Digital Forensic Technician- Video Laboratory

Job Title: Digital Forensic Technician- Video Laboratory

Salary: The starting salary is £43,227, which includes allowances totalling £2,841.

The salary is broken down as £40,386 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £45,615.  Plus, a location allowance of £1,841 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.

Location: Lambeth HQ however can be posted anywhere in the MPS as per operational requirements

This is an exciting time to be working as Digital Forensic Specialist for the Metropolitan Police Service. The successful candidate would enjoy a diverse and dynamic working environment, where no one day is the same. You will develop a unique skill-set, coupled with the learning opportunities to meet the requirements of current and future technologies, and will work within a highly motivated and hard-working team where your actions and support will contribute to a safer London.

A digital forensic video technician will work in the Forensic Video laboratory, working closely with police officers and staff to provide a professional, efficient and effective forensic video provision to the Metropolitan Police Service, Criminal Justice System and external agencies.

The role will require technicians to obtain an overall understanding and competency in all areas of video forensics in order that that they are able to support the following teams:

• Download and data recovery team - assisting with recovery of CCTV footage from Digital Video Recorders (DVRs)
• Video Compilation team - assisting with production of video compilations for court trials – including undertaking basic image enhancement
• Court presentation (FOCUS) team – Training police officers in the use of the FOCUS court presentation system – such that officers are confident in how to arrange and access their various multimedia assets during their court trial.

The successful applicant will be required to rotate through these departments as needs arise.

They must have an ability to multitask, and to prioritise effectively; sometimes undertaking several pieces of work simultaneously.

Key Activities:

• Downloading of video from Video Surveillance System (VSS) devices;
• Format conversion and duplication of video recordings;
• Process digital and analogue devices and media pertaining to video including acquisition, editing and production of video material for presentation to the Criminal Justice System (CJS);
• Producing clear and appropriate casework records;
• Writing statements detailing the work undertaken.
• Train non-technical investigators to operate FOCUS court presentation system;
• Testing and handling of equipment for court use;
• Installation of equipment and integration into other systems across the crown courts in London;
• Troubleshooting technical problems under pressure and providing technical advice to officers in support of forensic submissions.
• Updating relevant systems such as laboratory asset registers, maintenance management systems and databases;
• Sharing information with and providing support to other members of Digital Forensics (DF);
• Delivering presentations to small groups;
• Understand and accept the core principles set out in the H&S Policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities;
• Expected to work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System (QMS) and actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance activities, engaging in internal and external audits, competence and proficiency tests, reporting non-conformances and proposing changes to improve the system.

Expectations and working conditions: 

• Understand forensic processes, handling of exhibits and case files;
• Attending court as a technical witness; if required in order to provide additional information concerning the work undertaken.
• Must provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for inclusion on the Embargo Staff Elimination databases; 
• Sign up and adhere to the Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct;
• Adhere to the MPS codes of conduct and security policies, and the Forensics Quality Management System.
• Awareness that there may be exposure to distressing material and that there are Occupational Health checks available.

Additional Information:

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.

Interview:

Those successful at the first stage of the application, will be invited to interview.

The following Competency and Values Framework will be assessed at level 1 during the interview:

• We take ownership
• We analyse critically
• We are innovative and open minded

How to apply

Click the apply now button below and start your career at the Met. Applications will be via a detailed CV (no more than 2 pages) and an online application form.

Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 17th April 2024.

www.metpolicecareers.co.uk