Digital Forensic Investigator (Five Posts)

Digital Forensic Unit
Kidlington
TVP ICT 3R
Linked Grade: Band ICT 3R, circa £38,463 per annum, rising to Band ICT 3S, circa £45,293 once fully competent, plus an on call allowance, plus benefits
Full Time
Permanent

Are you ready to use your skills to make a difference?! 

Digital Forensic Services are vital to helping our officers to combat crime, protect the vulnerable, enable safer communities, and make a difference that really matters. Thames Valley Police is making a multi-year investment in our Forensic Investigation Unit and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines and in particular digital forensics, to create a forward looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate timely services that support effective crime investigation for TVP and other external organisations. 

As part of this transformation, a number of exciting expansion opportunities have arisen to join the Digital Portfolio of Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU). 

In this case 5 x Digital Forensic Investigators. 

Reporting to a Digital Forensic Unit Technical Supervisor. The Digital Forensic Unit of Thames Valley Police has an exciting opportunity for a number of Digital Forensic Investigators to be based in Kidlington in Oxfordshire (eventually moving to Bicester, Oxfordshire in Spring/Summer of 2026). 

Thames Valley Police forensic hub in Bicester to open in 2026 - BBC News 

Forensics Centre Construction Celebrated in Bicester - TVP Careers 

You will be involved in the most challenging and interesting cases of digital forensics work and will be directly involved in the investigation of serious crime, specifically homicide and child sexual exploitation including indecent images of children cases. Working alongside Major Crime, the Online Child Abuse Investigation Team, Serious Organised Crime and many other high level bespoke departments. 

You will undertake forensic examinations of mobile phones, computers and other electronic devices in accordance with the National Police Chief’s Council (NPCC) guidelines and court approved investigation techniques and provide high quality written and oral evidence that can be presented to the Crown Prosecution Service and at court as an expert witness. 

A digital Forensic Degree or experience in a Digital Forensic environment or related field is desirable. 

You will be asked to complete a 10 minute presentation at interview and also a short practical test. This is a linked grade role and starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience as detailed in the job description. 

The successful candidate will have practical experience and knowledge of mobile and computer hardware / software together with a good standard of education, including numeracy and literacy skills. You will be able to work with minimal supervision and administer your own workload. The ability to produce accurate contemporaneous records is essential. 

The successful candidate will have: 

  • Good communication skills and a “can do attitude”
  • Experience of working in digital forensics / forensic capacity / or have a digital
    forensic degree or previous experience in law enforcement/investigative organisation/s.
  • Previous experience of computer/mobile phone forensic techniques/software e.g., XWays, Axiom, Cellebrite, XRY, GrayKey etc.
  • Familiar with database structure and configuration for formats such as SQL, SQLite, ESE, plist and XML.
  • Experience of managing priorities against high demands and working unsupervised in order to meet deadlines whilst working under pressure.
  • Collaborative approach to working with others across the forensic portfolio
  • Ability to engage with ISO accreditation requirements and FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct. 

Due to the requirement to work flexibly, unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working, public transport may not be available or suitable at these times. For this reason, a full UK driving licence is considered essential.  

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting. 

Selection will take the form of a panel interview and knowledge test involving a practical element. 

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. To view a full list of our benefits, please click the below link. 

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages.  NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter or if the CV is more than 2 pages long.  

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 22500. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible. 

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 15th June 2025. 

New state-of-the-art forensics centre planned for Thames Valley – TVP Careers 

Find out more about TVP Forensics here. 

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At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities.  Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission.  As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart.  You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day.  In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce. 

Supporting You.  Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do.  Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives.  We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.  Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing You.  We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential. 

Vetting.  All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

 

This opportunity is closed to applications.