After being awarded a 1st Class (Hons) degree I made the decision to experience working operational within digital forensics. Having spent a number of years researching digital forensic techniques I felt having experience in the field using the techniques would enhance my research in the future. As a DFI within the Digital Forensics Unit at WYP I was able to experience a fast paced workplace. I had the responsibility of running my own investigations and working closely with the OIC. I was able to examine a range of devices; mobile phones, computers, storage devices (RAID), games consoles and many more. I developed skills using a range of software including; X-Ways, EnCase, FTK, XRY, Cellebrite, MacQuisition, ADF Triage and more. Along with the role of a Digital Forensic Investigator I was a business administrator of CAID (Child Abuse Image Database). As WY hosted the database we were required to offer assistance to all forces and the NCA. This assistance ranged from technical queries regarding the creation of the JSON file to upload to CAID to advising on their local network infrastructure. This role required frequent communications with other government agencies including the Home Office.

Centre of Applied Science and Technology (CAST)Industry placement which allowed me to independently complete a research project titled 'The Digital Interrogation of Games Consoles'. The purpose of the research was to understand the file system, OS, hardware and capabilities of games console. With clear understanding, a structured process to examine certain games consoles was developed. The Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360 and the Microsoft Xbox One were the consoles that my research focused on. Techniques developed were demonstrated to some force Digital Forensic Unit's to ensure the research was offered to the most appropriate audience. All findings from the research project were published on POLKA, in a paper at the F3 annual conference 2014 and the Intelligence Bulletin.Along with the research project I was able to enhance my skills in other areas at CAST;- Mobile phone detection in prisons- Use of ground penetrating radars/ sonar equipment to assist forces with searches- Soldering for the purpose of JTAG - Assisting with the cyber stand at the Security and Policing Exhibition