Vacancy Reference Number
22062
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Number of Vacancies
4
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(B) OCU
MO4 Forensic Services
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Location
Lambeth
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Building
LAMBETH HQ
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Band
Band N
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Part/Full Time
Full Time
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Hours per Week
36 hours per week
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Type of Contract
Permanent
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Job Advert
Job Title: Digital Forensic Specialist
Salary: The starting salary is £60,426, which includes allowances totalling £3,009.
The salary is broken down as £52,653 basic salary, which will increase annually until you reach the top of the scale £57,417. Plus, a location allowance of £2,009 and a non-pensionable allowance of £1,000.
Location: Lambeth
The MPS Digital Forensics (DF) unit is looking for four new Specialists to join the team. As a Digital Forensic Specialist within the Digital Devices team, your work will have a direct impact on criminal investigations, particularly through the forensic examination of mobile devices in support of the Criminal Justice System.
This is an opportunity to join a team of dedicated, talented and enthusiastic DF specialists, with a strong focus on mobile device forensics. You will undertake complex casework across a range of crime types, applying your analytical skills and technical expertise to acquire, extract and interpret data from smartphones, tablets and other mobile technologies.
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience or interest in mobile device examination, including mobile operating systems (iOS, Android), forensic tools and techniques, data recovery, and handling encrypted or damaged devices. Additional skills in areas such as software development, hardware engineering, complex repairs and reverse engineering will support the increasing complexity of mobile-focused digital investigations and help drive innovation and efficiency.
Working within the ISO 17025 quality framework, you will provide specialist knowledge and tactical advice across the organisation, delivering robust, evidential outputs suitable for court. You will be responsible for processing and interpreting mobile device data, producing clear, defensible forensic reports, and presenting technical evidence when required.
Key Responsibilities
Undertake digital forensic examinations, including research into novel methods, for the extraction and analysis of data from mobile devices.
Manage complex and sensitive casework, applying advanced techniques to support serious, high-risk or technically challenging investigations, ensuring accurate interpretation and robust evidential outcomes.
Produce high quality technical statements and reports
Work in partnership with Directorate of Forensic Services and DF managers to develop and deliver change.
Provide guidance, mentoring and support to DF Technicians and Assistants
Attend court as a witness and be able to offer technical and expert evidence where required.
Liaising with external tool vendors regarding updates and capabilities
Manage a high and varied caseload, balancing priorities and deadlines
Ensure compliance with quality management systems, working to ISO 17025 standards.
To work within the Directorate’s Quality Management System and actively participate in the continuous improvement of the system by engaging in audits, competence tests, reporting non-conformances, etc. and suggesting changes to improve the system.
Work individually and within a team to meet organisational objectives.
Participate in the on-call rota*
- Digital Forensics operate a 24-7 on call service for urgent submissions. Out of hours submissions are between 1700 - 0800. If it has been decided (by a Digital Strategy Advisor) that the circumstances warrant an on-call submission, the team member on call would meet the OIC at the lab or on scene to complete the examination. DF Specialists are on call no more than 1 week in every 8.
Please Note
Successful candidates will need to provide a DNA and fingerprint elimination sample for Forensic Services' embargo database.
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. 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 in the future should business need require it. This will be subject to consultation and a notice period.
How to apply
To begin your career at the Met, please click the "apply button “. The application process requires a comprehensive CV, a Personal Statement, and an online application form. In your Personal Statement, you should explain your interest in the position and illustrate how your skills and experiences make you a suitable candidate. Please note that you should not submit two copies of your CV, and ensure that your documents are saved in either PDF or Word format, clearly labelled as CV and Personal Statement.
Completed applications must be submitted by 23:55 on 24/07/2026.
www.metpolicecareers.co.uk
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Essential For The Role
Essential Criteria
Significant relevant experience at a Technician or Specialist level within one or more of the following areas:
Digital forensics, cyber security, electronic engineering, electronic systems repair, reverse engineering, IT systems and administration, data science and analysis, software development.
OR,
A degree-level qualification in a technology-focused subject, such as digital forensics, computer science or cyber security.
OR,
BEng/BSc in a related engineering or technical subject, such as software development, electronic engineering or information systems.
AND:
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Sound judgment and decision-making skills
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent customer service skills
Problem-solving skills
Ability to systematically undertake research and development projects.
Self-motivated and take responsibility for the work performed by yourself, and by your team.
Ability to join the on-call rota.
Desirable Criteria
Knowledge of current Digital Forensic equipment, tools and techniques, experience using the equipment/tools/techniques used to recover, analyse and process digital data.
Knowledge and understanding of digital devices and systems at a technical level, including modern operating systems and commonly used computing or communications devices.
Experience in a coding/scripting language e.g. C#.net, Python, Java, C, Objective-C
Experience in electronics fault-finding, diagnostics and repair.
Knowledge and experience of either hardware, firmware or software reverse-engineering methods and techniques.
Full driving license
Court experience
Understanding of rules regarding evidence gathering and its presentation at court
Working knowledge of relevant legal issues (CPIA, PACE and Human Rights Act etc.)
Knowledge and/or experience of working in a quality management system such as ISO 17025 or ISO 9001.
Additional Information
The application process will consist of an online test, CV review and personal statement. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to interview. Please ensure your email address is included on your CV so the online test can be issued, and tailor your personal statement to clearly demonstrate your experience and suitability for the role.
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Additional Information
CVF Staff Band.pdf – 971KB Opens in a new window
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Disability Confident Statement
The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long-term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.
As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.
The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.
Please note, if you are applying for a police officer role or to become a police community support officer (PCSO) or designated detention officer (DDO), there is a minimum requirement that you must pass a job-related fitness test (JRFT) at point of entry. This does not apply to police staff roles. Find out more about police fitness standards.
Read our full disability confidence statement.
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