About the position
The Forensic Computer Analyst position at the El Paso County Sheriff's Office is a critical role that involves working closely with law enforcement personnel to conduct investigative research and analysis of digital data and computer evidence. The incumbent will be responsible for extracting, gathering, analyzing, and investigating digital data from a variety of electronic storage devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and other digital media. This position requires a high level of sensitivity due to the nature of the work, which often involves exposure to illicit materials and graphic content related to child exploitation. Therefore, it is essential for applicants to be mentally prepared and committed to handling such content in a professional and ethical manner. The role demands strong ethical standards and a commitment to maintaining the highest level of professionalism and integrity, especially when dealing with sensitive and distressing content. The analyst will utilize excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills to interpret complex digital information and draw accurate conclusions. Attention to detail is paramount, as the analyst must ensure meticulous documentation of findings and procedures. The position also involves gathering crime trend information through departmental reports and law enforcement databases, maintaining files on suspects and known offenders, and preparing summaries of crime trends and incidents for further investigation. In addition to conducting detailed forensic examinations and analyses of digital devices, the analyst will recover deleted files, retrieve hidden and encrypted files, and provide technical support for ongoing criminal investigations. The quality and competence of the forensic examinations and final analysis will often be the deciding factor in state and federal cases, influencing the conviction and sentencing of suspects. The analyst will create detailed reports for use by detectives, special agents, and prosecutors in court, and may serve as a subject matter expert on technical matters related to digital evidence, providing expert testimony in court as needed. The position also requires collaboration with various federal, state, and local agencies, and the ability to manage multiple cases while maintaining strict confidentiality and handling sensitive materials in accordance with legal requirements and company policies.
Responsibilities
- Conduct detailed forensic examinations and analyses of computers, hard drives, mobile devices, and digital media.
- Recover deleted files and retrieve overt, hidden, and encrypted files.
- Create detailed reports for use by detectives, special agents, and prosecutors in court.
- Serve as a subject matter expert on technical matters relating to digital evidence.
- Testify in court or at hearings as an expert witness in digital forensics.
- Gather crime trend information through departmental reports and law enforcement databases.
- Collaborate and query federal, state, local, and commercial databases to provide service products to narcotics enforcement agents/officers.
- Analyze reports and other outputs required to perform duties for the department.
- Utilize data software processing systems for analysis of data sets.
- Manage multiple projects (cases) and possess critical thinking abilities.
- Maintain strict confidentiality and handle sensitive materials in accordance with legal requirements and company policies.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Forensic Science, Digital Forensics, Computer Science, or related field from an accredited university or college (preferred).
- 2 years of experience in digital forensics and 2 years of analytical experience.
- Valid driver's license applicable to job responsibilities with an acceptable driving record.
- Ability to obtain TCIC/NCIC less than full access within six months of hire.
- Strong ethical standards and commitment to professionalism and integrity.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail for accurate documentation of findings.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with advanced extraction and analytical products.
- Familiarity with law enforcement databases and crime trend analysis.
- Knowledge of digital evidence handling and chain of custody procedures.
Benefits
- Disability insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Tuition reimbursement
- Employee assistance program
- Life insurance
