Digital Forensic Specialist - eDiscovery

The Met is the largest police service in the country and handles some of the biggest cases around. As a Digital Forensic Specialist, your work will be critical to the outcomes of these cases, as well as the way we carry them out. In today's tech-filled world, bringing offenders to justice can involve examining masses of data. That means finding clues is increasingly like looking for a needle in a haystack. To tackle this growing problem, we have refined the way we work and introduced eDiscovery techniques. As a Digital Forensic Specialist, you'll contribute to casework and further develop our eDiscovery capabilities. Whether working independently or as part of a team, you'll help to deliver all parts of our Electronic Discovery Reference Model (EDRM). With this technique, we can handle large data and complex investigations by reducing the volume of material that teams must sift through. There'll also be an exciting opportunity to undertake research into new ways of extracting and analysing data from digital electronic devices. However, all innovation must comply with quality management systems: ISO 17025 standards. To join us, you will need knowledge or experience in a relevant area, such as Data Science, Cyber Security or Digital Forensics. Whatever your background, you will have a degree (or equivalent), a firm grasp of the EDRM model and knowledge eDiscovery tools such as Nuix, , Relativity, Axcelerate or other eDiscovery tools and techniques. However, it is not just technical talents that are essential in this role. You will also need great communication skills, sound judgment and the ability to mentor junior staff. Besides the rewarding nature of the job itself, a competitive salary and a Civil Service pension, you will also benefit from excellent career and professional development. Role Duties and Responsibilities: Your key responsibilities will be (but are not limited to):

• Undertake digital forensic examinations including research into novel methods for the extraction and analysis of data from digital electronic devices.
• The use of eDiscovery techniques and knowledge to help reduce the volume of material investigation teams have to sift through; being able to articulate the steps taken.
• Assist investigation teams in their disclosure and LPP obligations.
• Interpret the requirements of the investigation team and action them with appropriate strategies.
• Mentor junior members of staff with eDiscovery knowledge and techniques.
• Work in partnership with Directorate of Forensic Services and DF managers to develop and deliver change.
• Attend court as a witness and be able to offer technical evidence where required.
• Ensure compliance with quality management systems, working to ISO 17025 standards.
• To work within the Directorate's Quality Management System and actively participate in the continuous improvement of the system by engaging in audits, competence tests, reporting non-conformances, etc. and suggesting changes to improve the system.
Application Process: The initial application process will comprise of an application form, CV and an online test. The application form will cover the following CVF elements at Level 2:
• We are emotionally aware - provide an example where you have provided emotional support to a friend/colleague/relative. Briefly describe the scenario, what you did and the outcome.
• We are collaborative - explain how you specifically contributed to a team or group project/venture.
• We deliver, support and inspire - describe a time where you delivered success in a project or venture. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?, Provide a DNA elimination sample for Forensic Services' embargo database if successful in your application.
• Indicate agreement to abide by the Forensic Regulator's Codes of Practice and Conduct.
• Be part of the on-call team, no more than one week in eight, Digital Forensics operate a 24-7 on call service for urgent submissions. Out of hours submissions are between 1700 - 0800. If a Digital Strategy Advisor (DSA) determines that an on-call response is necessary, the on-call team member will meet the Officer in charge (OIC) either at the lab or on-site to carry out the examination. Digital Forensic Specialists are on call no more than 1 week in every 8.
Digital Forensics will be introducing a 24/7 operating model as part of an investment and transformation plan to ensure the best service to support operational policing. These teams will work on a rotational shift pattern compromising early, late and night shifts, inclusive of weekends. Approximately 20% of the overall staff in the Digital Forensics' department will be required to support it. These posts attract an additional 20% shift allowance plus weekend premium payments on top of the salary advertised above. All new staff are eligible to be placed on a shift rota subject to the relevant notice given, however in the first instance placements on these teams will be allocated to those who volunteer, any remaining places will be allocated by management and will also be subject to certain skills required to support out of hours services. This post does not currently fall within the structure of the 24/7 teams, however by applying for this role you understand that you could be placed on one of these 24/7 shift teams should business need require it. This will be subject to consultation and notice period. Required Languages English Reports To Digital Forensics Manager - Band C Additional Information The following competencies will be tested against during sift:
• We are emotionally aware at level 2
• We are collaborative at level 2
• We support, deliver and inspire at level 2
Disability Confident Statement The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women. As a Disability Confident employer, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence. Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about


• Knowledge/significant relevant experience within Digital Forensics / Cyber security / eDiscovery / IT systems and administration / Data science and analysis / Software development or a degree-level qualification in a technology-focused subject, such as Digital Forensics, Computer Science or Cyber Security or a BEng/BSc in a related engineering or technical subject, such as software development, electronic engineering or information systems.
• Knowledge of the "EDRM model" and how it can be implemented into investigative activities.
• Experience utilizing eDiscovery tools and techniques for the analysis of large volumes of digital data. Tools could include Nuix, EnCase, Relativity, Axcelerate etc.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Sound judgment and decision-making skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Ability to systematically undertake research and development projects
• Self-motivated and take responsibility for the work performed by yourself, and by your team.
Desirable Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
• Knowledge of current Digital Forensic equipment, tools and techniques, experience using the equipment/tools/techniques used to recover, analyse and process digital data
• Knowledge and understanding of digital devices and systems at a technical level, including modern operating systems and commonly used computing or communications devices.
• Experience in a coding/scripting language e.g. C#.net, Python, Ruby, Java
• Understanding of rules regarding evidence gathering and its presentation at court
• Working knowledge of relevant legal issues (CPIA, PACE and Human Rights Act etc.)
• Knowledge and/or experience of working in a quality management system such as ISO 17025 or ISO 9001.