LEAD POLICE OFFICER (TITLE 5)
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Posted: April 3, 2026 (1 day ago)
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Police Computer Forensic Examiner
City of St. Louis
St. Louis County Police Department
Location
St. Louis, Missouri, 63105
Salary
$26.71 - $48.11
per hour
Type
Closes
April 20, 2026
Job Description
Summary
This job involves examining computers and digital devices seized as evidence in criminal cases, making copies of their data without altering it, analyzing files to uncover clues, and writing reports or testifying in court.
It's a hands-on role in a police forensics lab where you'll handle sensitive evidence and sometimes assist at crime scenes.
A good fit would be someone with tech skills who enjoys solving puzzles, pays close attention to detail, and can explain complex findings simply to others.
Key Requirements
- Familiarity with operating systems like Windows, Macintosh, Linux, iOS, and Android
- Ability to complete training and obtain Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification from IACIS
- Knowledge of evidence handling and chain of custody procedures
- Skills in forensic imaging, file recovery, and analysis of digital storage devices
- Strong report-writing ability to explain technical concepts clearly
- Proficiency in computer hardware repair, software maintenance, and lab network management
- Effective communication with law enforcement, prosecutors, and ability to provide court testimony
Full Job Description
An employee in this job class is responsible for the identification, preservation, forensic imaging, and analysis of digital storage devices.
Work is performed under the direction of the Section Supervisor and/or Technical Manager.
Upon completion of the detailed examination of digital storage devices, the computer examiner will complete thorough reports and provide expert testimony in court when required.
Duty Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday; rotating on-call shifts; flexibility to meet Department needs.
Per the Crime Laboratory’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, new hires with no experience shall start at the base of corresponding pay range for their position.
Requirements
- Document digital storage devices seized as evidence.
- Disassembly, reassembly, and repair of computer and mobile device components where needed for forensic imaging.
- Creation of a forensic image of digital storage devices such as hard drives, USB drives, memory cards, DVDs, and mobile devices.
- Locate and review logically defined files located in digital storage devices, such as images, videos, documents, spreadsheets, link files, internet history, etc.
- Recover deleted files and examine file slack and unallocated space.
- Search for hidden files with altered extensions, embedded in other data, or encrypted.
- Validate hardware and software tools used during forensic examinations.
- Maintain computer hardware, software, data, and lab network infrastructure – hardware repair and updates, software updates, data backup, and archiving.
- Maintain proper chain of custody for evidence items seized and provided for analysis.
- Respond to assist on search warrants and crime scenes for the purpose of digital evidence identification, triage, and seizure.
- Provide training to law enforcement on the proper identification and seizure of digital storage devices.
- Communicate with law enforcement and prosecutors to provide guidance and explain analysis, results, and conclusions.
- Perform related work as required.
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Knowledge/familiarity with operating systems such as Windows, Macintosh, Linux, iOS, and Android.
- Ability to complete the training, complete the practical review phase, and become eligible to earn a Certified Forensic Computer Examiner (CFCE) certification from the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS).
- Successfully complete annual proficiency tests in each discipline of expertise.
- Ability to view large volumes of digital evidence where required by the nature of a case.
- Ability to work with computers for a prolonged period of time.
- Knowledge of evidence handling procedures in lab and on scene.
- Demonstrate an ability to write detailed, clear, and concise reports that can relate technical concepts to the layperson.
- Strong ability to type.
- Have or be able to successfully complete computer-related courses at a college level.
- Strong desire to learn digital forensics and best practices associated with the discipline.
- Ability to creatively solve problems or find answers to unexpected questions or circumstances raised during examinations.
- Strong ability to work with other examiners in a cooperative atmosphere to solve case-specific problems and advance the technical knowledge of the computer forensics lab.
- Ability to communicate effectively with law enforcement officials, attorneys, medical examiners, and the public.
Physical and Psychological Demands:
- Prolonged periods of sitting and working at a computer workstation for evidence acquisition, analysis, and reporting.
- Ability to lift, carry, and transport computer equipment and digital storage devices up to approximately 25 pounds.
- Fine motor skills and hand–eye coordination are necessary for disassembling and handling delicate electronic components.
- Ability to work in various environments, including office settings, Department vehicles, and on scene locations such as during search warrants and at crime scenes.
- Ability to visually analyze large volumes of digital material for extended periods.
- Ability to maintain focus and accuracy while performing repetitive and detail-oriented tasks.
- Psychological resilience to review disturbing or graphic digital evidence as required by casework.
- Ability to manage stress associated with deadlines, courtroom testimony, complex investigations, and on-call responsibilities.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain objectivity, and adhere to strict legal and ethical standards.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally in sensitive or high-pressure situations.
Training and Experience:
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Baccalaureate or advanced degree, preferably in computer science or a related field. Previous relevant experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
Special Requirements:
- There is a two-year probationary period for newly appointed Computer Forensic Examiners. Employees must satisfactorily complete all required training and competency testing and are subject to dismissal for failing to complete probation.
- Possess a valid driver’s license and the ability to operate the Mobile Crime Laboratory vehicle or other Department vehicles.
- Work will include call-back to duty assignments and participation in an on-call rotation for responding to crime scenes in a timely manner.
- Participation in the Department’s Critical Investigation Stress Reduction Program involving mandatory counseling sessions.
Additional Information
AGE REQUIREMENT: Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.RESIDENCY: No residency requirement. Must be a citizen of the United States or must possess a valid work permit and must submit an application for United States citizenship when eligible.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
ARREST RECORD: Must be free from conviction of a Felony. A Class "A" Misdemeanor conviction will be cause for immediate dismissal from the process, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police.
MILITARY: Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
COMPETITIVE SELECTION PROCESSUnder the regulations of the Police Department, all appointments to the St.
Louis County Police Department are made on the basis of a continuously open, competitive hiring process conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit.
Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.
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