Civilian Forensics Analyst

The purpose of this position is to conduct highly technical analyses and procedures in the collection, processing, preservation, and presentation of digital evidence to assist law enforcement in a variety of criminal investigations; act as a technical expert within the department regarding Police Computer Forensics; prepare detailed reports of investigations and analysis; assist prosecuting attorneys with trial preparation to coordinate digital evidence presentation; make court appearances and give testimony relating to cases; deploy into the field to locate digital evidence at crimes scenes, and support search warrant services.

The following duties are normal for this position.  However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily.  Other duties may also be required or assigned.

• Assists all Durango PD personnel in the seizure of computers and related high technology storage devices.
• Performs forensic searches and analyses of information stored on computers and external storage media, including hidden, encrypted, and deleted data.
• Presents evidence to investigators and testifies in court regarding evidence found, including the methodology used to recover evidence
• Receives, inventories and accounts for physical evidence submitted for examination.
• Determines the most appropriate method of searching for and recovering information.
• Performs exact, bit-by-bit duplications of computer hard drives and related storage media both in the PD lab and on-site, utilizing various software and techniques.
• Determines the type of information to be investigated in cooperation with investigators.
• Maintains technical proficiency based on current law enforcement guidelines.
• Prepares written reports of forensic examination findings to include procedures used and evidence located
• Works with investigators and prosecutors to assist in the preparation of search warrants, investigative information, and cases for court purposes, which includes high technology electronics equipment
• Testifies in court regarding evidence recovered on computers and related storage media.
• Research legal issues and case law related to computer forensics.
• Maintains good attendance to perform tasks as assigned by the supervisor.
• Other duties as assigned.

Fiscal Responsibilities:  Employee does not have direct budgetary or purchasing requirements; however the incumbent is responsible for cash entered into evidence. 

City Organization Duties and Responsibilities:

• Represent the Department and City to other City staff and members of the public.
• Provide quality customer service to individuals needing directions or assistance. 

Supervisory Relationships:  This job has no supervisory responsibilities. Works under the guidance and supervision of the Detective Sergeant. 

JOB QUALIFICATIONS – KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• Recovering and examining information stored on computers and external storage media, including hidden, encrypted, and deleted data.
• Using various software and techniques to duplicate and examine computer hard drives and external media storage.

Skill in:

• Operating and normal maintenance of office machines, (copier, computer, printer, fax, etc.) as well as specialized equipment used in the completion of work.
• Simplify and express complex technical concepts verbally and in writing. Work well with people from different disciplines with varying degrees of technical experience in a team environment. Complete law enforcement computer forensics training. Adhere to Durango PD policy and procedures.

Ability to:

• Work the allocated hours of the position.
• Learn to understand the organization and operation of the City and of outside agencies as neces­sary to assume assigned responsibilities.
• Independently prepare correspondence and memoranda.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Maintain confidential records and reports.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Work Environment:  Work is performed in a typical indoor office setting; and is mostly sedentary with periods of mobility and light physical activity.   Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including extended hours and callouts.

Physical and Mental Requirements/Activities:

• Ability to lift, push and move officer supplies or evidence weighing up to 50 pounds; work regularly requires sitting, climbing stairs, frequently requires standing, speaking or hearing, using hands to finger, handle or feel and repetitive motions and occasionally requires walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling and reaching with hands and arms.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance and peripheral vision; depth perception; and the ability to adjust focus. Will spend a large amount of time viewing a computer screen.
• Vocal communication and normal hearing are required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word.
• Acceptable verbal and conversation skills to effectively communicate with others via the phone, at meetings and to greet and assist visitors.
• Work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data and observing general surroundings and activities.
• Frequent use of phone handset and repetitive use of hand & fingers to operate office equipment, use computer keyboard & computer mouse and to perform other office tasks.
• Ability to recognize occupational hazards in work activities and take safety precautions. 
• Frequent exposure to traumatic subject matter.
• Rare exposure to emergencies, and a dangerous environment.
• Maintain mental capacity which allows the capability of making sound decisions and following directions. 
• Ability to use/operate motor vehicle for transportation to and from other city buildings, meetings, vendors, etc.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.