Advanced digital forensic practitioner

This occupation is found in organisations that undertake and innovate regarding the capture, processing, and analysis of specialist digital forensic evidence. These roles can be found in different public and private sector bodies and organisations that include digital forensics and criminal investigations within their service delivery. There is a significant demand on policing to examine digital devices making this a primary service offered by forensic service providers to policing. The role is relevant to Security and Defence teams including the National Crime Agency, Ministry of Defence, Border Force, Academia, and other aspects of the Criminal Justice System. Private forensic service providers service all public sector requirements for device examinations as well as other investigation types not just criminal, including internal corporate and Intellectual Property theft investigations. These companies vary in size and breadth of digital capability.

The broad purpose of the occupation is to act as a senior advisor within the digital forensic environment and support and manage the delivery of digital services for major crimes, incidents, operations, or any investigations that require specialist digital forensic investigative assistance. They provide an enhanced specialist service and knowledge regarding the detecting, preserving, seizing, gathering and analysing of digital intelligence and evidence for investigations where digital technology and data acquisition opportunities exist. They have an advanced understanding of digital forensic investigation techniques and demonstrate an ability to work independently, managing processes and complex technical problem solving. They can produce, develop, design and implement appropriate tactical digital forensic strategies for challenging and atypical crime investigation scenarios and/or emerging digital forensic practice. A key aspect of this role is the research and development of emerging digital technologies and ensuring practices are developed to support investigations. As such it is critical to attract talented experienced digital staff into this role. The titles of the roles may vary across different organisations including police forces, but the core skills required of the role remain the same.

In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with their local forensics team and across the forensic capability and academia nationally where emerging technology is encountered. They will provide technical advice and guidance to digital forensic practitioners and advise investigating officers on digital strategy. They will support the criminal justice system understand the impact of the evidence which will include legal counsel. As part of their role to embed emerging practice and improve effectiveness they will have daily interaction with unit lead and quality managers.

An employee in this occupation will be responsible for the exercise of broad autonomy and judgement across a specialism developing digital forensic strategy. Explaining complex technical concepts in a clear and understandable manner to support criminal or civil prosecutions. 

They will critically capture, process and analyse complex digital material and information, concepts and theories to produce investigative best practice. Taking responsibility for planning and developing innovative practice that initiate or underpin substantial changes or developments. Advise and influence on the financial implication of technological and process improvements considerate of return on investment. 

Engage with external stakeholders, such as digital forensic service providers, academia, and industry experts, to foster collaborations, share knowledge, and remain informed and embed advancements in the digital forensic field. Continuously monitor and research emerging technologies, tools, and techniques in the field of digital forensics, staying up to date with the latest developments and best practices to enhance investigative capabilities. Adherence to strict professional ethics, ensuring the confidentiality, privacy, and security of all digital evidence and maintaining the highest standards of integrity throughout the forensic process. 

The role requires security vetting, adhering to the legal framework, and an expectation to work to professional policing standards and Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and the Conduct of Forensic Science Providers codes of practice.