Criminalist I, Digital Forensics (8259) - San Francisco Police Department

The San Francisco Police Department, established in 1849, is a modern, inclusive police organization committed to maintaining public trust through just, transparent, and unbiased policing. We collaborate with community members and city partners to promote safety, fairness, and trust across San Francisco, emphasizing strong neighborhood relationships and support for community well-being. Our mission is to protect life and property, prevent crime, and reduce the fear of crime while providing service with understanding, compassion, and integrity.

About the role

Once trained and under general supervision, the Criminalist I in Digital Forensics performs scientific examination, analysis, and interpretation of physical and digital evidence in support of criminal investigations. This role requires adherence to professional forensic standards, chain-of-custody requirements, and quality assurance procedures.

Responsibilities

• Collect, preserve, examine, process, and analyze digital evidence, including digital media, computers, mobile devices, storage media, cloud environments, and related forensic material.
• Conduct forensic examinations and scientific testing using established laboratory procedures, instruments, specialized forensic software and hardware, and other approved digital forensic tools to recover, authenticate, interpret, and analyze evidence.
• Maintain the integrity, security, and chain of custody of physical and digital evidence in accordance with forensic best practices, laboratory requirements, and departmental policies, including transportation of evidence between authorized locations.
• Interpret analytical results and prepare clear, concise, and technically accurate reports documenting examination methods, procedures, findings, and conclusions for investigative and judicial purposes.
• Maintain complete and accurate case notes, laboratory records, examination documentation, and other records required for casework, quality assurance, and accreditation.
• Assist with the development, validation, implementation, and periodic review of forensic methods, laboratory procedures, digital forensic processes, and related documentation.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate laboratory instruments, equipment, and forensic systems in accordance with manufacturer specifications, laboratory requirements, and established procedures.
• Follow established quality assurance and quality control practices, safety requirements, evidence handling procedures, and forensic protocols.
• Participate in proficiency testing, competency assessments, required training, continuing education, and literature reviews; remain current on scientific, technological, and forensic developments relevant to assigned disciplines.
• Provide expert testimony in court and other legal proceedings regarding examinations performed, analytical methods used, findings, and conclusions reached.

Requirements

• Possession of a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in criminalistics, chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, or a closely related physical science field.
• Possession of a valid California Driver’s License.

Qualifications

Desirable Qualifications: Exposure to digital forensics tools or methods through coursework, internships, research, or certificate programs. Familiarity with basic principles of digital evidence (file systems, data storage, metadata, timestamps, etc.).

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. Falsifying education, training, or work experience may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.

Background Investigation

Prior to employment, a thorough background investigation will be conducted to determine suitability, including but not limited to: criminal history records, driving records, drug/alcohol screening, and related employment and personal history. Reasons for rejection may include use of controlled substances, felony convictions, repeated or serious violations of the law, or other relevant factors. Candidates may be required to undergo drug/alcohol screening and must clear Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation fingerprinting.

Pay

$104,338 - $126,802 annually.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, full-time. Up to one day a week telecommuting may be available in line with CCSF policy. Some assignments may require working weekends and/or holidays.