Forensic Identification Bureau Supervisor

Forensic Identification Bureau Supervisor 

Hindlip, Warwickshire 

Permanent Contract  

Full Time 

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Monday 4th November 2019

Those currently eligible on the redeployment register will be given prior consideration.

Interviews Dates TBC 

The main purpose of the role is to provide a comprehensive forensic identification service through the effective supervision of the Fingerprint and Footwear Unit, ensuring that professional standards are maintained and that national and force policies are adhered to. To provide expert advice around identification services to internal and external stakeholders. To supervise complex and major police related incidents making best use of resources and applying appropriate scientific techniques. 

The successful candidate will be expected totake on the role of Technical Manager for ISO 17025 for Fingerprint activities, therefore an indepth knowledge and significant demonstrable
experience of the same is essential.

Main Responsibilities:

Manage operational and administrative functions of the Fingerprint and Footwear Units according to the Threat, Harm, Risk, Investigation, Vulnerabity and Engagement principles, including staff training and development, performance appraisal, resource deployment and process change management, in order to ensure that the units are efficient and effective.

To oversee and co-ordinate Fingerprint Unit, Forensic Enhancement Laboratory and Footwear Unit staff when attending scenes of major crime / incidents, providing scientific and technical expertise where required and progressing investigations using nationally approved forensic techniques. To supervise packaging, labelling and systematic recording of all evidence at crime scenes.

To perform the role of Technical Manager with regards to UKAS accreditation, ensuring ongoing maintenance and implementation of quality control and quality assurance measures for all Fingerprint Unit and Footwear staff. Regularly reviewing working practices, to ensure that examinations efficiently meet the appropriate national, ISO and FSR codes and standards. Providing such data as required by the Head of Forensic Identification. 

Responsible for the maintenance and procurement of all equipment, substances and protective clothing issued for Fingerprint Bureau and Footwear Unit, ensuring that it is kept in good condition, is fit for purpose and fulfils Health and Safety / COSHH/ISO/FSR requirements.

Attend mortuary to use advanced recovery techniques when, due to poor state of cadaver, standard SOCO methods of recovering forensic samples are not possible or have proven to be unsuccessful. Use recovered samples to search databases and manually compare to identify details of the deceased or human remains.

To identify persons by means of an independent friction ridge skin analysis using a database search, manual comparison or suspect checks. This comparison will be done independently and include conclusive findings without cognitive bias. All findings will be recorded and reported.

To act as an independent arbitrator for any disputed identifications raised by the peer review system and prepare reports on their findings. This would also apply to any requests from other forces to examine disputed identifications or complex marks.

As both an individual and as a supervisor be responsible for meeting performance targets as laid down by the Head of Forensic Identification, managing under performance and discipline matters, working to the values of the organisation.

Undertake training, mentoring and CPD of Fingerprint Unit staff to expert level, Forensic Enhancement Laboratory and Footwear Unit staff in order to maximise their full potential. Taking an active role in competency and proficiency testing and fostering an environment of ongoing continued professional development for experienced staff.

To provide, when required, subject matter expert training to external Forces and agencies.

As a registered expert witness, provide stand-alone friction ridge identification evidence for court. This will include volume, all complex and disputed cases. Maintain an up to date knowledge relating to forensic legislation.

To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required. 

Experience/Skills:

Completion of the National Fingerprint Learning Programme (3 years minimum to complete) including successfully demonstrating competence at the Advanced Fingerprint Assessment at the College of Policing.

Included on the National Register of Fingerprint Experts.

Level 3 qualification in Management/Leadership or working towards

Level 3 assessor qualification or equivalent or working towards

Level 4 training qualification or equivalent or working towards

Educated to A level standard

Good working knowledge of IDENT 1 national searching system and Livescan, digital fingerprint recording system.

Good working knowledge of Forensic Enhancement Laboratory evidence recovery techniques and processes.

Knowledge of how science and technology support and aid crime investigation and an understanding of how those techniques are applied in order to obtain best evidence.

Good working knowledge of software packages including WORD, Excel and at least one forensic case management system. 

Experience of managing teams within a performance driven environment.

Experience of managing crime scenes and directing others, in order to obtain and preserve scientific evidence.

Experience of working with ISO quality system.

Ability to engage with College of Policing and other external professional bodies to develop and improve relevant areas.

Has an organised and methodical approach to work.

Experience of implementing procedural change in a working environment. 

Ability to communicate and influence at all levels, adapting the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience.

Able to prioritise competing demands.

Good interpersonal skills and ability to manage staff within a diverse working environment.

Able to exercise discretion and confidentiality.

Full driving licence.

Able to work flexibly in terms of location and on call rota. 

Special Conditions

Weekend working – on call rota

Requirement to attend crime scenes and post mortem examinations

Driving of force vehicles

Warranted powers

Wearing of uniform

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. 

You will be required as part of West Mercia Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks.  

We support the “Happy to talk flexible working” campaign, which aims to encourage uptake of flexible working for individuals, the flexible working options that may be considered for this role include; Job Share,