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Council approves new police technology position to centralize digital-forensic work
Summary
The council approved a new, specialized law-enforcement position to handle cellphone forensics, social media collection and other digital-evidence tasks so detectives are not pulled off investigations; the police chief described a shortage of certified specialists as the rationale.
The Joliet City Council on Oct. 19 approved creation of a specialized police position focused on digital evidence, cellphone data extraction, social media investigations and related technical tasks.
Police leadership told the council that investigators are currently pulled off detective assignments to perform digital forensics — a growing demand that requires specific certifications and training. The chief said the city lacks a single, certified person who can perform all required digital tasks and that hiring a dedicated specialist would allow detectives to remain focused on casework.
Council members questioned and supported the hire during the agenda discussion; several council members praised the operational value of having a dedicated specialist and noted that the skills required are in short supply regionally. The motion to create the position passed on a council vote (motion carried). City staff noted the role’s responsibilities include phone data extraction, social media tracking, and preparing evidence for detective follow-up. No salary or classification details were provided on the council floor during the discussion; personnel classification and budgetary handling will be resolved through HR and the budget process.
