LEXIPOL

Digital Forensic Examiner

Alachua County Sheriff's Office (FL) | FL

Posted Date 5/08/2025
Description An individual in this position is a Deputy Sheriff for the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) and must meet all criteria required for that position (See Deputy Sheriff – Patrol job description). In addition, they are assigned specialized duties in the Criminal Investigation Division (CID) as follows:

DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:
Highly responsible position involving investigative and intelligence work on all crime issues, proactively addressing and analyzing all media formats that may contain child sexual abuse material, intelligence, or evidentiary information. Specifically charged with functions of intelligence data recovery as it pertains to all media formats of evidentiary nature, which fall within the varied responsibilities of the agency. Requires self-motivation, discretion, caution, self-control, and common sense when performing daily assignments and tasks. Must maintain a flexible schedule to respond to major crimes, or act as a major crimes task force member, if needed.

Work is performed under the direct supervision of their CID Sergeant. Performance is evaluated through observation, oral/written reports, results obtained, and appropriate employee performance appraisals.
  • Analyze all types of digital media for information of evidentiary or intelligence value
  • Consistently strive to stay current on technological trends to maintain the highest level of understanding of digital forensics best practices
  • Collect, analyze, disseminate information, and work jointly with a multitude of law enforcement entities
  • Inventory and maintain specialized equipment utilized in the recovery of intelligence and/or evidentiary media
  • Respond, as required, to situations involving criminal offenses and when practical aid in gathering information and evidence by means such as video, audio, GPS, RF, or other media formats including computers and cellular phone technology
  • Recover digital and analog evidence including raw data, video, audio, or other media
  • Implement and maintain Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) and server-based storage for digital evidence
  • Examine, document, and preserve digital forensics evidence on various electronic devices and present this information in Court when needed
  • Conduct in-depth investigations of criminal incidents primarily focused on child sexual abuse material investigations and as assigned, either independently or as part of a coordinated effort
  • Handle and process digital storage devices for evidence that may contain or be host to bio-hazardous materials such as bodily fluids and matter
  • Be thoroughly familiar with Florida State Statutes and local ordinances, and keep up to date on any changes or new laws; have a working knowledge of Federal Laws and other laws pertaining to surrounding jurisdictions
  • Maintain cooperative and supportive working relations with ACSO Detectives, as well as with Detectives and Investigators from other jurisdictions
  • Utilize all available resources for the furtherance of clearance of crimes and arrest of offenders
  • Keep immediate supervisor informed of case progress by verbal and written means.
  • Constantly cultivate information that will aid in the investigation and solution of relevant cases
  • Assist in the preparation of Search Warrants or Search Warrant Affidavits, when necessary, by providing pertinent information
  • Assist in the preparation of Arrest Warrants, when appropriate, by providing pertinent information
  • Participate in the execution of Search Warrants and searching for and processing evidence
  • Exposure to a variety of electronic evidence to include sexually explicit and graphic media, including child sexual abuse material
  • Testifying in depositions and both State and federal court trials when needed
  • Participate and maintain membership in specialized law enforcement investigative organizations related to their areas of specialization
  • Participate in schools, seminars, and conferences related to the assignment and expertise
  • Participate in multi-agency intelligence meetings, either local or regional, usually held on a monthly or quarterly basis
EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

High School Diploma / GED

Required

Associate's Degree or better

Preferred

Preferred Major(s): Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics, Computer Science, or other related field

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:
  • Currently a Deputy Sheriff with the Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
  • Meet or exceed all applicable standards required by the Florida Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission (FCJSTC)
  • Advanced computer skills are required including the understanding of textual formats such as ASCII and Unicode
  • An understanding of forensics principals is preferred
  • Background in electronic circuitry and minor repairs preferred
  • Experience in the examination and investigation of cases involving Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is preferred
CERTIFICATION AND LICENSING:
  • Current, valid CJSTC/FDLE Law Enforcement Certification
  • Current, valid Florida driver license
  • Currently certified, or obtains certification within one (1) year of hire, with the following industry-standard certifications, and maintains certification after acquisition:
    1. Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE)
    2. Certified Cellebrite Operator (CCO)
    3. Certified Cellebrite Physical Analyst (CCPA)
  • Certifications in software programs used to process digital data, preferred
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Sit/stand for extended periods of time
  • See/hear at normal range
  • Speak, read, write, and understand English fluently
  • Ambulate independently
  • Lift/carry 150 pounds
  • Push/pull moderate to heavy loads
  • Bend and squat
  • Manual dexterity
  • Drive a vehicle
  • Pass ACSO’s standard Physical Agility Test as required
  • Pass ACSO’s Firearms and Defensive Tactics courses as required
  • Pass ACSO’s various driving tests as required
  • Pass all other courses/training as mandated by ACSO and/or FCJSTC
  • Ability to work effectively on his/her own
  • Ability to work as part of a team on a case(s) of mutual interest to other Agency Personnel
  • Ability to share information and intelligence with other Agency Personnel, other Divisions within the Sheriff's Office, and with other agencies as needs dictate
  • Above average decision-making skills
  • Above average planning skills
  • Above average communications skills, including the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Considerable knowledge of the geography of Alachua County
  • The ability to cope with situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, impartially and with respect to the rights of others
  • The ability to maintain security and confidentiality of cases and other matters
  • The ability to react quickly and calmly under adverse and/or emergency condition
  • The ability to learn to utilize all of the relevant ACSO computer information systems in daily investigative efforts
  • The ability to utilize the capabilities and resources of other entities, to include, but not limited to, local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and local, state, and federal code/civil enforcement agencies
  • Ability to compose/write sometimes lengthy special reports detailing intelligence information on cases
  • Ability to establish and maintain an effective working relationship with the ACSO administration, co-workers, other agencies, and the general public
Salary55,013.92 - 85,803.12 Annual
Field
Police
Highest Educational Degree Required
High school diploma

Share this job