Tenprint Identification Officer


Posted on 7th Apr 2025

Tenprint Identification Officer

Job summary

The Home Office works to build a safe, fair and prosperous UK. We achieve this through our work on counter-terrorism, policing, fire, crime, drugs policy, immigration and passports.

The Science, Technology, Research and Analysis (STAR) Group sits at the heart of the Home Office. The group ensures the best evidence and analysis are used to address the strategic issues facing the department. We also provide the science, technology, data, and international insights and collaboration capabilities to drive delivery.

The Forensic Information Databases Service (FINDS) manages data integrity of the current biometric forensic information databases:

The National DNA Database (NDAND)

The National Fingerprint Database (IDENT1)

The National Footwear Database

IDENT1 is a vital intelligence tool most frequently used to provide matches between crime scenes and individuals, to help Police identify and arrest suspects associated with criminal activity. It is critically important the information held on it to be reliable and robust.

Within FINDS is the NFPO (National Fingerprint and PNC (Police National Computer) Office), of which the Fingerprint Services Team is a part and within which the Tenprint Identification Officer sits. Their main responsibility is to ensure the accuracy and integrity of the data held on IDENT1 (and PNC) to support Law Enforcement Agencies in their investigations. To support the fight against crime, support immigration border control and national security.

Job description

The Tenprint Identification Officer provides operational support to police forces and key stakeholders, researching and performing essential updates on the IDENT1 and PNC systems and monitors occurrences of data anomaly to make corrective actions. These responsibilities help to assure the quality and integrity of the data held within the national systems.

This is a critical role for maintaining public confidence in the national forensic databases in supporting policing in reducing crime, maintaining order and bringing criminals to justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as keystone contact (as part of Fingerprint Service Team) to respond to queries received from any of the IDENT1 and PNC users and suppliers (including UK Police Forces) and to provide timely and accurate expert knowledge and advice relating to day-to-day processing of fingerprint data.

• Ensure that any guidance and advice provided is accurate, timely and clear but also addresses the highest priority that any administration, amendments, updates or deletions of data are done so in accordance with quality managed procedures that ensure the integrity and robustness of the IDENT1 and PNC databases are maintained.

• Focus on service delivery to ensure customer queries are actioned within set KPI and SLA targets.

• Comply with and have commitment to the FINDS Quality management system, and all Regulatory requirements that pertain to fingerprint biometric data retention.

• Participate in and contribute to the delivery of Operational Change Programmes and Continuous Improvement activities.

Working Pattern

Due to the business requirements of this role, it is only available on a full-time basis.

Due to the complex nature of the work conducted as part of the role, the successful candidate must be prepared to attend the office on a full-time basis during the first year of employment during the training and coaching period.

Travel

No day-to-day role specific requirement to travel. There may be an occasional need to travel within the UK to attend conferences, meetings or training courses.

Person specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience of working in a Law Enforcement Agency environment (such as Police Services or Border Control) or from within the Forensic Industry.

• Applicants will need to demonstrate experience as a Fingerprint Ten-print Officer or have successfully completed nationally recognised training in fingerprint examination, or evidence of academic training and experience in fingerprint comparison and identification.

• Analytical skills, with a particular focus on dealing with complex information from multiple sources.

• Problem Solving skills, with a particular focus on attention to detail.

• The role holder will be relaying information of a complex nature to an audience from a range of backgrounds. Therefore, a high level of interpersonal skill with good communication skills, and a strong customer and business focus is essential.

• Resilience with the ability to undefined to challenges positively and effectively.

Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV)

You should currently hold, or be willing to obtain, Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level-3 vetting (including financial checks) prior to starting in post. This is essential for the role. For further information visit About the Police National Vetting Service , Warwickshire Police.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of adhering to Quality Management Systems (preferably ISO 9001 or ISO 17025).

• Experience of Continuous Improvement methodologies (such as Lean 6 Sigma).

Qualifications

GCSE’s (grade C or above) in English, maths and science; or educated to NVQ 2 level in relevant subjects, or equivalent level of qualifications.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

Working Together

Changing and Improving

Delivering at Pace

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

Working Together

Benefits

In addition to your salary, a career with the Home Office offers a range of benefits, including:

A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%.

In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements.

25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service to 30 days.

Eight days of public holidays, plus one additional privilege day.

Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office after 12 months training period.

See more of our benefits on our careers website

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