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Council reviews new digital-forensic analyst role; chief stresses warrants and limits
Summary
The police chief described a proposed civilian digital-forensic analyst who would extract device data for investigators; the chief said such work usually requires a warrant or consent and that vehicle black-box extraction is not done in-house.
Duluth police and personnel staff presented a resolution to establish a civil-service classification for a digital forensic analyst, a civilian position intended to handle phone and computer extractions to support investigators.
Chief Sinoa told councilors the position is "a bench worker" who would extract information from phones and hand findings to investigators, allowing sworn investigators to focus on investigative work. "This person really would be doing bench work... extract information from the phone, hand that to an investigator," the chief said.
On legal limits, the chief said device analysis is "typically" performed under warrant but could also be done with consent — for example when a victim asks for their own device to be analyzed to show evidence of a protection-order violation or fraud. He also told councilors that the department does not currently conduct vehicle 'black box' extractions in-house and that such capability is typically outsourced.
Councilors asked whether the position is new or a reclassification; the chief confirmed it is a new civilian role and said retirements and reassignments on the sworn side would allow the department to create the position without increasing overall staffing or budget levels. The administration said staff would return with additional process details if needed before Monday's meeting.
The resolution (Resolution 63) would authorize job specifications and contract benefits for the new classification as the city proceeds to fill anticipated openings.
