Detective Constable - Digital Forensics

Surrey Police Service (SPS) is Surrey’s new municipal police agency. The transition from the RCMP to SPS is well underway and SPS has spent the past three years building a local, modern, accountable police service for Surrey residents. On November 29, 2024, SPS will become the police of jurisdiction, assuming responsibility for policing and law enforcement in Surrey.

SPS is working to redefine policing with innovative new approaches and community-based solutions. It’s an exciting time as SPS continues to expand our team with talented people who want to help shape the future of policing in Surrey. We have already hired over 400 employees and will grow to be one of the largest independent police services in Canada. Since day one, SPS has been intentional about building a culture that is inclusive, respectful and supportive, with a strong focus on employee wellness and career development.

This position is within SPS’s Digital Forensics Team. The Digital Forensic Team is responsible for the forensically sound preservation, identification, extraction, and documentation of evidence from digital devices. The team is comprised of digital evidence specialists who have received extensive training in the use of digital forensics tools and techniques. 

Digital Forensics is a highly technical and rapidly evolving specialized area of policing. Success in this field requires a genuine interest and aptitude in computers and mobile devices and how they operate.  At this time SPS is recruiting experienced digital evidence specialist Detective Constables for this role. Recent experience and training in a law enforcement environment, as well as the ability to be certified as an expert in court, are required for this role. 

Detective Constables are required to meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting themselves in a manner reflective of the SPS Motto, Mission, Vision and Core Values. They have a strong work ethic and are committed to a community-based policing model that looks beyond immediate issues and searches for realistic longer-term answers to complex community and social issues and emerging risks and trends, specific to digital forensics.

• Acts as a resource person and technical expert to SPS investigators on the proper handling of digital evidence.

• Handles the intake of digital devices from investigators. Maintains the appropriate chain of evidence and ensures proper protocols are followed.

• Understands and is able to interpret judicial authorizations relevant to digital evidence and is able to appropriately work within the defined scope of those judicial authorizations.

• Uses specialized tools and techniques to access, search, extract, and document evidence from digital devices.

• Conducts in-depth forensic examination of digital devices and digital evidence. Is able to interpret data and apply multiple techniques and processes to ensure evidence is secured and presented to investigators in a forensically sound fashion.

• Prepares and co-ordinates relevant documentation to ensure thoroughness in investigation(s). Works effectively within the Major Case Management Model.

• Prepares documentation, evidence and reports necessary for charge approval and prosecution. Conducts follow-up and collects corroborative evidence as required by the unit and Crown Counsel. 

• Attends training and recertification as required, along a path of constant professional development within the field.

• More than 5 years of exemplary police service, with related training/experience.

• 3 or more years experience working full time with a digital forensics unit of a recognized law enforcement agency.

• Completion of the Canadian Police College Technological Crime Understudy Program, or completion of an equivalent suite of training courses / training program under the oversight of a recognized law enforcement agency.

• Has attended and has successfully completed the required police training from a recognized police academy as per the BCPPS. See link: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/law-crime-and-justice/criminal-justice/police/standards/2-2-1p-exemption-process.pdf.

• As per the BCPPS, retired police officers with less then three (3) years into retirement are eligible to apply (providing they had successfully completed the required police training from a recognized police academy, as noted above.

• Excellent teamwork skills, demonstrating awareness of individual differences, opinions and providing support and input as required.

• Ability to engage partners as required to develop strategies and processes and solve problems.

• Problem solving skills with the ability to identify cause and effect and develop a course of action designed to target root causes as well as manage impacts. 

• Able to identify, analyze and manage risk to inform balanced, proportionate, evidence-based decisions.

• Able to review and reflect on own performance objectively and to take steps to maintain and enhance competence and professional standards appropriate to the role.

• Excellent time management and organizational skills with the able to appropriately prioritize and plan own work.

• Skilled in the use of standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.

• Client-centered focus and ensure SPS stakeholders, direct or indirect, are treated in accordance with the core values of SPS.

The following education and/or designations are deemed assets:

• Degree or diploma in computer science or related field.

Conditions of Employment

• Successful applicant must obtain and maintain the required level of security clearance.

• Successful applicant must provide proof of qualifications.

• Successful applicant must be fully operational and fit for duty. This includes the following abilities and requirements:

  • Licensed and able to operate a police vehicle and attend calls for service.

  • Qualified and able to use issued force options as and when required (i.e. baton, OC, firearm).

  • Trained and able to engage the public in a variety of circumstances, including physical contact if required.

  • Able to wear protective equipment, including body armour.

  • Be available to be on call as required to support operations.

Please note:

Substantive Corporals who are hired as Constables with SPS will be paid at 115% of SPS’s First Class Constable rate, providing they have at least eight years of policing service. They may also apply for SPS’s Sergeant Promotion Process without participating in the Sergeant Qualification Process, providing they pass the SPS Sergeant Exam and apply for promotion within five years of joining SPS.

 Our Values

Values of Honour, Integrity, Respect, Courage, Compassion and Inclusiveness guide how we serve Surrey residents, engage with the community we serve, and work with each other to keep the community safe. These values are the foundation of our commitment to delivering excellence in policing service to Surrey citizens.