Criminal Investigator - Digital Forensics Examiner

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

2d•$81,493 - $114,091•Onsite

About The Position

The Digital Forensics Examiner is a specialized civilian investigator assigned to the Loveland Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division. The position independently conducts complex digital forensic examinations, analyzes electronic evidence, and provides technical expertise in support of criminal investigations. The examiner works collaboratively with detectives, prosecutors, and law enforcement partners to identify investigative leads, develop evidence, and support criminal prosecutions, under the direction of the Cybercrimes Sergeant. The role includes managing examinations and investigative caseloads from assignment through completion; identifying, collecting, preserving, extracting, recovering, and analyzing digital evidence; preparing detailed reports and legal documentation; assisting with digital-related warrants, subpoenas, and affidavits; conducting investigative follow-up; and providing courtroom testimony. The examiner also maintains case records, safeguards sensitive information, ensures forensic equipment and software are operational, and keeps current with technology, forensic methods, investigative tools, and legal standards. Additional duties include delivering presentations and training, mentoring Department personnel, participating in professional development and interagency collaboration, evaluating forensic technologies, and performing other investigative and technical duties. Work takes place in offices, forensic laboratories, and field environments, including crime scenes and search warrant locations. The position may involve call-outs outside normal business hours, extended shifts, and duties with limited rest during critical investigations. The employee must be able to handle sensitive or disturbing material, including child sexual abuse material.

Requirements

Minimum of 60 semester credit hours of college coursework in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, Criminal Justice, or a closely related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education, specialized technical training, professional certifications, and experience.
Three years of full-time, hands-on experience performing digital forensic examinations of computers and mobile devices in a law enforcement, government, or laboratory setting.
A current vendor-neutral certification (CFCE, GIAC, GCFE/GCFA/GASF, EnCE, or equivalent).
Minimum of 200 hours of documented digital forensic training, including at least 40 hours within the last three years.
Prior court testimony as a digital forensic examiner.
Must successfully complete a comprehensive law enforcement background investigation and meet applicable criminal justice information access requirements.
Must be able to handle and examine sensitive, graphic, or disturbing investigative material, including child sexual abuse material, in accordance with applicable laws and Department procedures.
Thorough knowledge of digital forensic principles, methodologies, and best practices involving computers, mobile devices, operating systems, file systems, cloud technologies, and electronic evidence.
Knowledge of applicable laws, constitutional requirements, search and seizure procedures, evidentiary standards, and chain-of-custody protocols.
Proficiency with specialized forensic hardware and software used to acquire, recover, examine, analyze, and interpret digital evidence.
Ability to independently conduct technically sound, legally defensible examinations, identify investigative leads, and prepare accurate, objective reports.
Ability to communicate complex technical findings clearly through written reports, investigative briefings, and courtroom testimony.
Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, manage competing priorities, and handle sensitive investigative material professionally.
Ability to collaborate effectively with investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists, and law enforcement partners and adapt to evolving technologies and investigative practices.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, safely handle and transport computers, electronic devices, and forensic equipment, and work in potentially adverse field environments.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
Mobile certifications (CCO, CCPA, CCME, MCFE) and experience with locked devices or full file systems.
ICAC (Internet Crimes against Children), financial crimes, or cyber fraud casework, and/or task force experience.
Mentoring, teaching, or conference presentation experience.
Qualification as an expert witness in state or federal court.

Responsibilities

Manage digital forensic examinations and investigative caseloads independently, from assignment through completion, under the direction of the Cybercrimes Sergeant.
Identify, collect, preserve, extract, recover, and analyze digital evidence from mobile devices, computers, electronic storage media, cloud accounts, and other digital sources.
Analyze communications, application data, location information, deleted files, internet activity, and other electronically stored information to identify leads, establish timelines, and develop evidentiary connections.
Maintain the integrity, authenticity, and legal defensibility of digital evidence through validated procedures, documentation, and chain-of-custody practices.
Prepare detailed forensic examination reports, investigative summaries, and evidentiary documentation describing methodologies, findings, and conclusions.
Assist investigators with digital-related legal processes, including search warrants, subpoenas, and affidavits, and conduct on-scene identification, collection, and preservation of electronic evidence.
Conduct investigative follow-up, including interviews, records searches, and research.
Collaborate with detectives, crime scene personnel, crime analysts, prosecutors, and local, state, and federal law enforcement partners.
Provide courtroom testimony regarding forensic methods, results, evidence handling, and technical conclusions, including expert testimony when qualified.
Safeguard sensitive information, maintain accurate case records, ensure forensic equipment and software function properly, and stay current with emerging technologies, techniques, tools, and legal standards.
Develop and deliver presentations to community groups, professional organizations, and other stakeholders.
Serve as a technical resource and mentor to Department personnel, providing guidance and training on digital forensic tools, techniques, and investigative procedures.
Participate in professional development, specialized training, and interagency collaboration.
Assist with evaluating new forensic technologies, equipment, and software.
Perform other investigative and technical duties as assigned.
Respond to investigative call-outs outside normal business hours when required, work extended shifts or with limited rest during critical investigations, and provide technical assistance during search warrant operations as needed.