Digital Forensic Examiner

Broward County Sheriff's Office • Fort Lauderdale, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Under administrative direction, the purpose of this position is to perform highly technical computer and digital forensic and support work on computers and other electronic storage devices within the Digital Forensic Unit of the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. This position performs forensic examinations on computers, cellular phones, computer networks, and related electronic storage media. Work includes collection, processing, preservation, analysis, and presentation of computer related evidence, including data retrieval, breaking passwords, and finding hidden or otherwise “invisible” information. Position is responsible for formal reporting of and testifying as to the findings of such analysis. Position will be available on a call-out basis to provide assistance after hours. Position must be willing to work in an environment which will expose them to pictures, videos and imagery that is obscene and offensive. Position must understand that digital evidence obtained from crime scenes or in sex/child exploitation cases have a greater likelihood of being contaminated with human biological fluids, thus there exists a potential for exposure. Position performs related work as directed.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree in computer science, public administration, or related field.
• Demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of the digital media and devices including but not limited to computers, mobile devices, external storage media, third party data sources, and lot devices preferably in a criminal justice or similar law enforcement environment.
• Knowledge of chain of custody and the uniqueness of digital evidence.
• Strong time management skills with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects.
• Ability to obtain and process forensic evidence into a format that can be used for legal purposes.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to provide courtroom testimony.
• Must possess and maintain throughout employment, a valid Florida driver's license without any restrictions affecting job performance.
• Driver's license must show current address.
• All candidates must submit a Certified Department of Motor Vehicles "entire" driving history.
• Three (3) year, seven (7) year, and online Florida driving history records will not be accepted.
• If you have possessed a driver's license in any other state in the past 10 years you will need to submit an "entire" driving history from that state.
• For non-Florida driving histories, please contact that state's division of motor vehicles.
• The search date for all driving histories must be within one month of the date the application for employment is received by the Bureau of Human Resources.
• Driving history records must be attached to the online application.
• An equivalent combination of training and experience may be considered.
• Such experience must be clearly documented in the application for consideration.
• Have at least three (3) of generally accepted digital forensic certifications: Digital Forensics Software – (i.e. MCFE, CCPA, GKO, EnCE, ACE, X-Ways) Digital Forensics, Vendor Neutral – (i.e. CCE, CCFT, GCFE, GCFA) International Association of Computer Investigative Specialist (IACIS) - (i.e. CFCE, ICMDE, CAWFE)

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Preference will be given to BSO employees.

Responsibilities

• Conducts forensic examinations on computers, cell phones, computer networks, and related electronic storage media.
• Utilizes necessary equipment to safely conduct analysis of submitted evidence utilizing experience and knowledge of a wide variety of digital technologies.
• Uses forensic tools and investigative methods to find specific electronic data, including internet use history, e-mails, photos, word processing documents, images and other files; utilizes technical skills to locate files and information that has been hidden, deleted, manipulated or lost.
• Forensically acquires, analyzes, and interprets evidence located on computers, storage media, or networks for use in criminal prosecutions or civil actions.
• Provides progress reports regarding investigations as well as detailed and technical report summaries of findings in written and verbal formats.
• Maintains strict adherence to chain of custody for all evidence and ensures integrity of each item of evidence handled and analyzed.
• Prepares formal written reports suitable for presentation in court, which states the methods of analysis and results.
• Participates in identifying and recommending methods and procedures for preservation, evidence recovery, and presentation of digital evidence.
• Determines the most appropriate method of protecting original evidence and recovering deleted, erased, hidden and encrypted digital evidence.
• Conducts and/or assists in the preparation of search warrants, subpoenas etc. to properly include the seizure of all relevant electronic media as evidence.
• Evaluates scientific results of analysis to determine the validity and to determine whether the information has forensic significance.
• Demonstrates a unique ability to communicate, coordinate and cooperate with other agencies (federal, state and local) in a task force environment.
• Provides technical guidance/assistance in evaluating and investigating cases where digital or related digital media is potential evidence.
• Provide training to law enforcement personnel through lectures and policy development on the proper procedures with regards to digital evidence.
• Assists detectives and prosecutors in analyzing data and evaluating its relevance to the case under investigation; assists in transferring the evidence into a format that can be used for legal purposes.
• Provides expert testimony in the field of digital forensics; prepares evidence and presents expert testimony in court on results of seizure and handling of evidence, and results of analysis conducted.
• Interacts with other investigators, analysts, or outside digital forensic professionals to acquire information necessary to perform forensic examinations.
• Continually updates and develops skills regarding new digital forensic technology and the use of new software and hardware tools to extract information from digital systems.
• Attends training, workshops and seminars to maintain current knowledge of trends and developments in the field of digital forensics.
• Reviews various court decisions relating to the field of digital forensics.
• Maintains records, documentation, and/or reports concerning activities performed.
• Operates an agency vehicle.
• Performs related duties as expected.

Benefits

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Broward Sheriff's Office will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree