Criminalist , Digital Forensics San Francisco Police Department

The San Francisco Police Department was established in 1849 and continues to evolve as an effective, inclusive, and modern police organization. We are focused on maintaining the trust of the people who live, work, and visit San Francisco by reviewing our initiatives, learning from best practices, and adapting to the changing needs of the City.

The San Francisco Police Department stands for safety with respect for all. We are committed to just, transparent, unbiased, and responsive policing carried out with dignity and in partnership with the community. We collaborate with community members and City partners to promote safety, fairness, and trust across San Francisco, with an emphasis on strong relationships and support for the well‑being of our neighborhoods.

The Department is dedicated to excellence in law enforcement and to the people, traditions, and diversity of San Francisco. Our mission is to keep the public safe by protecting life and property, preventing crime, and reducing the fear of crime. We provide service with understanding, respond with compassion, and perform with integrity as we continue to grow as a forward‑thinking organization serving one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

• Application Opening:August 21, 2026
• Final date to receive applications:Apply immediately, announcement may close any time after 2 weeks from posting date.
• Appointment Type:Permanent Exempt
  -This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive Civil Service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the Appointing Officer. The duration of the appointment shall not exceed 36 months.
• Work Schedule:Monday - Friday, Full-time. Up to one day a week Telecommuting work schedule available in line with CCSF policy based on available work/assigned duties.
  
  Some assignments may require working weekends and/or holidays.

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.

The Criminalist I staff follow established protocols, document analytical results, maintain the integrity of evidence, and provide technical findings to investigators and the courts. Work requires adherence to professional forensic standards, chain‑of‑custody requirements, and quality assurance procedures.

• 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 the 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.
• Pr…