Fingerprint Identification Officer (Reporting Level) - Forensic

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is making a significant, multi-year investment in our Forensic Services and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines to create a forward-looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate, timely outcomes that support effective crime investigation for TVP and other external organisations. Our investment includes developing our people, making best use of technology and creating a Centre of Excellence for the future:

New state-of-the-art forensics centre planned for Thames Valley – TVP Careers

As part of this transformation, the Fingerprint Bureau is seeking to recruit experienced and qualified Fingerprint Experts/Specialists, in particular, those with demonstrable training and competence to perform the role at Reporting level. Ideal candidates will already possess a proven background in complex fingermark identifications at an advanced level, with an ability to verify the work of others, responsibility in final decision making, providing expert opinion and presenting evidence to support investigations and criminal justice proceedings.

Reporting to a Fingerprint Team Supervisor, you will be an integral part of the team in the day-to-day delivery of analytical forensic services within the Fingerprint Bureau, working on a wide range of fingerprint evidence and casework from across the Thames Valley which includes the most serious, complex and major crimes. Day to day activities include the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of crime scene marks with reference prints of eliminees, nominated persons and those held on National and International Databases. You will also provide Subject Matter Expert support to Crime Scene Investigation colleagues at incident scenes and post-mortem examinations, in addition to supporting the assessment and capture of fingermark evidence within the Fingerprint Development Laboratory. As an accredited service, you will ensure that the Force is compliant with regulatory requirements, upholding the legitimacy of fingerprint evidence into the Criminal Justice System. Experience of working within an ISO 17025 accredited Fingerprint Bureau with an ability to follow documented procedures and a commitment to delivering on quality standards is essential. As part of continuous professional development, you will keep abreast of emerging research and developments within the discipline in addition to supporting the training, coaching and mentoring of less experienced colleagues and peers.

Applications are also invited from those that have successfully completed the Fingerprint Comparison Training Programme to Advanced Level (Stage 3) or equivalent who are operating as a competent Expert at a non-reporting level. Trainees working towards this level having completed Intermediate Level (Stage 2) training or equivalent may also be considered. If successful at interview, you would progress through the grades to Reporting Level on completion of associated training and assessment of competence.

Linked grade salary:

Reporting Level – Band 3H, circa £34,545 per annum, plus 11% shift allowance, 5% on-call allowance, plus benefits

Expert Level – Band 3G, circa £30,175 per annum, plus 11% shift allowance, 5% on-call allowance, plus benefits

Trainee Level – Band 3F, circa £26,753 per annum, plus 11% shift allowance, plus benefits

Capability to travel across the Force is required in order to undertake assignments in a timely manner and work flexibly. Due to unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working public transport may not be suitable. For this reason a full driving licence is considered essential for this role.

The successful applicant will be expected to undertake the established psychological screening process.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme.

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages. NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 20368. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 4th June 2023.

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.

Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.

Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Valuing Difference. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.

Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.