Apprenticeship training course

Digital forensic technician (level 4)

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Information about Digital forensic technician (level 4)

Support and manage the processing of digital evidence.

• Knowledge, skills and behaviours:
  View knowledge, skills and behaviours

  Knowledge

  • The DFT role and how it contributes to investigations and the criminal justice process.
  • What are the considerations for maximising evidential capture and sequencing.
  • Forensic science regulators codes of practice and activities.
  • The digital forensics terminology.
  • Standard operating procedures to a dynamic operational environment.
  • Make appropriate decisions of how to progress devices through the evidential process utilising local procedures.
  • The national good practise guidance for the capture and preservation of digital evidence (For example the ACPO principles and NPCC Good Practises Advice manual).
  • The workings, principles and relevant use of a range of digital devices, peripherals and associated operating systems relevant to their role in digital forensics.
  • Functions, features, and limitations of digital forensics tools, components and software.
  • Evidence management, continuity and integrity of evidence and how it relates to investigations.
  • Different forensic working environments and understand how to select and utilise forensic tools appropriate to the circumstances.
  • What other forensic evidence types can be recovered from devices and the best methods and sequence for evidential capture and preservation.
  • Different ways of recording and presenting relevant investigative information (reports, contemporaneous notes/statement writing) and how they should be appropriately used and presented.
  • The principles of working in a quality controlled setting. To include; knowledge of appropriate accreditation bodies, the quality management process/system and individual legal entities, individual expectations of working in a quality controlled environment.
  • Quality management system information associated with reporting, corrective action, validation, verification, individual competency and peer review, and how to navigate this information.
  • The health & safety procedures/legislation. Organisational sustainability procedures.
  • The risks of processing sensitive or potentially distressing content while understanding the benefits of good wellbeing working practices.
  • Awareness of the impact of diversity and inclusion such as on teamwork, client relationships and organisational strategies.
  • Understand the requirements for continual professional development within the industry.
  • Procedures for capturing and preserving evidence.

  Skills

  • Use appropriate terminology defined by the forensic science regulator and included in standard operating procedures.
  • Standard operating procedures for a range of digital forensic capture and preservation processes.
  • Apply standard methodology in a safe and effective way while working in operational environments.
  • Demonstrate confidentiality, integrity, and availability limitations of secure devices and best practice methods for preserving evidence.
  • Implement limitations of competency and authority and escalate when necessary.
  • Considered decision making.
  • Adhere to powers of seizure/examinations and legislation. Demonstrate compliance with this through the appropriate use of standard forms.
  • Adopt communication methods suitable for audience. Using technical language where appropriate.
  • Identify, set up and use a range hardware components and devices.
  • Demonstrate correct use of write blocking techniques.
  • Manage applications software relevant to the role.
  • Show an ability to troubleshoot real-world device and network issues effectively and diagnosing and correcting common software, hardware, or connectivity problems.
  • Use features and functions of common specialist digital forensic tools and software. Selecting based on suitability.
  • Understanding the responsibilities of data management.
  • Provide preservation advice for physical evidence (DNA, fingerprints) for new digital exhibits, taking into account anticontamination and cross contamination.
  • Apply continuity of evidence and appropriate recording of a chain of evidence or an exhibit for disclosure purposes.
  • Produce notes documenting activity undertaken during the capture and preservation processes; including the appropriate use of digital evidence/case management systems.
  • Produce evidential continuity witness statements and demonstrate how to present in a courtroom or professional enquiry
  • Navigate and inform a quality management system information associated with reporting, corrective action, validation, verification, individual competency and peer review.
  • Conducting dynamic risk assessments, taking into account the safety of all parties and using PPE.
  • Apply strategies to develop personal resilience and maintain welling, know how to access organisational support mechanisms.
  • Process technical information effectively and accurately to provide critical thinking to issues and problems.

  Behaviours

  • Acts in an ethical and professional manner in the workplace.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships with colleagues, customers and suppliers.
  • Takes an organised and methodical approach to their work and scrutinises own objectivity.
  • Takes personal responsibility for developing knowledge and skills and continually seeks to improve their performance.
  • Commitment to develop personal resilience and maintain wellbeing.
  • Sustainable practices and challenge unsustainable practices.
  • Support an inclusive culture and treat colleagues and external stakeholders fairly and with respect without bias or discrimination.
• Apprenticeship category (sector): Digital
• Qualification level: 4; Equal to higher national certificate (HNC)
• Course duration: 24 months
• Maximum funding: £18,000 ; Maximum government funding for ; apprenticeship training and assessment costs.
• Job titles include:
  • Computer examiner
  • Data forensic technician
  • Data forensic technician
  • Digital evidence technician
  • Digital forensic technician
  • Digital investigation technician
  • Mobile device examiner
  • Triage technician

View more information about Digital forensic technician (level 4) from the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education.