Hi all,
I'm currently studying for my masters in digital forensics, and starting to think ahead into the future. I would love to get into law enforcement after getting my degree (and maybe a few CF certs).
What is generally the way to get into law enforcement, with focus on digital forensics? I mean, does one have to be a 'regular' police officer first and work your way up, and after a few years maybe get into the forensics department; or can one apply for a forensics job directly?
I'm especially interested in information on how to get into Australian LE, but info from any other regions are helpful too.
I hope my question is clear. Any information is much appreciated.
Thanks,
An
I am speaking from my experience in the U.S. In almost every case law enforcement examiners are hired from within the agency. Certainly officers with computer education or experience are usually the one's selected. If you were looking for a job in the US I think you would have to put in a few years "on the road". Maybe it's the same in Australia. That is not a bad thing, and the experience will be beneficial to you as an examiner.
There are plenty of non-police digital evidence investigators in the UK, doing both police and non-police work. But i dont know if that goes for Aus too.
I've noticed that you're from Belgium. In Belgium we have the FCCU (Federal Computer Crime Unit) which is a fast growing group and includes some computer forensic specialists. They do recruit civilians and give them a crash course in law enforcement.
Why do you want to go to Australia for the same job?
Surfing? wink
I'm aware of the FCCU and the RCCUs in Belgium -)
I'm just interested in Australia because i love the country and would like to move there
Thanks for your reply though!
No problem.
Why don't you envisage one of the following
1) Get some experience in Europe (or Belgium) in a private firm or govt (like FCCU), this will help you a lot when applying for a job in Aus.
2) Apply for a job in DF in a multinational firm like FoundStone (McAfee), Dimension Data, Cybertrust, etc… some of them have offices in Australia and you might want to ask for a transfer to the Australian office. It's a long shot but it might work. You can always switch to LE when there.
Whatever you do, I wish you the best of luck!
That is actually a great idea, I'll have to look into that a bit further.
Thanks again, very much appreciated -)