Digital Forensics Apprentice

Working in the Digital Forensic teams you will utilise a range of equipment and tools to support the recovery of evidence from digital devices seized in a variety of investigations.

The Digital Forensic Apprentice will learn and develop practical skills in a range of digital practices and services offered by West Midlands and Warwickshire Police. These services include preservation of digital evidence recovered from crime scenes data extraction processing from a range of devices and the analysis and presentation of evidence for the criminal justice system under close supervision from an allocated mentor.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supported by Digital Forensic staff use a wide range of commercial and specialist digital forensic and video analysis software and hardware tools. Working under instruction to provide assistance to the Digital Forensic Examiners.

• Safe handling of forensic exhibits to ensure continuity confidentiality and security is maintained at all times.

• Develop a practical understanding of the principles of digital evidence and how it is used to support investigations and criminal justice processes.

• Develop and evidence an understanding of Digital Forensic good practice methodologies (ISO17025 / 17020 standards FSR Codes ACPO Principles of Digital Evidence and other legislation) used in the examination of computers mobile phones CCTV and other digital devices.

• Produce a professional development portfolio by completing an accredited course of study and training courses. Also achieving and maintaining competence to support a range of digital evidence activities and administrative tasks.
  

Click here to view the full details of the role including the Essential Desirable and any educational requirements for the role.

Prospective staff/officers must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

Selection Process

The selection process for this role will consist of the following elements:

• Initial application
• Shortlisting
• 3 part assessment day which include a skills and knowledge test presentation on a DFU topic and in person interview

Benefit Statement:

• By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel parking daily costs of living and leisure activities.
• A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support free eye tests and flu jabs
• Comprehensive benefits including pension Blue Light Card and employee assistance programme.

Important Information

Closing Date: 4th August 2026 - We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. Therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Interview Dates: W.C 31st August

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon you successfully passing medical checks which may include a drug and hearing test.

Hours: The post holder will be required 36.5 hours per week on a shift pattern that includes weekday and weekend working. Earliest start times are 0700 hours. Latest finish times are 2200 hours.

Contact: For further information email

Applicants are ineligible if they already hold a Level 4 or higher qualification (e.g. foundation degree or bachelors degree) in a closely related IT or digital forensics field

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to notethat there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example:in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume seasonal and high-peak times the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled these circumstances the employer could select the candidates whobestmeet the essential criteria for the job as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities