Sheriff’s Office - Digital Forensics Lab Technician

The purpose of this classification is to collect and to process digital evidence in a laboratory environment and/or in the field, to examine digital devices to determine the proper techniques for data extraction, to testify in court as a witness for the State, and to assist with the day-to-day operations of the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office Digital Forensics Lab.

Associate’s degree from an accredited college or university with training emphasis in general science, computing, forensics, and criminal justice techniques; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.  Must possess and maintain a valid Georgia driver’s license.   

The following duties are normal for this position.  The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification.  

Processes electronic devices that may include cellphones, computers, and various storage devices in order to collect and preserve digital evidence in a forensically-sound manner.

Responds to crime scenes to secure digital devices and digital evidence for secure processing in a laboratory environment. 

Catalogs and submits evidence vouchers for evidence collected during search warrants.

Prepares reports and documents of activities performed during the collection and processing of digital evidence.

Files reports containing the steps taken during the collection and processing of digital evidence.

Testifies in court as needed.

Transports evidence to and from the Evidence Property Storage area and the Digital Forensics Lab.

Maintains the storage of digital evidence for future processing and use in court.

Pursues additional learning and training opportunities, as time permits, to remain knowledgeable on existing techniques and to gain new knowledge on emerging technologies.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, management, other departments, state agencies, the public, and peers.

Communicates with law enforcement officers via radio, emails, messaging, and other mediums to convey information related to active or post-incident investigations.

Complete Incident Report supplementals as required to document actions involving a criminal case.

May be required to work shift work hours, weekends, and holidays; or support operations of an extended event /detail; or be on-call as directed.

Desirable skills, Knowledge, and Experience:

Knowledge of various digital media technologies; major file system formats; computer hardware and software; and cellphones and cellphone applications. General computer knowledge including the use of Microsoft Office products. Basic knowledge of digital forensic data collecting and processing software; Internet browsers; email; and networking.

Skilled in communicating effectively both verbally and in writing; organization; working with and without direct supervision; and resolving technical issues with hardware and software.

ADDITIONAL FUNCTIONS

This classification is designated as a safety sensitive position which is subject to random drug and alcohol testing and any other drug testing methods as stated in policies adopted by Forsyth County concerning drug and alcohol.

Answers phone in forensic lab and assists at criminal investigations as needed; copies files and other office documents; prepares and stores digital data.

Assist law enforcement officers with technical questions regarding a variety of investigations and search warrants.

Provide answers to members of the public regarding computer-related issues that may include hacking, identity theft, and other various crimes.

Serve as a member of the ICAC task force.

Performs other related duties as required.

Salary : $54,213