Technical Assessmen...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Technical Assessment

11 Posts
4 Users
0 Likes
1,757 Views
(@notoriousbse)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hi,

I've passed the paper sift for an internal vacancy for a Digital Forensics Officer within the UK Police force I currently work for. I have no background or real experience with digital forensics however I am very confident in my IT abilities and I have a good practical knowledge of CCTV and image recovery from the role I currently perform.

I've been told the next stage of the process is a technical assessment which won't be an assessment of digital forensic skill as the post does not require any previous experience, but is a knowledge test focusing on the types of background knowledge one would require to perfom the role. I'm guessing this will be based on knowledge of various operating systems, including mobile phones and tablet PC's, hardware identification and data transfer types.

Does anyone have any examples of such tests that may assist me or any ideas of the kind of questions that may be asked? I'm told it will be a 1.5hr paper based assessment.

I really really want this job as I think it will suit me perfectly however my hunger for it has bred a lack of confidence in my abilities. Some prior preparation would be a great way to put my mind at ease!

Many thanks in advance!

Rich

 
Posted : 22/09/2015 11:47 pm
(@trewmte)
Posts: 1877
Noble Member
 

Are you able to post the vacancy advertisement (e.g. http//www.forensicfocus.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=11293/ ) that actually describes their understanding on what they think is involved regarding "knowledge" needed to perform the role as a "Digital Forensics Office"? That way it could be helpful when suggesting ideas to you.

I've been told the next stage of the process is a technical assessment which won't be an assessment of digital forensic skill as the post does not require any previous experience…

but is a knowledge test focusing on the types of background knowledge one would require to perfom the role.

 
Posted : 23/09/2015 1:33 am
(@notoriousbse)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Unfortunately I can't do as you asked, as the post was advertised internally and only to internal applicants, however it was fairly non specific. I think it was phrased something along the lines of "Applicants must be able to demonstrate a good working knowledge of Windows based operating systems and be able to identify key computer components."

It didn't really go into any more detail than that. I have spoken to one of the supervisors of the dept and they said the assessment wouldn't require us to demonstrate any prior knowledge of digital forensics, it would simply be a test to 'sort the wheat from the chaff' as it were and identify the people who actually know what a hard drive looks like and how to navigate the command line, from the ones that can just send an email or make a spreadsheet.

I know I can do all of that and probably won't have much of a problem with the test but I'd feel so much better if I could get a little practice in first. I really really want this job…

Any ideas?

Again, many thanks

Rich

 
Posted : 23/09/2015 3:04 pm
Chris_Ed
(@chris_ed)
Posts: 314
Reputable Member
 

I've passed the paper sift for an internal vacancy for a Digital Forensics Officer within the UK Police force I currently work for.

Congrats! )

I've been told the next stage of the process is a technical assessment which won't be an assessment of digital forensic skill as the post does not require any previous experience, but is a knowledge test focusing on the types of background knowledge one would require to perfom the role. I'm guessing this will be based on knowledge of various operating systems, including mobile phones and tablet PC's, hardware identification and data transfer types.

I am fairly sure that you have guessed right. Normally, such a test might include the things you've listed, as well as your knowledge of the ACPO guidelines - read up on them, they're quite simple.

If you have an IT background and an interest in the field then to be honest that's most of the fight done. Don't get disheartened and do your best! )

 
Posted : 23/09/2015 3:19 pm
(@notoriousbse)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Chris,

Thanks for the reply, I didn't even think about ACPO guidelines or RIPA etc, I was too busy focusing about the technical side of things. I'm very glad I asked the question now.

Would you happen to have access to an example of such an assessment or know anyone who might? I'm really grateful for your assistance.

Either way, I'm glad I can wipe at least some of the sweat from my brow!

Many thanks,

Rich

 
Posted : 23/09/2015 4:21 pm
(@trewmte)
Posts: 1877
Noble Member
 

Rich, I now have a better understanding what you are looking for I do have a copy of the Overview of the Investigation Process if you want to send to me a PM with your email address. Greg

 
Posted : 23/09/2015 9:32 pm
Chris_Ed
(@chris_ed)
Posts: 314
Reputable Member
 

Chris,

Thanks for the reply, I didn't even think about ACPO guidelines or RIPA etc, I was too busy focusing about the technical side of things. I'm very glad I asked the question now.

Would you happen to have access to an example of such an assessment or know anyone who might? I'm really grateful for your assistance.

Either way, I'm glad I can wipe at least some of the sweat from my brow!

Many thanks,

Rich

I have been through such a test for Law Enforcement myself, and to be honest it mainly consisted of broad computer knowledge and ACPO bobbins. I would put the ACPO guidelines as one of the highest priorities to learn if you're not familiar - but they're not difficult. Can give you a super quick overview if you want. Also, questions about converting binary to hex to decimal and back are nice and easy to write for examiners, so brush up on that sort of thing. )

The test itself will depend on the force who are giving it - there is no single standard. It could be ball-breakingly hard, it could be relatively straightforward, but if as you say they aren't too worried about previous forensic experience (and the test isn't a "forensic" test) then honestly given what you've said I suspect you'll be fine.

When is it? Please let us know how it went afterwards!

 
Posted : 25/09/2015 12:29 pm
BraindeadVirtually
(@braindeadvirtually)
Posts: 115
Estimable Member
 

Chris,

Thanks for the reply, I didn't even think about ACPO guidelines or RIPA etc, I was too busy focusing about the technical side of things. I'm very glad I asked the question now.

Would you happen to have access to an example of such an assessment or know anyone who might? I'm really grateful for your assistance.

Either way, I'm glad I can wipe at least some of the sweat from my brow!

Many thanks,

Rich

I have been through such a test for Law Enforcement myself, and to be honest it mainly consisted of broad computer knowledge and ACPO bobbins.

+1 - I went through (and passed) a similar test with a Police Force in years gone by. What Chris_Ed says is pretty accurate - they are looking for somebody with a genuine interest in IT/mobile devices and a broad understanding of technology. Get your hands dirty and pull some old hardware apart if that's not something you've done in the past, make sure you know exactly what every cable and component does. Make sure you are very comfortable with all the terminology and can reasonably quickly define a technical term in layman terms e.g. 'explain to me, as a judge/jury, what RAM does in a computer'. As has been said here, the test varies between police forces and even at the different departments in the police force itself. From what you've said about specific legal frameworks, a passing knowledge of relevant RIPA, PACE, and Computer Misuse Act sections will be more than enough and learn by heart the four ACPO guidelines. In fact if you have time you could do worse than to read http//www.cps.gov.uk/legal/assets/uploads/files/ACPO_guidelines_computer_evidence[1].pdf pretty thoroughly. Good luck!

 
Posted : 25/09/2015 5:58 pm
(@notoriousbse)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Guys,

Thanks every so much for all your advice. I've been through the ACPO guidlines with a fine toothed comb and I've also been swatting up on some of the extra stuff Greg has sent me.

My assessment is on Tuesday but I'll still have to sit an interview if I'm successful with the test. I'll let you all know how I got on and again, thank you all so much for your help.

If I make it through the test I'd like to think I'll have a pretty good shot at the interview too after all the preparation I've done, thanks to you guys.

Hopefully I'll get to work alongside some of you one day! If so, I'll get the drinks in!

Cheers,

Rich

 
Posted : 25/09/2015 6:14 pm
(@notoriousbse)
Posts: 5
Active Member
Topic starter
 

Hey all,

Bit of an update for you…

I went for the assessment and it was very definitely a ball breaker! It was also something I couldn't really have prepared myself for. It was extremely varied and had questions ranging from identifying photographs of cables and ports to identifying and explaining lines of JavaScript and HTML. (There was a question on the ACPO guidelines too which I obviously nailed thanks to Chris!)

I finished the test, came out, sat in the car and thought "Ah well… Maybe next time…"

Today I got an email however asking me to attend an interview! Couldn't be happier! They must have gotten my test paper mixed up with someone else's. )

Anyway, it's scheduled for the 29th October so now I'm back on the beg for help. I'll be reading everything Greg provided me with and if anyone has documents relating specifically to UK digital forensics, I will need to soak that up too!

Couldn't have done it without you guys so again, thanks a million!!

Cheers,

Rich

 
Posted : 06/10/2015 2:26 pm
Page 1 / 2
Share: