Lancashire Constabulary is looking for numerous Drug Examination Officers to join our team to be based at Hutton Headquarters. There are two permanent positions and one 12 month temporary position available.
Applications are invited from persons who are motivated, flexible, hardworking for a role as a Drug Examination Officer.
The successful applicants will work under the supervision of the Senior Drugs Reporting Officer Team, in order to provide a forensic drug analysis service to the forces within the North West Collaborative Framework Agreement.
Key Responsibilities:
- Examine a range of Drugs of abuse using approved methods whilst maintaining the integrity and continuity of recovered items. Produce accurate contemporaneous case notes to assist in Police investigations
- Demonstrate an awareness of current and emerging drug related legislation including Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, Misuse of Drugs Regulations (including amendments and additions) and associated legislation.
- Provide advice, guidance and operational support on matters relating to Drugs Analysis and Examination when required.
- Operate a range of specialist scientific equipment within the drugs unit in accordance with defined operation criteria. Process and report results to accredited standards.
Please see the attached job specification for further details.
Skills and Experience:
- Have a Scientific Qualification to A Level or equivalent
- Hold a full valid UK manual driving license
- Have experience of specialist scientific analytical equipment, central to the operational service provided to the regional Forces under the North West collaboration (e.g. GCMS, HPLC, FTIR instrumentation). Due to the specialised nature of the role, these requirements will have been achieved and be demonstrable by all candidates prior to recruitment into role.
- Be willing to undertake and pass the Constabulary Basic Driver Assessment prior to driving a Constabulary vehicle
Vetting and Medical:
Please be aware, as a condition of your appointment you must undergo and pass Recruitment Vetting (RV). Please be aware there is a minimum 3 year UK residency requirement for Recruitment vetting and you must be 18 years old at the point of applying. Successful applicants will also be subject to a medical assessment.
Upon successful appointment as per the job specification, you will be required to provide your DNA for elimination purposes, this will be held against the Contamination Elimination Database (CED).
Benefits:
- 25 - 31 days annual leave (role dependant) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata
- Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on your salary
- Sick pay provisions
- Generous maternity / paternity and adoption leave entitlements
- Option to become a member of the onsite unions
- Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme
- Access to on-site-gyms – HQ
- Cycle to work scheme
- Support from our Health and Wellbeing Centre including Welfare Officers, Counselling, Physiotherapy and Mental Health Peer Supporters
- Hybrid / Agile working (role dependant)
Closing date: Friday 8th May 2026 at 10am
Please note if you are put on a reserve list or offered the role on a temporary basis, you will need to get support from your line manager.
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Applicants are encouraged to carefully review and personalise all responses to ensure they accurately reflect their individual experiences, qualifications, and intentions.
Before you complete the online application, we would advise you to read the attached Information and Guidance documents.
