Forensic Scientist (Digital Evidence)

There is only one city in the country that can say it is the Nation’s Capital – Washington, D.C. Given that distinction, The Metropolitan Police Department is the premiere law enforcement organization in the city. We receive over 22 million visitors a year, have almost 700,000 residents, and 21,000 private business. The Department consists of more than 4,200 members: approximately 3,550 sworn members and over 650 civilian employees. We are one of the most diverse and highly trained departments in the country. We have the honor of safeguarding and protecting not only our nation’s residents, but also people from all over the world.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) offers an attractive benefits package. The benefits package includes competitive compensation, health insurance, prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, short and long term disability and life insurance, as well a strong retirement benefit and savings options. Employees are also eligible for our employer contributed 401a plan after one year of employment. Additional perks such as discounts on wireless carriers, gym memberships, amusement park tickets and much more! Additional information can be found at: DCHR Benefits

This position is located in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), Investigative Services Bureau (ISB), Violent Crime Suppression Division (VCSD). The mission of the VCSD is to provide proactive criminal enforcement services. The purpose of this position is to analyze digital and electronic evidence to assist in criminal investigations in addressing digital evidence issues. The position collects, preserves and analyzes electronic records from multiple sources.

This Forensic Scientist position is covered under the National Association of Government Employees (NAGE) bargaining unit and you may be required to pay an agency fee through direct payroll deductions.

The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For The Following

• Processes, examines and analyzes digital and electronic evidence, utilizing a variety of disciplines and presents conclusions of testing of electronic and computerized devices, including cellphones, computers, tablet computers, communication devices, etc.
• Elaborates on the collection of evidence in criminal cases, including those involving deaths, especially when homicide is suspected; evaluates risks concerning or identifying hazardous materials in the laboratory.
• Performs a variety of computer forensic and electronic discovery services from digital media including digital evidence preservation, forensic analysis, data recovery, tape recovery, electronic mail extraction, and database examination.
• Analyzes and interprets computer-based evidence such as e-mail, accounting data, various database extracts, and other information stored on electronic devices to develop information necessary to meet the objectives of the forensic investigation.
• Effectively reports findings and conducts advanced and highly specialized computer forensic analyses using established tools and techniques; recovers electronic data that has been deleted, erased, fragmented, hidden or encrypted from data storage devices; works effectively under pressure; evaluates and maintains hardware and software necessary for the performance of computer related investigations.
• Conducts a wide variety of complex and difficult analyses; provides technology advisory services to other agencies and department staff to enhance forensic investigations.
• Performs research to determine new and/or revise methods for performing analyses or to determine the effectiveness of current analytical methods.
• Follows evidence control procedures to maintain chain-of-evidence integrity and insure evidence is locked securely in a designated location before and after analysis.
• Exercises discretion and sound judgment to determine proper courses of action and assesses and evaluates a variety of situations, problems, conditions or questions.
• Utilizes computer software to analyze results of tests in order to perform calculations and keeps up-to-date on current studies, pamphlet, journals and books for use in devising methods and tests; and devises mathematical charts, graphs, and tables as aids to conducting tests; evaluates laboratory test results in the area of concern; prepares technical reports on findings and project results.
• May be required to testify in court as a witness in legal proceedings.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• Knowledge of and skill in applying theories, principles, concepts, methodology and practices of computer science, and information and communications technology sufficient to perform mathematical and analytical laboratory work; and knowledge of and ability to apply Federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations pertaining to forensic science, and the seizure and retention of data; apply evidence collection and preservation procedures.
• Knowledge of quality assurance procedures and accreditation standards; proper procedures and standard laboratory rules and safety precautions regarding chemicals, toxins and biohazards and evidence collection and preservation procedures.
• Advanced knowledge and hands-on experience with forensic investigations of systems and comprehensive knowledge of equipment and supplies used in a forensic laboratory including specialized scientific equipment, instrumentation and software; recent developments, current literature and sources of information related to the assigned forensic specialty and the ability to modify analytical methods, to solve problems or respond to complex technical issues on materials subject to analysis in the specialty area.
• Ability to apply theoretical and analytical principles of natural and physical sciences, including organic, inorganic, biochemistry, physical chemistry, and other applicable fields; apply operational methods and techniques of the forensic laboratory, including laboratory testing procedures.
• Thorough knowledge of evidence collection, preservation and chain of custody rules/laws and knowledge of safety practices and procedures as they apply to analyses in the laboratory.
• Ability to work extensively with chemicals and biohazards in a safe manner; and perform a variety of scientific tests and analyses; recognize anomalies, formulate hypotheses, and take appropriate action; prepare and maintain accurate records/data and prepare clear and concise reports and memoranda.
• Ability to testify effectively in court as a key witness in legal proceedings.
• Skill and ability to use a personal computer to apply forensic software applications; and prepare, store, and retrieve data and knowledge of software affiliated with crime scene data; and advanced knowledge of intrusion tools and computer forensic methodologies, protocols, and tools.
  
  

Licensures, Certifications And Other Requirements

N/A.

Education

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in computer science, information and communication technology, biological sciences, engineering, or a related field preferred.

Work Experience

Applicants must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the CS-09 grade level in the District of Columbia government, or its non-District equivalent, gained from public or private sector. Specialized experience for this position includes, but is not limited to: experience gathering evidence through the use of digital forensic techniques admissible in a court of law; experience planning, collecting, examining and processing digital evidence for criminal investigations; and ability to design, implement and document computer forensic services to include evidence seizure, computer forensic analysis and data recovery.

Work Environment

Work location is in an office environment. Work is sedentary and may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and attendance at meeting and conferences away from the work site and carrying light items, such as laptops, papers, books, small parts, and driving an automobile.

This position's duty station will be housed within the Consolidated Forensic Laboratory (CFL) at the Department of Forensic Sciences, which is a protection-sensitive facility. As such, incumbents of this position shall be subject to criminal background checks, background investigations, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, as applicable. Due to the handling of primary evidence, the applicant will be required to submit a buccal swab for the purposes of the DNA Quality Control database.

Incumbents may be exposed to materials containing explicit imagery, audio and text associated with child exploitation and abuse and/or extreme violence in the course of digital evidence analysis.

The nature of the work involves the potential risks associated with biological or chemical hazards, including morgue functions. Although contact with these functions is intended to be minimal, the risks are nevertheless possible; training to recognize, address, and mitigate these risks is required as is dealing with potentially personally difficult topics, such as crime, death, and disease.

Other Significant Factors

Promotion Potential: Promotional Potential to the Grade 12

This position is deemed as Safety Sensitive pursuant to Chapter 4 of the D.C. Personnel Regulations, in addition to the general suitability screening and criminal background check (pre-employment and periodic), individuals may be subject to the following checks and tests. Traffic record check (as applicable);

• Pre-employment drug and alcohol test (as applicable);
• Consumer credit check (as applicable);
• Reasonable suspicion drug and alcohol test;
• Random drug and alcohol test;
• Return to duty or follow-up drug and alcohol test; and
• Post-accident or incident drug and alcohol test.
  
  

The incumbent is required to possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator’s permit.

The District of Columbia Government is an Equal Opportunity Employer: all qualified candidates will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, genetic information, disability. Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination, which is also prohibited. In addition, harassment based on any of the above-protected categories is prohibited.

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