Forensic Analyst #2108-314200-01

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is a highly respected law enforcement agency, both in our community and nationally. Our progressive department provides exciting opportunities for law enforcement professionals to develop partnerships with our citizens in order to prevent the next crime, and to enhance the quality of life within our community always treating people with fairness and respect. The department employs nearly 2,000 sworn officers and over 500 civilians serving a jurisdiction with close to 1 million people. Our employees are men and women from diverse backgrounds interested in meeting the needs of and serving an equally diverse community. The men and women of the CMPD are committed to providing the very best service possible and maintaining the high level of confidence this community has in us.

The purpose of the Forensic Analyst is to perform highly specialized forensic analysis of seized evidence and generate reports of findings for use in the prosecution of criminal offenses. The Forensic Analyst will independently develop and utilize specialized tools and procedures to collect, preserve and forensically examine computer related evidence and assist investigators in field investigations as assigned. Investigations may involve any criminal law violation, including the sexual exploitation of children and the possession and distribution of Child Sexually Abusive Materials (CSAM) 

• Independently develops & utilizes specialized tools (e.g., portable forensic workstations; first responder imagining & preview utilities; evidence acquisition devices)
• Collects, preserve & forensically examine computer related evidence of criminal offenses in accordance with established & validated forensic principles (e.g., prepares duplicate images; recovers deleted &/or corrupted files; recovers password protected &/ or encrypted files; recovers hidden data; traces internet & network communications)
• Assists investigators in preparation for seizure of computer evidence related to criminal activity and in field investigations
• Prepares reports of findings for presentation in criminal case proceedings & testifies as required
• Receives, maintains & releases evidence in accordance with agency handling procedures & assures security of seized evidence
• Gathers information from investigators &/or prosecutors; provides assistance to federal, state & local law enforcement agencies in matters involving computer related crime & forensics
• Identifies evidence of computer crimes such as the theft and sabotage of data; unlawful access of data and systems; fraudulent use of bank, credit, and telecommunications accounts; and other illegal criminal activity
• Trains investigators & law enforcement officials in specialty areas of computer related crime & forensic techniques
• Restores recoverable deleted files and accesses password-protected and secured files
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned

• Knowledge of investigative techniques and case preparation requirements for standard traffic and criminal cases.
• Knowledge of standard law enforcement equipment, its care and safe use according to Departmental Policy Knowledge of the court process and how to clearly and concisely present evidence.
• Ability to communicate effectively through interpersonal interactions and written documentation  
• Interpret and apply the laws, codes, policies and procedures related to the processing of applicable documents.
• Analyze complex situations.
• Maintain confidentiality of information.
• Maintain an accurate records and files system.
• Operate a variety of office equipment.
• Operate various computer programs to include evidence tracking, record management systems, crime scene sketching, MS Word, MS Excel, Adobe Photoshop, AFIS and other fingerprint software and databases.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Knowledge of principles and practices of technical report preparation and writing.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to deal firmly and tactfully with other employees and the public.
• Establish and maintain cooperative-working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Ability to present concise testimony in court.
• Maintain adequate job knowledge and skills.
• Work varying shifts and evenings as necessary

ADA and Other Requirements

Positions in this class typically require: fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, seeing, and repetitive motions.  

Physical Requirements:

• Remaining in a stationary position, often sitting or standing for prolonged periods
• Occasional movement throughout the workday daily to interact with staff and accomplish task
• Communicating both verbally and written in order to exchange information
• Repeating motions of holding, grasping, turning, that may include the wrist, hands, and/or fingers
• Light work that may include moving objects up to 10 pounds
• Work primarily in office environment
• Ability to operate office equipment, such as computer, copier, fax machine, and phone  

Sensory Requirements:

• Concentrated and attentive use of one or more senses (visual, audio, and other sensory modalities) for proof reading, data entry, tabulating data
• Ability to operate in an environment with frequent interruptions from people and or noises, which in return could result in some level of stress, fatigue, or strain
• Comprehensive of written information in work related documents
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech

Working Conditions:

• Work is routinely performed in an indoor, office environment.
• May be required to be on call and/or work outside of normal business hours.

• Experience using relevant forensics tools:
  • Cellebrite
  • Encase
  • Forensics ToolKit
  • IEF Black
  • Bag products / etc.
• CompTIA A+ or Network+ Certifications
• Experience working with ICAC (Internet Crimes Against Children) Task Force

• Completion of undergraduate core program in digital forensics, information sciences, information systems, computer science or related technology discipline, which includes coursework specific to computer forensic science
• Two (2) years experience conducting forensic examinations on digital media or directly related specialty area (e.g., cell phone forensics, incident response).

$68,043.16 - $106,317.44/year

The City’s Background Check Policy requires background checks to be conducted on final internal or external candidate(s) applying for any position with the City of Charlotte. The type of information that will be collected as part of a background check includes, but is not limited to: reference checks, social security verification, education verification, criminal conviction record check, and, if applicable, a credit history check, sex offender registry and motor vehicle records check.

Background checks must be in compliance with all federal and state statutes, such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). The checks must be consistent with the guidelines set forth by these laws requiring organizations to obtain a candidate’s written authorization before obtaining a criminal background report, motor vehicle records check or credit report; and to properly store and dispose of information derived from such reports.

Final candidates must pass a pre-employment drug-screening test and physical examination. During the selection process, candidates may be asked to take a skills test, and/or participate in other assessments.

The City of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply online.

Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job.

Anyone seeking an accommodation to apply for a job may call (704) 336-2285 for assistance or you may email questions to CityHrJobPostingsNotify@ci.charlotte.nc.us.

The City of Charlotte provides a comprehensive benefits package to all employees.

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The City of Charlotte is a drug and alcohol-free workplace.

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