Digital traces can be crucial to understanding what actually happened in a case. Messages, files, and devices often contain vital information – and uncovering that information is exactly what digital forensics is all about.
Fredrik Selte Johansen currently works as a Special Investigator at the Nordland Police District, where he handles digital evidence and supports investigators in serious criminal cases. His journey began with the bachelor’s programme Digital Forensics and Incident Response at Noroff University College.
Fredrik’s journey from Noroff student to professional digital investigator is a clear example of what Noroff’s Digital Forensics and Incident Response (DFIR) programme is designed to achieve: to produce graduates who are operationally ready for real investigative and incident response work from day one.
His interest in the field was sparked after attending a lecture about the VG investigative series “The Downloaders”, where digital traces were used to expose a large network of offenders in Norway. The case clearly demonstrated how technology and investigative work can be combined to uncover serious crimes.
Even before starting his studies, Fredrik had a clear goal: a career in the police, helping to protect people. During his studies, his interest also expanded to intelligence work and OSINT (Open-Source Intelligence), gradually pointing him toward a more preventive and analytical role.
When technology meets investigation
Digital forensics involves securing, analysing, and interpreting digital traces from devices such as mobile phones, computers, and other digital equipment. These traces can provide critical insight into sequences of events, document evidence, and support investigations across a wide range of cases. This expertise is relevant not only in law enforcement, but also in cybersecurity, intelligence, and incident response.
As a special investigator, Fredrik supports police investigators by managing seized devices and ensuring that digital evidence is handled correctly and systematically. This work is essential to ensuring that investigations are based on reliable and admissible documentation.
– I handle seized devices and digital evidence before investigators can begin their work. Everything must be secured properly so that the findings can be used throughout the investigation.
His workday alternates between operational assignments and in-depth analysis of digital evidence.
– It can involve anything from search operations and raids to sitting at the office analysing seized material. No two cases are the same, and the challenges vary from case to case.
Typical tasks include securing digital devices, structured evidence management, and documenting findings that later become part of the investigation.
Education applied in real-world practice
The programme prepared me well for how the work is actually done in practice. Fredrik Selte Johansen
The knowledge Fredrik gained through the Digital Forensics and Incident Response programme is directly applied in his day-to-day work with the police.
– We use many of the same tools in the police that we used during our studies at Noroff, and the way of thinking is very similar. The programme provides a solid foundation for working systematically with digital evidence.
The degree combines technical expertise with investigative methodology, offering a strong foundation for careers in both the public and private sectors. The practical investigative courses, in particular, proved highly valuable when entering working life.
– Courses such as Digital Forensics Fundamentals and Advanced Device Forensics provide skills I actively use in my job today.
Transitioning into working life meant a faster pace and managing multiple cases simultaneously.
– During your studies, you often focus on one case at a time. In the job, you’re handling several cases in parallel, which makes time management and focus absolutely essential.
At the same time, the transition felt reassuring, as much of the methodology was already familiar.
– The programme prepared me well for how the work is actually done in practice.
An education for those who want to work with digital evidence
As crime becomes increasingly digital, the need for skilled digital forensic investigators continues to grow. Law enforcement depends on professionals who understand both technology and procedure, and who can handle evidence with care and accountability.
Fredrik’s experience illustrates how education in Digital Forensics and Incident Response translates directly into operational impact and why developing this competence is essential for the future of modern policing.
– This is an education that provides practical experience you genuinely use in working life. If you’re curious about a career in law enforcement or digital investigations, this is a strong choice.
The bachelor’s degree in Digital Forensics and Incident Response equips you with expertise in digital investigations, evidence handling, and cyber incident response – with practical training designed to meet real-world professional demands.
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