Position: Investigator

Department: Cyber Crimes Unit

Work Schedule: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM, M-F

Status: Part-Time/internship

FLSA Status: Non-exempt

Job Category: Law Enforcement, Digital Forensics

Date Written: October 2024

Position Close: October 31, 2024

Please note: This position is for current undergrad college students with the ability for in-person work on the University of Notre Dame campus in South Bend, IN. Those hired are for the 2025-2026 academic year, with limited spaces available starting January 2025. Current seniors should not apply.

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function of the position satisfactorily. The requirements listed in this document are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. St. Joseph County provides reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with known disabilities who require accommodation to complete the application process or perform essential functions of the job unless those accommodations would present an undue hardship.   

Incumbent serves as an Investigator for St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit, responsible for investigating criminal cases on behalf of both defense of those accused of crimes as digital forensic examiners. Students will acquire, parse, and analyze information from digital evidence involved in activate case investigations and pending prosecutions, while learning the process of digital analysis and investigation. Students may also be exposed to learning experiences related to cyber forensics, digital investigations, and forensics research.

The Digital Forensics Investigator program is geared towards students looking to enter the field of cyber security and analysis post-graduation. This program is structured for the student to participate their entire academic year once selected. However, students who plan on studying abroad are not excluded from this opportunity. Moreover, since this internship involves conducting digital forensics on evidence in active criminal case and prosecutions, the St. Joseph County Prosecutor will swear in students so that they will have law enforcement powers during their time working as a Digital Forensics Investigator.

Student Investigators will be paid for their participation (10 hours a week).  Positions cover the entire academic year and summer opportunities are also available.  The starting rate of pay is $15.00 per hour and may increase based on demonstration of proficiency and obtaining industry certifications.  Students will select their own working schedule based on what is best given their academic schedule and other responsibilities.

Interested students should submit a resume and 1-page Statement of Interest. The Statement of Interest should summarize the student’s qualifications and background and should indicate the reason(s) the student wants to take advantage of this program.

Questions regarding the program application process or work as a Digital Forensics Investigator may be directed to Mariah Donley or Caroline Torie, Cyber Crimes Unit Co-Directors, at mdonley@stjoepros.org and ctorie@stjoepros.org.

DUTIES:  

Assists law enforcement officers by conducting digital forensics for active case investigations.

Assists federal and state prosecutors by conducting digital forensics for criminal case prosecutions.

Assists federal and state defense attorneys by conducting digital forensics for criminal case defense.

Conducts evidence intake, chain of custody, and recording.

Prepares of search warrants.

Applies case facts to appropriate state and Federal laws.

Makes court appearances and testimony, if needed.

May conduct research on technology and digital analysis topics.

Extensive writing of warrants, reports, and other papers.

Qualifications: 

• Positions are opened to all students in all majors
• Must be a United States Citizen (Per Indiana Code 36-8-3.5-12)
• Basic knowledge of computers, mobile devices, and online social networking sites
• Basic research knowledge
• Excellent writing, critical thinking, and creative thinking skills
• Willingness to sign a confidentiality agreement and maintain a high degree of confidentiality
• Willingness to work with subject matter that may be disturbing
• Willingness to submit to an advanced background check   

I.  JOB REQUIREMENTS AND DIFFICULTY OF WORK:  

While in the Student Investigator program, students will work out of the St. Joseph County Cyber Crimes Unit, currently housed in Hammes Mowbray Hall on Notre Dame campus.

High school diploma or HSE.

 Ability to meet all hiring and retention requirements, including passage of a drug test.  

 Working knowledge of applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations regarding human resources practices and procedures with ability to apply such knowledge to a variety of interrelated processes, tasks, and operations.  

Working knowledge of goals, objectives, tasks, and activities of the Unit, and ability to accomplish tasks and activities with accuracy and completeness and meet formal deadlines.  

 Working knowledge and experience with standard office procedures and computer software and systems used by the Unit, including word processing, spreadsheets, and email.  

 Working knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling, and punctuation and ability to prepare various detailed reports.  

 Ability to properly operate standard office equipment.

 Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with co-workers, other County departments, County employees, Commissioners, and the public, including being sensitive to professional ethics, gender, cultural diversities, and disabilities.  

 Shall comply with employer and Unit policies and work rules, including, but not limited to, attendance, safety, drug-free workplace, and personal conduct.  

 Ability to understand, memorize, retain, and carry out written and oral instructions and present findings in oral or written form.  

 Ability to compile, collate, and classify data, and analyze, evaluate, observe, diagnose, and investigate.  

 Ability to work with others in a team environment and work on several tasks at the same time, often under time pressure.   

II.  RESPONSIBILITY:  

Incumbent’s priorities are primarily determined by supervisor with assignments performed according to specific detailed instructions. Decisions are always determined by specific instructions or existing, well-established policies and procedures. Work errors are primarily detected or prevented through notifications from other departments or the public. Undetected work errors could result in loss of time to correct errors and work delays in other departments.

III.  PERSONAL WORK RELATIONSHIPS:  

Incumbent maintains frequent contact with co-workers, other County departments, County employees, Commissioners, and the public, for the purpose of giving and receiving information.  

Incumbent reports directly to Cyber Crimes Unit Co-Directors.  

IV.  PHYSICAL EFFORT AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:   

Incumbent performs duties in a standard office environment, involving sitting/walking at will, sitting for long periods, lifting/carrying objects weighing up to 25 pounds, bending, reaching, keyboarding, speaking clearly, close vision, handling/grasping objects, and hearing sounds/communication.