POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENT

Transcription

1 South Australia Police POSITION INFORMATION DOCUMENT Stream : Vehicle Examiner Career Group : Engineering and Construction Discipline : Metal Trades Classification : OPS4 Service : Operations Support Service Position Title : Vehicle Examiner LEVEL CHARACTERISTICS The position has been classified at Operational Services level 4 by virtue of the requirement to; Work under general direction Have responsibility for a function including the completion of work assignments Apply a very high level of trade-based skills POSITION SUMMARY The Vehicle Examiner is accountable for the effective investigation, examination and assessment of vehicles involved in fatal incidents and serious injury crashes, and of vehicles involved in the commission of serious criminal offences. The incumbent will be required to provide an immediate response to attend the scene of state-wide collisions, gather and preserve evidence and produce reports providing detailed technical assessment and opinion as to the mechanical condition of the vehicles and other modes of transport. The Vehicle Examiner will be required to give evidence as an expert witness in criminal, civil and coroner s courts. The incumbent will also be required to assist the fleet manager in the management of the Major Crash Investigation Section fleet and utilise their expertise to ensure that the vehicles are maintained to a high standard and are suitable for the immediate deployment to any areas of the state. page 1 of 9

2 POSITION CHARACTERISTICS Overview South Australia Police provide a diverse range of services to the community. These services are aimed at producing a safe and peaceful environment by the minimisation of crime and disorder. It is a large complex organisation which, because of the nature of its operations, is constantly subject to public scrutiny and accountability. It provides services to a range of different locations (over 100) spread across the State on a 24 hour a day basis. Traffic Support Branch (TSB) is SAPOL s key specialist traffic support area, providing traffic-related services statewide in support of all Local Service Areas. As such, TSB members may be required, from time to time, to deploy to any part of the State to fulfil their role within their particular area of expertise. TSB comprises of Major Crash Investigation Section (MCIS), Traffic Operations Unit, Traffic Intelligence Section, Road Safety Section and Traffic Management Support Section. The function of MCIS is to investigate fatal, serious, hit-run (with serious injury), SAPOL serious injury and public interest crashes and to compile reports in relation to these crashes. Characteristics The incumbent provides a specialist investigative function in relation to major crashes which results in the contribution to the corporate goal of prevention of road crashes and reduction of resultant death and injury. This is achieved through the mechanical investigation of serious and fatal crashes, detection of actual and potential causes of crashes and, where necessary, the vehicle examiner presents evidence and gives opinion in court as to the mechanical condition the vehicles involved in collisions. The service provided by the incumbent includes the examination and assessment of the mechanical condition of vehicles at the scene of a serious crash or the commission of offences. The incumbent will be required to prepare detailed reports by drawing on their expert mechanical knowledge to formulate examination findings and subsequently give evidence in court. In order to assess damaged vehicles it is expected that the incumbent will draw on highly developed diagnostic skills and detailed technical knowledge and expertise gained through practical experience within the motor vehicle industry and any additional recognised qualifications. The incumbent will have a comprehensive mechanical understanding of all aspects of transport vehicles including engine, braking, transmission, steering, suspension, electronic management systems, vehicle modifications and vehicle safety and occupant protection mechanisms. This person will require detailed knowledge across a wide range of transport vehicles from passenger vehicles, four wheel drives, motor cycles, commercial, industrial and other heavy vehicles and any other modes of transportation. It is a requirement that the incumbent will regularly attend relevant trade and technical courses to enable the incumbent to keep up to date with contemporary complex vehicle technology. The incumbent will be required to participate in training in the areas of examination, the gathering and preservation of evidence and the interpretation of this evidence. page 2 of 9

3 The incumbent will also be required to participate in formal training in appropriate modules of the Crime Scene Investigators Course, conducted by the Forensic Services Branch of South Australia Police, and will then need to apply this knowledge during the course of their duties. Additional training in gathering and preserving evidence, photographing evidence in-situ and the subsequent interpretation of this evidence may be required. The position requires the incumbent to perform vehicle examinations on a day shift roster as well as on an on-call roster for after hours for which an allowance is paid. The incumbent must be willing to undertake the duties of the position at any location in South Australia. The duties of the incumbent will necessitate physical examination of vehicles at the scene of a collision and require the incumbent to undertake a detailed mechanical evaluation in order to assess fully the potential causes of crashes. The incumbent will be required to attend crash scenes where deceased persons are still inside vehicles. The incumbent will also be exposed to human remains and various bodily fluids and maybe required to assist other SAPOL members with their removal. All staff attached to MCIS are required to undertake an annual, unit specific psychological evaluation through SAPOL s Employee Assistance Section. The incumbent must hold a current SA car and heavy vehicle driver s licence and must be prepared to be appointed as an Inspector under the Road Traffic Act The incumbent must also hold a current forklift licence. ORGANISATION Supervisor Reports to: Supervisor's Position: Reconstruction and Technical Examination Unit Senior Sergeant, Major Crash Investigation Section Senior Vehicle Examiner, Major Crash Investigation Section Subject Position: Vehicle Examiner STATISTICS RELEVANT TO THE POSITION Statistics relating to anticipated attendances per month: No of examinations: 32 (25 metropolitan and 7 country) No of court cases: 5 Figures used in the above statistics are based on an average per month. Data used to obtain this average are examination figures from page 3 of 9

4 South Australia Police JOB AND PERSON SPECIFICATION Title of Position : Vehicle Examiner Classification Code : Position Number : Position Created : / / Type of Appointment : Permanent / Temporary / Other (strike out if not applicable) Service : Operations Support Service Branch : Traffic Support Branch Section : Major Crash Investigation Section Job & Person Specification Approval (for all positions excluding senior positions)... / / Commissioner of Police or Delegate P.C.O. Reference Number JOB SPECIFICATION Summary of the broad purpose of the position, and its responsibilities / duties. The Vehicle Examiner is accountable for the effective investigation, examination and assessment of vehicles involved in fatal incidents and serious injury crashes, and of vehicles involved in the commission of serious criminal offences. The Vehicle Examiner must be able to identify vehicle faults and issues of a mechanical nature that may arise from the vehicle examination and provide advice to Major Crash investigators of the findings. Responsibilities/Duties Attend the scene of collisions in any location in South Australia Examine and assess vehicles by applying expert mechanical and diagnostic skills Gather and preserve evidence, make a detailed record of examinations undertaken, photograph evidence in-situ and interpret this evidence as required Utilising expert knowledge, produce detailed technical declaration or affidavit statements or reports to identify the vehicle condition and faults that may have contributed or caused a collision for criminal, civil or coroner s courts. Represent SAPOL as an expert witness in a court of law, as required and give evidence of a technical nature. page 4 of 9

5 2. Reporting / working relationships (to whom the person reports, staff for whom the person is responsible and other significant connections and working relationships within the organisation) This position reports directly to the Senior Vehicle Examiner of the Major Crash Investigation Section. 3. Special Conditions (Such as non-metropolitan location, travel requirements, frequent overtime) This position operates under a day shift roster and an on-call roster. While the function is located at the Parks Police Complex and the Ottoway Police Vehicle Compound, the incumbent will be required to perform duties as and when required anywhere in South Australia. Travel and overnight absences are a feature of this position. It is assumed a reasonable amount of overtime may be required to meet work commitments. 4. Statement of Key Outcomes and Associated activities (Group into major areas of responsibility and list in descending order of importance. Continue on next page if necessary) Contribute to the effective operation of the Traffic Support Branch through the utilisation of specialised, technical knowledge and expertise by: examining in detail the mechanical condition and roadworthiness of vehicles involved in crashes or other offences anywhere in the State through the use of legally and technically valid inspection techniques. preparing accurate and extensive reports, in the form of declarations, affidavits and technical reports after examining vehicles. attending court to give evidence of examinations carried out in either the criminal, coronial or civil courts of law. maintaining liaison with technical specialists for assistance and to facilitate the maintenance of current knowledge of vehicular mechanical techniques. attending collision scenes and assisting as directed by Major Crash Investigators. issuing Defect Notices in relation to vehicles which do not comply with legislative requirements under the Road Traffic Act 1961, or Australian Design Rules. attending and participating in training and development activities, as required. complying with all work health and safety requirements by using and/or wearing any equipment provided in accordance with any SAPOL or other instructions or policies approved by the Commissioner of Police. contributing to the maintenance of a harmonious workplace free of unlawful discrimination, sexual harassment and bullying. complying with all Corporate, Service, Branch and Section policies. page 5 of 9

6 Certified correct by OIC/Branch Head :... / / Acknowledged by Current Occupant :... / / Name of Current Occupant :... page 6 of 9

7 PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Minimum Requirements (Those characteristics considered absolutely necessary.) Educational / Vocational Qualifications (Include only those listed in Commissioner's Direction 5 as an essential qualification for a specified group.) -- Appropriate trade or post trade qualification. Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment.) Ability to prioritise workloads. Ability to make appropriate decisions under pressure, exercise judgement and to take prompt action when required. High level of written communication skills, including the preparation of reports and statements in relation to vehicle examinations. High level of oral communication skills, including the ability to present expert technical information in a court of law. Ability to establish effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated the ability to work effectively in a team environment and achieve agreed objectives. Possess a high degree of integrity and credibility and maintain confidentiality Ability to understand the mechanical operation of a range of vehicles, including passenger vehicles, four wheel drives, motorcycles, commercial, industrial and other heavy vehicles Ability to provide expert assessment and opinion as to the mechanical condition of vehicles involved in collisions. Demonstrated ability to deal with conflict and demonstrate empathy when dealing with clients who are distressed or in an emotional state. Demonstrated ability to contribute to the maintenance of a harmonious, safe and healthy workplace, free of harassment, unlawful discrimination and bullying and where diversity is valued. page 7 of 9

8 Experience (Including Community Experience) Experience in examining the mechanical condition of vehicles, including the diagnosis of mechanical faults and the preparation of technical reports. Experience in the practical application of vehicle repair techniques and procedures. Knowledge Current knowledge of the Road Traffic Act 1961, approved vehicle modification standards and the Australian Design Rules. Knowledge of current and superseded automotive engineering techniques. Knowledge of common faults and weaknesses occurring in vehicles. Knowledge of the mechanical operation of a range of vehicles, including bicycles, wheelchairs, passenger vehicles, four wheel drives, motorcycles, commercial, industrial and other heavy vehicles. Knowledge of the principles of Equity and Diversity requirements. Demonstrated sound knowledge and commitment to Work Health & Safety legislation, principles and practices; and risk assessment in accordance with the Work Health & Safety Act (2012), Regulations & AS/NZS ISO 3100 Risk Management Standard. page 8 of 9

9 - Desirable Characteristics (To distinguish between applicants who have met all essential requirements) Educational / Vocational Qualifications (Considered to be useful in carrying out the responsibilities of the position) -- Personal Abilities/Aptitudes/Skills (Related to the job description, and expressed in a way which allows objective assessment) Experience -- Experience preparing and presenting evidence in a court of law. Practical experience as a generalist motor mechanic. -- Knowledge -- Knowledge of photographic techniques. Knowledge of the process of collection, seizure, preservation and interpretation of physical evidence. Knowledge of court processes and procedures. Knowledge of relevant SAPOL policies and procedures. page 9 of 9