West Midlands Police
Digital Media Examiner - Counter Terrorism Policing
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Job Description
Closing date: 10th August 2026, 11:59pm
Salary: £44,700 - £50,949
Grade: 7
Across the Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) network, we have specialist officers and staff dedicated to stopping those who seek to do us harm. We work closely with partners and with the Crown Prosecution Service to put compelling evidence before the courts.
Based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport you will work Monday – Friday although an element of flexibility is necessary to meet business needs. You will be part of an on-call rota for overnight and weekends for which an additional allowance is payable.
The role
As a Digital Investigator working in our Digital Media Exploitation Unit (DMEU), you will provide specialist technical advice and undertake the examination and investigation of digital devices to obtain intelligence to support regional, national and international Counter Terrorism Investigations.
You will interpret and explain digital forensic data in a non-technical and accessible manner to Investigating Officers, Prosecutors, Defence experts and to Court. To assist with the investigation process, you will provide evidence packages and statements, and attend court when necessary. There may be occasions when you will also provide a high quality digital investigative service to support critical incidents nationally, including Chemical Biological Radiological Nuclear (CBRN), warm zone and Disaster Victim Identification.
We will support your continuous professional development. You will be researching and developing specialised equipment and software to keep abreast of advancements in techniques, technology and capabilities.
The DMEU is an accredited laboratory for ISO 17025 and the Forensic Science Regulators code of practice. You will understand this process and will play a significant role in its ongoing maintenance.
Responsibilities
- Responsibility for the forensic acquisition, examination, analysis and investigation of evidence from a variety of digital devices which have been used in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and associated criminal offences including cybercrime attacks.
- Providing professional advice and guidance to Investigating Officers and partner agencies, ensuring digital evidence/intelligence is seized in accordance with Force and National best practice, including all elements of pre-planning and where necessary accompanying them and assisting with overt and covert captures of digital evidence.
- Ensuring continuity of all exhibits and maintaining integrity throughout.
- Attending court as a witness and presenting evidence to confirm the validity of the evidence found.
- Attending both pre and post executive phase briefings.
- Researching and developing specialised equipment and software, working closely with equipment suppliers and mutual support agencies to ensure and maintain awareness of technology, legislation and techniques. This includes the construction and maintenance of equipment and software used within the unit.
- Maintaining and supporting the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) best practice guide for digital evidence in the retrieval and handling of digital exhibits as well as working within the Data Protection Act, Freedom of Information Act and other relevant legislation, maintaining compliance at Local, National and International levels.
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Essential Skills and competencies
- Working knowledge and expertise of common operating systems, applications, basic network technologies and internet technologies.
- Formal training and practical experience of using digital forensic software which MUST include; X-Ways Forensic and/or FTK &.XRY and/or Cellebrite mobile device forensics software.
- Experience in preparing complex digital forensics reports and statements of evidence.
- Thorough knowledge of NPCC APP guidelines on digital evidence.
- Ability to work independently and undertake research.
- An aptitude for problem solving in a methodical and orderly manner.
- Ability to work under pressure, make critical decisions and work to tight schedules and deadlines.
- Understanding of ISO 17025 and accreditation processes.
- Willingness to participate in an on-call rota for overnights and weekends.
Desirable
- A degree in computer science, digital forensics, or cyber security or equivalent qualification in digital forensics and/or significant proven relevant experience/training in these fields.
- Awareness of criminal law and procedures relevant to the role e.g. CPIA, PACE, RIPA, IPA 2016, Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act 2018, Terrorism Act.
- Working knowledge of other operating systems and platforms e.g. Mac OS, Linux.
- Experience of dealing with CPS, Counsel and the Criminal Courts in matters relating to digital evidence.
- Passed an accredited College of Policing accredited training course concerning digital evidence or similar external training course.
- Trained in the fundamental skills required to maintain and administer server systems.
- Understand, follow and actively promote Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025 standard and NPCC Principles of Digital Evidence) to examine digital devices.
- Computer programming skills/Reverse Engineering.
- Hold a full Driving Licence.
Additional Information
You will be expected to pass the core courses in relation to the recovery and analysis of digital evidence, as specified by NPCC. These courses relate to the forensic recovery from electronic devices to demonstrate evidential competence.
Security Clearance
⚠ This post requires British nationality (some dual nationalities may be ineligible) and an Enhanced Security Check Clearance.
You will need to undergo additional security clearance checks, with the offer of employment being conditional on obtaining all of the necessary security clearances.
There are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries once in post.
Diversity & Inclusion
We maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm.
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Counter Terrorism Policing is always working to build upon our diverse workforce to reflect the country we serve. An inclusive culture enables us to do things differently, working in ways that meet individuals’ needs, flexing working patterns to ensure work-life balance is healthy so that we deliver the best for the organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
Advertisement Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if the maximum volume of applications has been reached. Candidates with unsubmitted applications will not be informed prior to the advert closing.
Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.
About Us
Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity.
Join Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands CTU for a unique opportunity to play your part in keeping the West Midlands region safe. Every day offers a variety of exciting challenges and exceptional opportunities played out on a national and international stage.
Most of what we achieve may never see the light of day but be assured that we have the very best and brightest working around the clock in an effort to keep us all safe. These ordinary men and women do extraordinary things in an effort to thwart terrorist planning; to safeguard those who are at risk of radicalisation; to protect our critical national infrastructure, institutions and crowded places, and to pursue and bring terrorists to justice.
Our Counter Terrorism Unit aims to create an inclusive and welcoming environment where all our people feel a strong sense of belonging and are able to reach their full potential. With a range of roles available, you don’t need a background in security and we are always looking for different skills and experiences to join our talented team.
Work with us and you will be joining a world-class Counter Terrorism Policing network.
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