Hi Tech Crime Unit

Do you own a mobile phone?  Think about the information stored it can reveal about you, your friends and your life?  All of your calls, messages, who you know.  It may have diary appointments, photographs and web browsing history.  Just a phone?  If all that is inside your phone then what about your computer?

Phones, computers and electronic devices can be a huge source of information to a police investigation.  Even a memory card the size of a thumbnail can store thousands and thousands of items of information.  Our Forensic Analysts role is to find the information or evidence for use in a criminal investigation.  Like all work in Scientific Support, they have to work within legislation and standardised procedures yet be inquisitive and flexible to work with new devices, huge amounts of data and varying methods of storage and encryption.

HTCU staff often have previous work experience and qualifications within electronics or computer environments.  Because of increasing amounts of data and the prevalence of digital devices requiring examination they are a busy department. Electronic evidence can quickly turn the course of an investigation and the pressure may be on to find relevant data to help. 

Analysts have to be able to work in a very methodical manner and be prepared to encounter disturbing images, video and text due to the nature of cases they are involved in.  Their role is mainly office based.