The State of California, like most states, is struggling with their budget. Police departments are announcing layoffs and other tough decisions to save money. Meanwhile, well-paid information security positions are open to hire.

Here is an example from Alameda County:

FORENSIC COMPUTER EXAMINER II
$82,264.00 – $99,195.20 Annually

Forensic Computer Examiners are non-sworn employees of the Sheriff’s Office who work in the Digital & Multimedia Evidence Unit of the Criminalistics Laboratory and investigate and analyze digital evidence by performing hardware, software and virtual analyses of digital evidence in the criminalistics laboratory and in the field. They process and analyze digital evidence including disassembly of computer hardware; forensic imaging of digital media; examination of data related to criminal offenses; recovery of data from cellular telephones; and perform related duties as required. The Forensic Computer Examiner will interpret the results of their findings to law enforcement officers/attorneys, prepare materials for presentation in court, appear as an expert witness, and perform other related duties.

PDF of their recruitment brochure.

Note the cellular telephone requirement. I am certain that anyone who works with technology near Oakland will need to be very familiar with SIMs and the 1.8″ ZIF…

Disclaimer: I was asked to post this