Computer forensic positions?

[Anxiety]

I am an insurance agent, but have recently started going back to school to pursue my passion: computers. I have been considering attempting to find employment in computer forensics and have a couple questions.

1. Do smaller PDs have computer forensic specialists or am I going to be stuck in larger metropolitan, state or federal law enforcement?

2. Is this type of position a sworn police officer and will I have to carry a gun and be on patrol?

If anyone has any advice on how to pursue this goal I would greatly appreciate your input.

Thanks

 

[FordSVTFan]

Most computer positions are ancillary/support positions and usually arent L.E. positions, although there are some L.E.O.s that specialize in computer forensics. The smaller departments, under 50 members usually refer their computer forensic work to larger agencies or the state lab.

 

[mswaim]

Most agencies in my area pool their resources much like they do for narcotics enforcement. Check out the IHTCIA or local HTCIA organizations. We have one officer assigned to the taskforce that meets as needed.