Digital Forensics Investigator

General Summary and Responsibilities:

The Deputy Sheriff Digital Forensic Investigator will enforce all federal and state laws and County ordinances related to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of safety. The Deputy Sheriff Digital Forensic Investigator is required by the terms of his/her employment to give at least 1,600 hours per year of his/her time to the exercise of traditional law enforcement powers and responsibilities including the preservation of public order, protection of life and property, and the detection of crimes in the state. The Deputy Sheriff Digital Forensic Investigator is responsible for conducting forensic examinations of digital evidence related to criminal investigations. This role involves collecting, analyzing, and preserving electronic data from various digital devices, including mobile phones, vehicles, storage media, and other video sources, while maintaining the integrity and chain of custody. The examiner will provide technical expertise, assist investigators in case development, and present findings in legal proceedings when necessary

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Enforces all federal and state laws and County ordinances related to public safety and welfare; performs all duties in compliance with applicable policies, procedures, laws, regulations, and standards of safety
• Required by the terms of his/her employment to give his/her time to the exercise of traditional law enforcement powers and responsibilities including the preservation of public order, protection of life and property, and the detection of crimes in the state
• Required to devote at least 1,600 hours per year of active duty performing police officer duties
• Conduct forensic imaging and analysis of digital evidence using industry-standard tools.
• Recover and interpret data from mobile devices, vehicles, storage media and other various video sources.
• Preserve the integrity and authenticity of evidence by following forensic best practices and chain of custody procedures.
• Assist investigators in identifying relevant digital evidence and understanding forensic findings.
• Maintain proficiency in forensic tools and methodologies, including but not limited to Cellebrite, Magnet GrayKey, Magnet AXIOM, and Berla iVE.
• Prepare detailed forensic analysis reports and provide expert testimony in court as required.
• Stay updated on emerging digital forensic trends and investigative techniques.
• Assist in the development of policies and procedures for digital evidence handling.
• Support search warrant execution and on-scene evidence collection when necessary.
• Conduct forensic extractions in compliance with legal guidelines, departmental protocols, and best practices.
• Conduct testing and validation of forensic tools and techniques to ensure accuracy and reliability.
• Perform verification procedures to confirm the integrity of extracted digital evidence.
• Provide training to law enforcement personnel on handling and preserving digital evidence.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Incumbent is required to successfully complete the prescribed course of study in Basic Law Enforcement and earn at a minimum Class III Deputy Sheriff certification through the SC Criminal Justice Academy.
• Bachelor’s degree and / or equivalent work experience in digital forensics or law enforcement investigations.
• Industry certifications preferred (e.g., BCERT, VFC, CCO, CCPA, MCFE, GASF).
• Experience with forensic acquisition, analysis, and reporting using industry-recognized tools. (e.g. Cellebrite UFED, Magnet GrayKey, Cellebrite Physical Analyzer, Magnet AXIOM)
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail in handling complex investigations.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a high-pressure environment.
• Knowledge of state and federal laws related to digital evidence and privacy rights.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to testify in court.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Law enforcement or military experience in digital forensic investigations.
• Advanced certifications in mobile forensics or vehicle forensics.
• Experience with database analysis and scripting.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies, encryption methods, and anti-forensic techniques.

Personal Work Relationships & Work Environment:

The Deputy Sheriff Digital Forensic Investigator reports directly to the Digital Forensics Sergeant and works closely with law enforcement investigators, assistant solicitors, and civilian personnel assigned to the agency. Collaboration with external digital forensic examiners may be required for knowledge exchange and tool validation.

This position requires the incumbent to perform the physically demanding and characteristically dangerous duties of a police officer. This position may require extensive work in a laboratory and office setting, occasional fieldwork, and assisting in search warrants and evidence collection.

Compensation Minimum: $26.94