The principal responsibility of the Drug Store Liaison Officer is to be responsible or the safe keeping, management, and administration of seized drugs so that continuity of evidence is ensured, in line with legislation & Force Policy. In particular to:

• Act as SPOC within the BCU for the receipt and return of drug forensic submissions to the Scientific Support Unit, ensuring the continuity and integrity of evidence.
• Complete and submit relevant drug-related statistical returns in line with Force and Home Office requirements.
• Make decisions and assist in the process for evidential drug retention or destruction.
• Carry out eventual safe destruction of drugs and drug paraphernalia items in line with Force policy and audit requirements.
• Provide advice and guidance and liaise with internal departments and external agencies and partners.
• Maintain, update and undertake ‘Crimsec’ returns (database).
• Researching of crimes on Force data bases, contacting relevant officers, managing Case Finalisation emails to support decisions and delivery of responsibilities.
• Maintain the integrity and security of the drug store(s), ensuring a robust audit trail exists for inspection. This includes ordering of stationery, general store items and equipment and maintenance of alarm system, digital scales and all other equipment/apparatus.
• Where appropriate, support the legal and secure transporting of controlled drugs and drug exhibits across the geographical area by vehicle.
• Daily testing of drugs, identifying, quantifying, and providing accurate weights, whilst dealing with biohazard exhibits, ensuring continuity and preserving items of forensic value.

 In addition, there are some functions that are intrinsic to this role.  An employer’s duty of care and current legislation allows the Force to establish if a potential applicant could carry them out, either with or without reasonable adjustments.  These functions are: 

• Manual Handling
• Working in confined spaces
• Physically demanding
• Lone working
• Working with Chemicals/Biological Hazards
• Working with Firearms/Ammunitions 

To assist in ensuring applicants would be able to undertake these functions of the role, a medical assessment via a questionnaire will be undertaken and may subsequently require a consultation with the Occupational Health Support Unit. 

NB. External candidates must pass drug testing by the Vetting Unit and all role-holders will be subject to random drug and alcohol testing when in post.

For further insights into the role, please contact DS Alex Pym – 07713 309344.

Please see role profile for further details.