Criminal Investigator - Digital Forensics Examiner

City of Loveland•Loveland, CO

1d•$81,493 - $114,091

About The Position

The Digital Forensics Examiner is a specialized civilian investigator assigned to the Loveland Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division. The examiner independently conducts complex digital forensic examinations, analyzes electronic evidence, and provides technical expertise to support criminal investigations. The position 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 examiner manages examinations and investigative caseloads from assignment through completion; collects, preserves, extracts, recovers, and analyzes digital evidence from devices, storage media, cloud accounts, and other digital sources; and prepares detailed reports and evidentiary documentation. The role also supports investigative legal processes and field evidence collection, conducts investigative follow-up, collaborates on complex cases, and provides courtroom testimony, including expert testimony when qualified. The position includes maintaining case records and forensic equipment, safeguarding sensitive information, and keeping current with technology, forensic methods, tools, and legal standards. Other duties include providing presentations and training, mentoring Department personnel, evaluating forensic technologies, and participating in professional development and interagency collaboration. Work takes place in office, forensic laboratory, and field environments, including crime scenes and search-warrant locations. The job may require responding to call-outs outside normal business hours, working extended shifts or with limited rest during critical investigations, handling sensitive or disturbing material, and working in adverse or hazardous conditions. The listed tentative start date is January 2027. The hiring salary range is $81,493.36–$114,090.70.

Requirements

At least 60 semester credit hours 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.
At least 3 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, such as CFCE, GIAC, GCFE, GCFA, GASF, EnCE, or equivalent.
At least 200 hours of documented digital forensic training, including at least 40 hours within the last 3 years.
Prior court testimony as a digital forensic examiner.
Successfully complete a comprehensive law enforcement background investigation and meet applicable criminal justice information access requirements.
Ability 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, methods, and best practices for 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 conduct technically sound, legally defensible examinations independently, identify investigative leads, and prepare accurate, objective reports.
Ability to communicate complex technical findings 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 with investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists, and law enforcement partners and adapt to evolving technologies and practices.
Ability to perform the listed physical activities, including walking, standing, stooping, kneeling, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, crawling, bending, climbing, feeling, talking, seeing (including distinguishing colors), hearing, and repetitive motions.
Ability to safely handle, move, and transport computers, electronic devices, and associated forensic equipment.
Employment offer is conditional on an extensive background investigation, criminal, driving record and credit checks, polygraph examination, psychological examination, and drug screening.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Cybersecurity, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline.
Mobile certifications such as CCO, CCPA, CCME, or MCFE.
Experience with locked-device or full file system examinations.
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

Independently manage digital forensic examinations and investigative caseloads from initial 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 forensic examination reports, investigative summaries, and evidentiary documentation describing methods, findings, and conclusions.
Assist investigators with warrants, subpoenas, affidavits, and 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 about forensic methods, examination results, evidence handling, and technical conclusions; serve as an expert witness when qualified.
Safeguard sensitive information, maintain accurate case records, ensure forensic equipment and software function properly, and remain current with technology, forensic techniques, investigative tools, and legal standards.
Develop and deliver presentations to community groups, professional organizations, and other stakeholders.
Provide technical guidance and training to Department personnel and mentor them on digital forensic tools, techniques, and investigative procedures.
Participate in professional development, specialized training, and interagency collaboration.
Assist in evaluating forensic technologies, equipment, and software.
Perform other investigative and technical duties as assigned.
Respond to investigative call-outs and, when required, work extended shifts or with limited rest during critical investigations.
Perform field duties that may include crime-scene response, on-site device triage, and collection, documentation, and transportation of electronic equipment.