) and social security number verification check.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions: The incumbent must possess mobility to work in and travels to a variety of environments both indoors and outdoors. Must be able to use a variety of standard office equipment and specialized forensic equipment. Position requires vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, before groups, and over the telephone. This classification works both in the field and in an office setting, standing in work areas, walking between work areas and to collect evidence from a crime scene. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter, and retrieve data using a computer keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office and specialized forensic equipment. Positions in this classification regularly bend, stoop, kneel, reach, push, and pull drawers open and closed to retrieve, collect, and file evidence and other materials. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects weighing up to 60 pounds.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills which may be required. The position also requires meeting the essential requirements of the Physical Demands and Working Conditions, with or without reasonable accommodation.

Equal Opportunity Employer - EOE/M/F/V/D

Open positions are subject to close without notice.