Job Title: Salary Range: Location: Department: Permanent / Temporary: Police Forensic Specialist 18,933 to 34,098 per annum (LC5-9) Progression arrangements apply Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters Scientific Support Department Temporary for 12 months Hours Per Week: 37 Rota: Flexi Monday to Friday Reference No: S136-15 Closing Date: 4.00pm on Friday 19 June 2015 Lancashire Constabulary s Scientific Support Department is seeking a Temporary Forensic Specialist to be based at Lancashire Constabulary Headquarters, Hutton, Preston. The site is accessible by public transport and there is also free unlimited car parking on site. This specialist role involves working with RapidHIT. This is a new piece of technology which produces a DNA profile in 90 minutes. The role will involve processing body fluid samples taken from crime scenes through the RapidHIT machine for onward transmission to the National DNA database where it will be searched against offender profiles which will result in a rapid identification of a potential suspect. Candidates are asked to evidence against the following essential criteria only, please ensure your evidence is submitted in numerical order as indicated on the candidate specification i.e. 1 3: 1. Experience of Forensic Science as applied to Criminal Investigations 2. Experience of examining items in relation to body fluids and/or footwear multi disciplinary evidence types such as body fluids, footwear, toolmarks etc Interpretation and Statement writing as applied to Criminal Investigation 3. Experience of working on own initiative, investigating problems, developing solutions and taking appropriate timely action to resolve them. In order to complete an application form, please select the job vacancy using the following link: https://doitonline.lancashire.police.uk/joinus Candidates must read the guidance notes which are downloadable from the on-line application site, prior to completing the application form. All successful applicants will be subject to Vetting clearance. Applicants should note that there is a minimum UK residency criterion of three years for recruitment vetting purposes in line with national recommendations. LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATION FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. Please scroll down for further information and Candidate Specification.
LANCASHIRE CONSTABULARY JOB DESCRIPTION Post Title: Responsible to: Job Purpose: Grade: Salary: Police Forensic Specialist (M) Forensic Investigations Manager To Maximise the Effectiveness of Forensic Evidence LC5 LC9 (progression arrangements apply) 18,933 to 34,098 per annum KEY RESULT AREAS To maximise the potential of the forensic budget by the examination of a wide variety of items submitted for forensic examination, in order to evaluate the likelihood of achieving a positive result upon submission to an outside agency and by advising officers on all matters relating to forensic submissions Provision of rapid response screening during core time and out of hours, in order to facilitate charging/ remand of suspects within the constraints of PACE, or enabling the continuation of covert operations without compromise. Provide training and mentoring to trainee and junior colleagues either as on-going support and mentoring on a daily basis or as part of formal training objectives in developing the breadth and depth of their experience. Assist in the planning, allocation and prioritising of work providing help and support where required, supporting the team manager in their objective to ensure the team s success in delivering the required output within a productive environment. Ensure all work undertaken within the team meets the required quality standards, including health and safety, proactively raising potential quality issues and possible improvements where appropriate. Demonstrate commercial awareness in all aspects of work undertaken, using resources effectively and ensuring casework strategies are formulated with due consideration to providing cost effectiveness. This includes liaison with Account Management colleagues where required. Demonstrate the ability to assess and identify relevant information, make accurate decisions and take appropriate action on the basis of available information produce clear, accurate written communication skills, interacting at all levels, providing specialist expert statements and reports to the Criminal Justice System Demonstrate your ability to contribute effectively as part of a team, use initiative and to work with minimum supervision Demonstrate the ability to keep accurate records both manually and computerised
The ability to research, develop and implement new techniques, in order to maximise the forensic potential at crime scenes Provide a quality service to improve primary detections, through scientific means in line with Force policies, strategies and Home Office policies and initiatives. Formulate complex investigative strategies for both volume crime and major incidents and through management of resources. Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering a high standard of service with an emphasis on Quality at all times To promote and comply with Lancashire Constabulary s obligations under the Equality Act 2010 and Health & Safety, both in the delivery of service and the treatment of others. To be responsible for improving your performance by participating in the Continuous Professional Development (CPD) process with your manager. To carry out any other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities and grading of the post
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION Essential Desirable To be identified by: Qualifications Scientific Qualification to A-level or Degree or equivalent in a Science Application Form equivalent Discipline Knowledge /Experience Experience of working within a scientific related field 1. Experience of Forensic Science as applied to Criminal Investigations 2. Experience of examining items in relation to body fluids and/or footwear multi disciplinary evidence types such as body fluids, footwear, toolmarks etc Interpretation and Statement writing as applied to Criminal Investigation Experience of working with minimal supervision, organising and prioritising own workload Experience of working to deadlines and tight timescales within a busy environment Experience of building and maintaining internal and external partnerships 3. Experience of working on own initiative, investigating problems, developing solutions and taking appropriate timely action to resolve them Demonstrate accurate and clear written and verbal communication skills Demonstrate self motivation and willingness to develop self within the role Experience of contributing effectively as part of a team Knowledge of Health & Safety, Equality, Diversity and Data Protection legislation/issues, Other An acceptable level of sickness absence Full Driving Licence A flexible approach to working hours and practices Experience of examining items in relation to other disciplines such as toolmarks, particulates, RTA, documents etc Completion of recognised BPA or footwear coding course Experience of presenting expert/specialist evidence within the Criminal Justice System Experience of mentoring and Training others Experience of undertaking complex scene examinations Experience of developing complex forensic strategies Experience of research and development in respect of forensic issues/examinations Application Form Attendance to be checked post interview by Recruitment for internal staff, via references for external Application Form
Personal Qualities Decision Making Gathers, verifies and assesses all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of situations. Considers a range of possible options before making clear, timely, justifiable decisions. Reviews decisions in the light of new information and changing circumstances. Balances risks, costs and benefits, thinking about the wider impact of decisions. Exercises discretion and applies professional judgement, ensuring actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest. Leadership Openness to Change Positive about change, adapting rapidly to different ways of working and putting effort into making them work. Flexible and open to alternative approaches to solving problems. Finds better, more cost-effective ways to do things, making suggestions for change. Takes an innovative and creative approach to solving problems. Leadership Service Delivery Understands the organisation's objectives and priorities, and how own work fits into these. Plans and organises tasks effectively, taking a structured and methodical approach to achieving outcomes. Manages multiple tasks effectively by thinking things through in advance, prioritising and managing time well. Focuses on the outcomes to be achieved, working quickly and accurately and seeking guidance when appropriate. Professionalism Acts with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the Police Service. Takes ownership for resolving problems, demonstrating courage and resilience in dealing with difficult and potentially volatile situations. Acts on own initiative to address issues, showing a strong work ethic and demonstrating extra effort when required. Upholds professional standards, acting honestly and ethically, and challenges unprofessional conduct or discriminatory behavior. Asks for and acts on feedback, learning from experience and developing own professional skills and knowledge. Remains calm and professional under pressure, defusing conflict and being prepared to step forward and take control when required. Public Service Demonstrates a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will best serve their interests. Understands the expectations, changing needs and concerns of different communities, and strives to address them. Builds public confidence by talking with people in local communities to explore their viewpoints and break down barriers between them and the police. Understands the impact and benefits of policing for different communities, and identifies the best way to deliver services to them. Works in partnership with other agencies to deliver the best possible overall service to the public. Working with Others Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues. Is approachable, developing positive working relationships. Explains things well, focusing on the key points and talking to people using language they understand. Listens carefully and asks questions to clarify understanding, expressing own views positively and constructively. Persuades people by stressing the benefits of a particular approach, keeps them informed of progress and manages their expectations. Is courteous, polite and considerate, showing empathy and compassion. Deals with people as individuals and addresses their specific needs and concerns. Treats people with respect and dignity, dealing with them fairly and without prejudice regardless of their background or circumstances. / / / / / / Please note that the use of the terms Assessment & is based upon candidates being successfully short-listed. In addition, the Division reserves the right to select the most suitable candidate based upon any combination of assessments that it deems appropriate. Date last updated: April 2015
Lancashire Constabulary Forensic Specialist LC 5-9 Progression arrangements LC5 18,933 to 21,402 Post holder will provide support to Forensic Services, this will involve using equipment, preparing materials and reagents to enable effective forensic analysis. They will have some basic scientific appreciation and will work within strict procedures. No specific forensic skills are required and there will be limited decision making. Follow clearly defined procedures and instructions Input and validation of data Processing paperwork Monitoring and controlling stocks Maintaining equipment Review and prioritise daily work schedule Prepare reagents and other consumables (quality/competency assessment) Perform specialist cleaning of work space and equipment Communicate fully and effectively with colleagues to resolve basic / routine enquires Recover or examine items submitted to ensure all potential evidence is recovered under supervision Take responsibility for adherence to health and safety Complete foundation VCSI course LC6 21,402 to 23,790 The post holder must have a broad understanding of scientific / forensic processes in multiple disciplines. They will conduct analysis, examinations and will collate intelligence information. They will work within clearly defined protocols. The individual must have the scope to select the correct procedure from a limited number of options. They will be able to adapt the procedures, when necessary with advice. Recover or examine items submitted to ensure all potential evidence is recovered with minimal supervision Following good forensic practice to maximise potential evidence recovery (competency assessment) Collate intelligence information from a variety of sources Produce appropriate factual notes and documentation to support findings (competency assessment) Review and prioritise daily work schedule Ensure that productivity, quality and efficiency are maximised Work outside the laboratory environment and with minimal supervision Provide guidance to less experienced colleagues Take responsibility for adherence to health and safety Working towards competence in multiple forensic disciplines Basic case assessment LC7 23,790 to 27,246 The post holder must have a detailed understanding of the scientific / forensic process and will be able to translate and deliver complex bench work. They will provide factual and routine reporting within a defined discipline. The individual will be able to deliver analysis/examinations and collate intelligence information. They will be highly trained in at least one technical field, making decisions and solving problems without the need to refer to a senior colleague in all but the most complex situations. The person must have the ability to evaluate and have the skill to apply knowledge and experience in the work they do. They will provide scientific / intelligence information and advice which may involve some interpretation of results. They will be responsible for planning and prioritising their own work around Criminal Justice System
deadlines but overall priorities will be guided by more senior officers. The post holder will need to have an awareness of costs and value for money. Collate intelligence from a variety of sources Use a problem solving approach to support the effective resolution of an enquiry (competency assessment) Provide technical guidance and coaching to colleagues to ensure high standards of technical delivery are maintained Develop own expertise through optimising on job training opportunities Provide appropriate information and advice to customers which may include simple interpretation of results/findings Plan and prioritise personal work load to support effective work management to meet deadlines Take responsibility for Health and Safety Include awareness of costs in making decisions Assist at crime scenes with the identification and recovery of scientific evidence (competency assessment) Carry out off site examinations in a specialised forensic discipline Periodically delivers training to officers LC8 27,246 to 30,744 The emphasis at this level is that the post holder will use their range of skills or highly specialised depth of knowledge / experience to provide interpretative information for intelligence, advice and reports. The individual will need to plan, prioritise and manage their workloads to meet Criminal Justice Systems deadlines and quality standards. At this level a comprehensive knowledge of Forensic Science is required. Manage and prioritise workloads and develop complex strategies Ensure unit resources are used effectively Provides mentoring in support of career development of other PFI s Plans and delivers forensic awareness training for police officers and other agencies Responsibility for Health and Safety Understanding/knowledge of costs and decision making to ensure effective use of forensic budget Periodically networks with colleagues and outside agencies Identifying and developing new science and technology and adapting that for forensic purposes Provide appropriate information and advice to customers which may include complex interpretation of results/findings Responsible for case management. Bar to LC 9 dependent on successfully completion expert witness/courtroom skills training LC 9 30,744 to 34,098 The post holder will be responsible for the analysis and delivery of complex forensic examinations, they will also take a lead in research and development. The person will provide an information / intelligence advisory service producing integrated cross discipline scientific strategies and may direct a team of experts to deliver this. They will occasionally be required to co ordinate complex analysis. They will be required to represent the organisation regionally and nationally. The post holder must have an in depth understanding of costs and value for money. They will have some supervisory responsibility in the absence of unit manager. The individual will be accountable for quality assurance of services and seeking ongoing improvements in standards. The post holder will be required to help motivate, develop and influence team members. They will have some budget management responsibility. Plan personal and unit workload and undertake day to day supervision of junior staff Develop and manage relationships with both internal customers and other agencies
Develop and integrate scientific strategies Provides advice at crime scenes on own expertise Provide appropriate information and advice to customers which when appropriate will include complex interpretation of results/findings including scenes. Prepares opinion based statements. Represent the Constabulary at conferences Develop and manage forensic resources ensuring effective deployment in support of operational activities Responsibility for Health and Safety and must be able to undertake Risk Assessments. Lead, plan, allocate and prioritise work within the unit Ensure work activities are carried out to the relevant policy, procedure and standards Leads or implements projects to ensure continuous improvement Periodically networks with colleagues and outside agencies to develop regional and national systems Conduct case reviews, both current and historic Qualify as a Crime Scene Manager through attainment of Diploma in Crime Scene Management, periodically acts as a Crime Scene Manager when required