Regional Data Forensic Manager

The South West Digital Forensics collaboration across our four police forces (Avon & Somerset, Devon & Cornwall, Dorset and Wiltshire) continues to grow and invest in key responsible roles in response to growing operational demands. We are currently looking for great leaders to support, lead and develop specialist digital forensic teams as part of our growth and investment plan.

Location - Bristol, Kenneth Steele House- BS2 0TQ

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging opportunity where your work really matters, this is the time to join us.

Supporting a dedicated team, providing key evidence for victims at their time of need, the role of Digital Forensics Manager is both extraordinary and rewarding.

If you have a strong technical background and leadership experience, this is a great opportunity to join Digital Forensics and learn new skills as part of the role.

You could be part of a fast-paced technical team, responsible for the examination and presentation of digital evidence in all types of criminal investigations.

Main Responsibilities:

• To manage and coordinate the work schedules of the Data Investigations team. To supervise short and medium term objectives, developing plans and regularly assessing the performance of the team and individuals.
• Responsible for the maintaining of policy and procedure in line with legislation and best evidential practices and manage reputational risk where appropriate
• To provide expert advice and support to Digital Media investigators in the technical and practical options in securing digital evidence from all forms of investigations that involve a digital element. To provide specialist advice and knowledge to colleagues, partners and other individuals and agencies.
• To be responsible for the management and control of dedicated servers. To evaluate and validate software tools used in the examination and recovery of data. Where necessary, develop specific searching scripts within these tools to assist the process.
• Carry out examination of recovered evidence in accordance with health and safety, legal and other organisational requirements.
• To give presentations and support training initiatives to promote the unit. To provide specialist advice and assistance.
• Assess and manage the training requirements of the Data Forensic staff.
• Research and report on new techniques, software, systems and technology to ensure departmental effectiveness.
• Prepare for and actively contribute within meetings in a clear concise and relevant manner, ensuring decisions and actions are communicated to appropriate personnel.
• To advise Senior Investigating Officers on specialist matters relating to the handling of digital evidence from computers and mobile devices. Specifically relating to recover, analysis, intelligence development, retention, scheduling, disclosure of material and the protection of evidential packages.
• To execute the powers designated by the Chief Constable (under Schedule 38 of the Police Reform Act 2002 as amended by the Policing and Crime Act 2017)

Benefits:

• Access to gymnasium and sports facilities.
• Excellent holiday and flexible working hours available.
• Structured learning and development plan including:
  • In-house buddy system.
  • Up to 6 months of core competency training.
  • Funded specialist vendor and academic training.
• Dedicated wellbeing and personal support.
• Working in a professional environment underpinned by the Code of Ethics.
• Access to Specialist Support Groups.

Additional Information:

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year checkable history in the UK ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

Please note: the basic salary for this role is £43,668 - £47,046, with an additional market supplement payment of £4,000 per annum pro-rata (which are subject to annual review).

Shortlisting will commence week of 5th January 2026.

Interviews will commence week of 12th January 2026.

For further information regarding this role please email either Jay Driscoll () or James Trigo ().

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for this reputable Police Force, then please click the apply button below.

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible.
This role has been identified as a blended role.

The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.