Digital Forensics Investigator/Sheriff

Job Description

The Digital Forensics Investigator/Sheriff is responsible for the forensic examination of digital media and electronic devices submitted in connection with criminal investigations conducted by or referred to the Florence County Sheriff’s Office. This position operates under limited supervision and serves as the primary technical resource for digital evidence acquisition, analysis, and reporting. The Investigator works collaboratively with detectives, investigators, and prosecutorial staff, and may provide technical assistance to partner law enforcement agencies in the region.

Essential Functions

• Conduct forensic examination of digital media including computers, mobile devices, removable storage media, GPS units, and cloud-based data sources submitted as part of criminal investigations.
• Perform forensically sound acquisition and preservation of digital evidence using industry-standard tools and methodology.
• Utilize forensic software platforms such as Magnet AXIOM, Cellebrite UFED/PA, EnCase, and hardware write-blockers.
• Prepare thorough, accurate written reports documenting examination methodology, findings, and conclusions for use by investigators and prosecutors.
• Maintain a strict chain of custody for all digital evidence, ensuring proper documentation and secure storage throughout the investigative process.
• Assist in drafting search warrants and subpoenas related to digital evidence and electronic accounts as required.
• Testify as a qualified expert witness in criminal proceedings in state and federal court, clearly explaining forensic methodology and findings to judges and juries.
• Provide technical consultation to detectives and investigators throughout the investigative process, including guidance on digital evidence collection at crime scenes.
• Respond to scenes as needed to assist with the identification, documentation, and collection of digital evidence.
• Provide training and guidance to agency personnel on proper handling, seizure, and preservation of digital evidence.
• Maintain required training hours to keep forensic examiner certifications current.
• Maintain forensic hardware and software in full operational readiness, including updates, validation, and calibration of examination tools.
• Manage the digital forensics lab environment, ensuring equipment is properly inventoried, secured, and functioning.
• Interacts and communicates with various groups and individuals including the immediate supervisor, Sheriff, Chief Deputy, co-workers, attorneys, suspects, victims, witnesses, court personnel, Coroner, other state and federal agencies.
• Operates and maintains police vehicle, radio, firearms, restraining devices, surveillance equipment, camera, fingerprint kit, hand tools, and various other equipment.
  
  

Non-Essential Functions

• Provides assistance to other departments.
• Attends training and seminars.
• Performs all other related duties as required.
  
  

Qualifications: Education and Work Experience

• Requires a high school diploma, completion of required training and education at the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy and certification in basic law enforcement, supplemented by three to five years of law enforcement experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required skills, knowledge, and experience.
• Must possess certification in basic law enforcement, digital forensics investigation and/or other specific areas as required.
• Must possess a valid state CDL driver’s license and certification in first aid CPR.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with Magnet AXIOM/IEF, Cellebrite UFED/Physical Analyzer, FTK, and/or hardware write-blockers.
• Current forensic examiner certifications such as Magnet Certified Examiner, CCE, CFCE, or Cellebrite Certified Operator/Examiner.
• Prior experience in a law enforcement digital forensics unit, task force, or similar investigative environment.
• Experience testifying as a qualified expert witness in digital forensics in a court of law.
• Ability to perform hardware-level forensics, including disassembly and chip-off extraction from mobile devices, desktops, and laptops.
• Experience processing a wide variety of case types including crimes against persons, financial crimes, drug offenses, and property crimes.
  
  

Physical Requirements

The physical requirements described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently required to perform basic physical activities and communicate effectively to carry out essential job duties.
• Must be able to reach, bend, stoop, carry, move and lift 100 lb. objects regularly.
• Correctable vision sufficient to read monitors, labels, and drive safely.
  
  

Company Description

Vision

Florence County strives to be an exceptional place to live, work, and visit by enhancing the quality of life for our employees and those who call the County home, by encouraging innovation and economic opportunities, and by fostering trust and integrity in the County.

Mission

Florence County will provide high-quality public services, plan for the needs of our citizens, and promote a safe, healthy, and thriving community for all.

Benefits

• South Carolina Retirement System
• Annual Leave
• Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Health Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Flexible Spending Account
• Onsite Employee Health Clinic
• Onsite Employee Workout Facility
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• South Carolina Deferred Compensation Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Supplemental Insurance Options
• Discounted rates at local fitness facilities