Forensic Drug Specialist

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 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, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU) as a Forensic Drug Specialist in our growing Drugs Team. In this integral role, you will provide technical expertise and scientific analysis, specifically for cases involving the supply of controlled drugs (County Drug Lines), co-ordinating multi-disciplinary forensic submissions to internal and external laboratories to ensure timely and proportionate outputs to the Criminal Justice System.

At Examiner Level (3G), a degree level qualification, or equivalent, preferably within Forensic Science/Chemistry (or relevant scientific discipline) is required. Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate clear and accurate written and oral communication skills, in order to produce concise examination notes, reports and evidential statements, with an ability to formulate complex forensic strategies. If successful at interview, post-holders would progress through the grade to Reporting Level on completion of associated training and assessment of competence.

At Reporting Level (3H), the ideal candidate will have recent and relevant experience as a Forensic Scientist within Drug Analysis, with demonstrable competence in producing and presenting expert/specialist evidence to ISO accreditation standards.

Effective communication with Police Investigators and FIU staff is key to determining the most effective scientific approach for supply of drugs cases (PWITS) taking into account timescales required in custody and the wider Criminal Justice System. You will also conduct and oversee forensic examinations of recovered drugs, providing accurate weights of individual drug wraps, presumptive chemical tests/spectrometry in order to provide provisional identification of substances. Tasks may also include the acquisition of data from mobile devices using the appropriate software, sub-exhibiting of items for further forensic examinations and photography.

Post holders will be expected to undertake the established psychological screening process.

Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.

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.

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter 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 20009. 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.

Interviews are scheduled to take place on 12th 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.