Computer Forensics Deputy

Role overview

The East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office is hiring a full-time sworn law enforcement professional for its Computer Forensics Division in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This role is scheduled on a 10-hour day shift and focuses on locating, preserving, examining, and presenting digital evidence for criminal cases and court proceedings.

As the division’s digital evidence specialist, you will work with investigators, prosecutors, and other law enforcement partners to uncover, analyze, and document information from computers, phones, cloud systems, storage devices, and other electronic sources. The position calls for strong ethics, solid technical judgment, careful evidence handling, and the ability to explain complex findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Key duties

• Secure, collect, and preserve digital evidence while protecting forensic integrity.
• Perform forensic reviews of computers, mobile devices, storage media, cloud accounts, and related systems.
• Use forensic methods and tools to recover deleted, concealed, encrypted, or otherwise difficult-to-access data.
• Keep thorough records of evidence handling, lab work, and investigative actions.
• Follow and document chain-of-custody procedures without exception.
• Draft detailed forensic reports for investigative, prosecutorial, and judicial use.
• Deliver expert testimony in hearings, trials, depositions, and other legal settings.
• Run, maintain, test, and troubleshoot forensic hardware, software, and lab equipment.
• Support investigators with technical input on digital evidence and cyber-related matters.
• Work with local, state, and federal agencies on digital forensic cases.
• Handle evidence intake, case tracking, and administrative tasks needed for lab operations.
• Stay current on new technologies, forensic techniques, and industry practices.
• Take part in training, certification, and professional development opportunities.
• Travel when needed for investigations, training, conferences, or court appearances.
• Carry out additional duties as assigned.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Working knowledge of computer hardware, drives, and peripheral devices.
• Familiarity with Windows, Linux, macOS, and BIOS/UEFI environments.
• Understanding of Android and iOS mobile platforms.
• Knowledge of digital evidence collection, preservation, and forensic examination practices.
• Awareness of criminal investigation procedures, search warrants, and evidence rules.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving ability.
• Ability to interpret complex technical information accurately.
• Capability to produce clear and comprehensive technical documentation.
• Strong spoken and written communication skills.
• Ability to present findings persuasively and testify in court.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
• Ability to protect confidential information and manage sensitive material.
• Skill in handling multiple cases and prioritizing effectively.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to keep learning as technology changes.

Minimum qualifications

Internal applicants:

• At least one continuous year of service with the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office.
• Basic P.O.S.T. certification.
• Current firearms qualification.
• No disciplinary suspension within the last six months.

External applicants:

• Current Louisiana P.O.S.T. certification, or the ability to obtain it under Louisiana law.
• A valid driver’s license and the ability to operate agency vehicles.
• Successful completion of all pre-employment screening requirements.
• Ability to qualify with an agency-issued firearm.

Preferred background

• Associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Cybersecurity, Digital Forensics, Criminal Justice, or a related discipline.
• Experience conducting digital forensic examinations.
• Hands-on exposure to tools such as Cellebrite, Magnet Axiom, EnCase, FTK, X-Ways, GrayKey, or similar platforms.
• Relevant industry certifications such as CCO, CCPA, MCFE, EnCE, GCFA, GCFE, or CFCE.
• Prior investigative experience in law enforcement.

Working conditions

• You may be exposed to sensitive, graphic, disturbing, or otherwise difficult digital material.
• Occasional contact with evidence that contains biological contaminants or biohazards may occur, requiring PPE.
• The job involves extended periods of computer-based work.
• You must be able to lift, move, and handle digital evidence and computer equipment.
• Travel may be required for training, investigations, or court appearances.

Selection process

Qualified candidates may be asked to complete one or more of the following: a computer knowledge assessment, structured interview, background investigation, review of work history and performance, practical skills assessment, and a command staff interview.

Internal transfer note

Employees being considered for transfer must already meet or exceed the requirements stated in the posting as well as any additional qualification factors. A request for transfer is only a request for consideration and does not guarantee placement.