The role:
An opportunity has arisen in the Paedophile Online Investigation Team (POLIT) for a Digital Triage officer. Forming part of a small team, you will play a key role in a crucial part of the investigations of online offenders. You will be working as part of a wider POLIT team within the Cyber Department of Crime.
In return for your dedication and experience, we offer 23 days’ leave, excluding bank holidays, increasing to 28 days for 5 years+ service. We support our people inside and out of work – offering a very competitive pension scheme, childcare vouchers, and discounts on shopping and eating out thanks to the Blue Light Card. And to take care of your physical and mental well-being, we’ve invested in extensive paid sick leave, trained mental health first aiders on-site, an employee advice service and access to gyms in some stations.
What will I be doing?
You will provide specialist support to POLIT investigations through the triage of digital exhibits for the purpose of identifying digital devices or associated hardware that contains Indecent Images of Children (IIOC).
This process of digital triage is crucial for two main reasons. Your work will inform the digital forensic strategy for cases submitted to the Digital Forensic Unit, and more importantly, you will be identifying images and information which can lead to the immediate safeguarding of vulnerable persons.
Using forensically safe techniques, you will secure and retrieve data from digital systems, in accordance with national guidelines and ISO accreditation standards to protect evidential credibility.
You will undertake the triage of all types of digital equipment in cases involving indecent images of children (IIOC) prior to forensic imaging or examination in accordance with Force policy.
In line with agreed standards, you will review and categorise indecent images. You will work closely with the Officer in Charge of the investigation, liaising with them and providing your findings with them to support the investigation, identifying threat from suspects and risk of harm to children.
You will be required to provide evidential statements or reports as required corresponding to the needs of the investigation, as well as attend court and present fact and procedural based evidence in a clear and comprehensive manner.
You will be required to maintain administrative functions, ensuring all digital exhibits are appropriately logged and stored.
By proactively ensuring your own continuing professional development is undertaken you will ensure technological knowledge is maintained and developed, attending necessary courses as required in order to be able to contribute to the overall achievement of the POLIT objectives.
What do I need?
Someone with a keen eye and an investigative mind set is imperative to this role. A background in investigations is preferred, as well as experience / interest in digital technology or an aptitude to learn.
In addition the right person will have;
• An ability to use information and analysis to report findings confidently in a clear and accessible way using evidence based research; communicating at all levels, both verbally and written.
• Be self-driven / motivated, who can work independently as well part of a small team.
Investigative or technical qualifications or experience is preferred but not essential.
Due to the nature of the role the post holder will be required to view indecent images /films of children. The post holder will be subject to mandatory mental health monitoring. There will be a requirement to undertake 12 monthly health monitoring checks and counselling will be offered at any point
This post works Monday-Friday office hours, however there may be a need to review and change this to an agreed shift pattern at a future date.
Vetting level: Recruitment Vetting (RV)
Applicants must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 3 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. A job offer will be dependent upon vetting clearance, medical information and references.
If you have any queries with regard to the application process please contact the Talent Acquisition Team by email at careers@northumbria.pnn.police.uk
All staff including those appointed on fixed term contracts must successfully complete their probationary period before they are eligible to apply for a Northumbria Police vacancy.
Vacancy Contact:
To discuss the position in more detail please contact DS Allen Hull 8641@northumbria.pnn.police.uk or DS Dave Henderson 13@northumbria.pnn.police.uk.
Northumbria Police fully supports a policy of equal opportunities and we welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Appointments are based on merit alone