Digital & Video Forensics Examiner

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Highly responsible position involving investigative and intelligence work on all crime issues, proactively addressing and analyzing all media formats that may contain child pornography, intelligence or evidentiary information.

Specifically charged with functions of intelligence data recovery as it pertains to all media formats of evidentiary nature, which fall within the varied responsibilities of the agency.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of a Sergeant. Performance is evaluated through observation, oral/written reports, results obtained and employee performance appraisals.

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Analyze all types of media for information of evidentiary or intelligence value.
• Collect, analyze, disseminate information and work jointly with a multitude of law enforcement entities.
• Inventory and maintain specialized equipment utilized in the recovery of intelligence and/or evidentiary media.
• Respond, as required, to situations involving criminal offenses and when practical aid in gathering information and evidence by means such as video, audio, GPS, RF or other media formats including computers and cellular phone technology.
• Recover digital and analog evidence including raw data, video, audio, or other media.
• Implement and maintain RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) and server based storage for digital evidence.
• Examine, document, and preserve digital forensics evidence on various electronic devices and be to present this information in Court.
• Conduct in-depth investigations of criminal incidents primarily focused on child pornography investigations and as assigned, either independently or as part of a coordinated effort.
• Handle and process digital storage devices for evidence that may contain or be host to bio- hazardous materials such as bodily fluids and matter.
• Be thoroughly familiar with Florida State Statutes and local ordinances, and keep up to date on any changes or new laws; have a working knowledge of Federal Laws and other laws pertaining to surrounding jurisdictions.
• Maintain cooperative and supportive working relations with ACSO Detectives, as well as with Detectives and Investigators from other jurisdictions.
• Utilize all available resources for the furtherance of clearance of crimes and arrest of offenders.
• Keep immediate supervisor informed of case progress by verbal and written means.
• Constantly cultivate information that will aid in the investigation and solution of relevant cases.
• Assist in the preparation of Search Warrants or Search Warrant Affidavits, when necessary, by providing pertinent information.
• Assist in the preparation of Arrest Warrants, when appropriate, by providing pertinent information.
• Participate in the execution of Search Warrants and searching for and processing evidence.
• Exposure to a variety of electronic evidence to include sexually explicit and graphic media including child pornography.
• Testifying in depositions and both State and federal court trials.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Ability to work effectively on his/her own.
  Ability to work as part of a team on a case(s) of mutual interest to other Agency Personnel.
• Ability to share information and intelligence with other Agency Personnel, other Divisions within the Sheriff's Office, and with other agencies as needs dictate.
• Above average decision-making skills.
• Above average planning skills.
• Above average communications skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
• Considerable knowledge of the geography of Alachua County.
• The ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially and with respect to the rights of others.
• The ability to maintain security and confidentiality of cases and other matters.
• The ability to react quickly and calmly under adverse and/or emergency condition.
• The ability to learn to utilize all of the relevant ACSO computer information systems in daily investigative efforts.
• The ability to utilize the capabilities and resources of other entities, to include, but not limited to, local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and local, state and federal code/civil enforcement agencies.
• Ability to compose/write sometimes lengthy special reports detailing intelligence information on cases.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the ACSO administration, co-workers, other agencies, and the general public.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Requires self-motivation, discretion, caution, self-control and common sense when performing daily assignments and tasks.
• Maintain schedule flexibility for response to major crimes; act as a major crimes task force member, if needed.
• On-call or call-out status for emergency situations which usually require long hours of work in addition to the regular duty shift.
• Participation in, and membership in, specialized law enforcement investigative organizations related to the area(s) of specialization.
• Participation in schools, seminars, and conferences related to the assignment and expertise.
• Participation in multi-agency intelligence meetings, either local or regional, usually held on a monthly or quarterly basis.

WORK CONDITIONS:

Combination of office environment and field operations as it pertains to search warrants and investigative operations. Office hours 0730 - 1530 daily, Monday thru Friday. May be held over, or called out for investigations and/or emergencies after normal working hours/days. Noise level is low.

QUALIFICATIONS:

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

[X] High School/GED
[ ] Associates Degree [X] Preferred
[ ] Bachelors Degree [X] Preferred
Preferred Major(s): Criminal Justice
Digital Forensics, Computer Science, Related Fields

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Past experience in law enforcement is preferred, with average or better annual evaluations.
• Internal ACSO candidates cannot apply if they are on any type of probation.
• Power user to advanced computer skills is required.
• Power user to advanced skills with computer hardware, understanding of textual formats such as ASCII and Unicode. An understanding of forensics principals is preferred.
• Power user to advanced skills with 35mm and digital photography, digital videography and associated software, such as Adobe Photoshop, is preferred.
• Background in electronic circuitry and minor repairs preferred.

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:

• Current, valid Florida driver license.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to sit/stand for extended periods of time.
  See and hear at normal range.
  Speak, read, write and understand English fluently.
  Ambulate independently.
  Bend and squat.
  Manual dexterity.
  Drive a vehicle.