Career Change, Advi...
 
Notifications
Clear all

Career Change, Advice is Much Appreciated

7 Posts
3 Users
0 Likes
547 Views
(@isoldeacurry)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi, everyone. I've been reading these forums for a while, but this is my first time posting. I am looking at changing careers from law enforcement into computer/digital forensics and investigations. I have an A.A.S. in Criminal Justice and am currently working on an A.A.S. in Cyber Crime Technology. After this semester, I will have a year left in my course of study and expect to graduate in August 2016.

My background is primarily in customer service/public service, so my technical experience is very limited and only involved in using using computers for homework, gaming, and casual internet browsing. My work experience has consisted of using computers for report writing and related functions to police work on the law enforcement side, as well as for training purposes and cashiering on the retail side.

As I mentioned earlier, my career focus is in computer/digital forensics/investigations. I am interested in knowing how I should go about getting a job in this area after graduation, and what I should do in the meantime to better prepare myself before then,given my limited technical experience. I understand I would probably have to relocate to further my career goals, since my area doesn't really have a lot to offer in this industry. I'm happy to provide more info if needed. Thanks for reading.

 
Posted : 18/01/2015 5:56 am
(@bithead)
Posts: 1206
Noble Member
 

Does your agency not have a digital forensic lab? Why would you not leverage your law enforcement career as the platform to jump into digital forensics?

 
Posted : 19/01/2015 3:18 am
(@isoldeacurry)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

My law enforcement experience is pretty limited. I've had my LE certification since December 2007, but I only have about one-and-a-half years between two small agencies. I was sworn in as a reserve in 2009 with my home county's sheriff's office, but have not been able to get any work experience. My certification is still active, but it's basically being held as a courtesy at this point.

I know that two sheriff's offices ( in my home county where my LE cert is being held and neighboring agency) have computer crimes investigations within their respective CID units. I've sent the heads of both divisions inquiries about their units, but unfortunately have not heard back as of yet.

I'll try to contact the neighboring agency's CID captain again tomorrow and see if I can find out anything.

Thank you for your reply, BitHead. I hope what I've posted makes some kind of sense.

 
Posted : 19/01/2015 10:14 am
(@isoldeacurry)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

An update my inquiry with the departments didn't really turn up much. I really would like to get into private sector DF, and I'm sure trying to get some volunteer work somewhere with one of the agencies would probably be the way to go to getting my foot in the door and to achieve that goal.

 
Posted : 21/01/2015 9:18 pm
(@bithead)
Posts: 1206
Noble Member
 

Have you checked into the State Crime Lab?

Even though your LE experience is limited, I think it will be a bonus getting your foot in the door.

 
Posted : 22/01/2015 8:39 am
DigiDig
(@digidig)
Posts: 1
New Member
 

Sent you a private mail a while ago, don't know if you received it.

 
Posted : 22/01/2015 5:22 pm
(@isoldeacurry)
Posts: 4
New Member
Topic starter
 

To BitHead Thank you for the link. It's very helpful and much appreciated.

To DigiDig I'm not seeing any new mail, so I don't think it came through.

 
Posted : 22/01/2015 10:13 pm
Share: