Computer Forensic Scientist

Duties

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Successfully complete training in one or more specified areas of forensic science services provided by the Minneapolis Police Department Forensic Services Division and become proficient in all job duties.
• Demonstrate knowledge of procedures necessary to provide analyses on submitted evidence so competency in the discipline can be achieved.
• Pass all competency tests in the discipline so quality assurance requirements are achieved.
• Demonstrate a working level of skill and ability in laboratory techniques and the ability to obtain accurate and reproducible results so that accurate, complete results are obtained once training has been completed.
• Extract and parse data from cell phones and computers
• The examination and processing of evidence so accurate, complete results on cases can be reported to investigators or submitting agencies.
• Create technical records and reports for investigators and prosecutors that clearly convey the results of an examination.
• Recognize potential physical evidence and collect according to established procedures and methods intended to preserve evidence in order to facilitate appropriate subsequent forensic examinations and assure legal requirements are met.
• Document potential evidence through established procedures and methods.
• Safe handling, search, and evaluation of the significance of evidence so the necessary examinations are conducted on evidence.
• Collection of cell phones and computers from a crime scene while maintaining proper collection standards.
• Transfer of evidence maintaining proper documentation and chain of custody procedures.
• Care and storage of cell phones and computers to mitigate changes to the data on the device.
• Maintenance of records and preparation of reports on the results of analyses so the integrity of all analyses is maintained.
• Compile and upload technical records to various databases.
• Proper procedures for receiving, recording, maintaining, and processing of physical evidence so that accurate, complete chain of custody and case information is documented.
• Participate in professional organizations so information sharing and relationships with colleagues in the discipline are maintained.
• Reviewing case records and prepare for questions that may be posed during court testimony so results are accurately conveyed in court.
• Providing court testimony as a witness in criminal justice proceedings.
• Read and comprehend current scientific literature and research in the discipline so the most current methods can be reviewed, and issues in the profession can be promptly identified and addressed.
• Maintain membership with various online digital forensics groups to keep up to date with changes in the field.
• Research various online sources, such as electronic mailing lists for answers to technical issues related examining cell phones, computers, and other

 Earn a Degree in Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Science, or Computer Forensics

Requirements

Minimum Education

• Bachelor's Degree in a Physical Science, Criminal Justice or equivalent.

Minimum Experience

• N/A

Licenses and/or Certifications

• Valid Driver's License

Certifications

• Must be able to pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Forensic Services Division Competency Exam within three (3) years of hire.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities - Must gain pass the Minneapolis Police Department's Forensic Services Division competency exam within three years.

• Good knowledge of scientific inquiry methods and laboratory techniques as they apply to forensic science disciplines.
• Good knowledge of court proceedings as they relate to criminal evidence processing.
• Knowledge of computer operations in scientific inquiry.
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Good report writing skills.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with police staff and other forensic scientists.

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