Technical Lead Officer - Digital Forensics

About this role

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Force

South Wales Police

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Role Type

Police Staff

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Business Area

Tri-Force Forensic Alliance

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Department

Tri-Force Forensic Alliance

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Level of Welsh language ability required?

2

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Shortlisting Date

12 August 2026

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Interview Date

19 August 2026

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Would you like a career like no other? If so… Join Us

South Wales Police brings together thousands of people with the same aim – to keep South Wales safe.

We want to be the best at understanding and responding to our community’s needs. To do this we need the very best candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply to become part of our policing family.

We are looking for someone to #JoinUs as a Technical Lead Officer - Digital Forensics in the Tri-Force Forensic Alliance based at Headquarters, Bridgend. Could you be who we are looking for?

South Wales Police are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our Digital Forensics Unit (DFU) as a Technical Lead Officer. This role has been created to support the continued development of the unit’s quality framework and to ensure that our forensic processes meet the highest professional and scientific standards.

The successful candidate will play a key role in the design, implementation, and maintenance of a Quality Management System, supporting the unit’s ambition to achieve and sustain ISO 17025 accreditation. This work is fundamental to ensuring that all digital forensic examinations conducted within the DFU are robust, defensible, and capable of withstanding scrutiny within the criminal justice system.

Digital forensic evidence is now central to almost every investigation type. As such, this role sits at the heart of a fast-paced and evolving area of policing, where quality, governance, and consistency are critical. You will contribute directly to improving how digital evidence is handled, interpreted, and presented, ultimately supporting outcomes for victims and the wider public.

The Opportunity

This position offers a unique opportunity to influence how digital forensic services are delivered across the force. You will work closely with forensic practitioners, investigators, and senior leaders to embed best practice and ensure compliance with national standards, including the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice.

You will be involved in shaping policy, developing procedures, and introducing improvements that enhance both efficiency and evidential integrity. The role also provides scope to contribute to wider force priorities, supporting innovation and continuous improvement in a rapidly expanding discipline.

About You

We are seeking a motivated and detail-focused professional who is committed to delivering high standards and continuous improvement. You will have experience of working within a quality management environment, ideally within a digital forensic laboratory, digital forensic setting, or similarly regulated digital forensic setting.

There are numerous benefits to working for South Wales Police, from learning and development opportunities to schemes which aim to improve your lifestyle and wellbeing, as well as generous Local Government Pension Scheme / Police Pension Schemes, paid annual leave, flexible working and family friendly policies and many more.

The successful Candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to MV/SC Vetting.

Please note, if you are an internal candidate and subject to an ongoing PSD investigation, your appointment or placement in the role may be delayed pending an outcome. Whether the role is held open will be considered on a case-by-case basis

As an equal opportunities’ employer, we welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons. However, as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates are currently underrepresented within the Force, we would particularly welcome applications from ethnically diverse candidates.

To support the ambition of a diverse workforce, South Wales Place is able to offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS). The GIS is available for people living with a disability or identify as ethnically diverse.

If you are an applicant who is living with a disability or from an ethnically diverse background (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) and would like to be considered under the GIS, you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined in the advert and role profile. You should take time to evidence that you meet each of the essential criteria in your application form and/or personal statement and CV.

First time applying for a role with South Wales Police? Be sure to read our application guidance for some hints and tips around the application form and what to expect. Please note the successful candidate must be willing to undergo vetting to the required level.

Further Information

For an informal discussion prior to application, please contact:

Bethan Thomas - Bethan.Thomas2@south-wales.police.uk

DI Rob Ewin - Robert.Ewin@south-wales.police.uk

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About cyber security & digital forensics roles for ex-police

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