Forensic Technician

The Fingerprint Development Laboratory are looking for a committed, motivated and enthusiastic individual to fill the role of Forensic Technician.

The purpose of the role is to contribute to Force and Departmental objectives and Quality Standards. The successful applicant will undertake fingerprint development and enhancement for all exhibits submitted to the Fingerprint Development Laboratory from all crime scenes types, utilising the most appropriate sequential techniques and chemical treatments to maximise forensic and fingerprint evidence potential.

The Forensic Technician must demonstrate a methodical and accurate approach to their work and be able to follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) to ensure the continuity and integrity of exhibits and compliance with ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct.

Key Responsibilities

• To receive, record and triage/assess the most appropriate sequential techniques and treatments to be applied for all exhibits submitted to the Fingerprint Development Laboratory from crime scenes to maximise forensic and fingerprint evidence potential, utilising Thrive + assessment and the National Decision Making Model (NDMM) and as defined by DSTL Fingerprint Visualisation Manual guidelines, considering item and substrate.
• To undertake the appropriate sequential examinations and fingerprint development/ enhancement of exhibits from major/serious crime cases, including murders, attempts murders, CTU, ROCU and NCA cases.
• To additionally undertake initial specialist photography of visible fingermarks in blood utilising appropriate light sources as identified by the ISO 17025 accredited MCL during their examination to maximise the potential opportunity for fingerprint identification whilst allowing swabbing of blood in a controlled environment.
• To document and record any decision making and rationale regarding action/procedures/methods for the examination and deconstruction as necessary of these major/serious crime exhibits and also any complex exhibits, utilising the Socrates system and/or general capture photography to record the process as per ISO 17025 and Forensic Service Regulator requirements.
• To undertake peer review of other major/serious crime and complex exhibit examinations to ensure quality standards are maintained as per ISO 17025 and Forensic Service Regulator requirements.
• To quality assess any potential marks identified for value to be labelled up as appropriate for photography and searched at the Fingerprint Bureau, considering potential further enhancement by further specialist photography techniques and digital imaging with judgements based on experience and expertise.
• To digitally capture and enhance any developed fingerprint or footwear utilising light sources and specialist photography techniques and imaging tools.
• To train, mentor and support other new members of FDL staff Technicians and Forensic Apprentices in house to achieve competency in techniques and treatments, as well as FDL and FSD policies and procedures following the closure of the College of Policing Forensic training service provision.

Knowledge and Skills
Essential:

• Good science and/or photographic background.
• Good knowledge and operational experience in the field of forensic science.
• Must be prepared to undertake relevant forensic courses and qualifications whilst also undertaking on the job work experience, competency and proficiency tests.
• Possession of excellent interpersonal, communication and organisational skills.
• Demonstration of lateral thinking and a practical approach to problem solving

Desirable:

• Practical knowledge and understanding Forensic Service Regulator Codes of Conduct, ISO 17025 accreditation and quality management systems.
• Practical knowledge and understanding of COSHH.
• Achievement of College of Policing Forensic Laboratory Officers Foundation Skills course.
• Practical experience of Digital photography and DCS5 system.
• Experience and skills in evidence presentation for court.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

“Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”