Fingerprint Expert

The West Midlands Police Forensic Services Department is committed to delivering a consistent and high-quality service from a purpose-built facility just outside the city centre. Ridgepoint House contains all traditional forensic disciplines and strong relationships between teams exist.

We have an opportunity within the Fingerprint Bureau to recruit a full time Fingerprint Expert or an individual who is currently successfully working towards gaining their Expert status.

We are looking for individuals who have either completed an Advanced Fingerprint Course, or are capable of being signed off as a competent practitioner for Ident1 speculative searches and manual comparison checks. Additionally, they must be either competent in the full verification process with the ability to report and produce Fingerprint evidence within the Criminal Justice System or working towards achieving this competency.

Applicants will need to have significant experience within a Fingerprint Bureau and they will need to demonstrate this by passing a technical competency test as part of their probation period.

Applicants should be trained in the use of IDENT1, the Police National Computer and also be fully conversant with working under ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulators Statutory Code of Practice.

Key Responsibilities

To undertake speculative searches and comparisons of crime scene impressions utilising the national Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
To compare suspects and eliminations against crime scene impressions either manually or on screen.
To independently verify fingerprint identifications made by Trainee Fingerprint Experts and other Fingerprint Experts in line with the Quality Management System (QMS).
To produce the full suite of Streamlined Forensic Reports (SFR’s) and manage the process through to the presentation of fingerprint evidence at court. Additionally, liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service, Police Officers and Independent Experts and demonstrate full knowledge of Pre-Trial Issues and fingerprint law.
To actively participate in the development and training of Fingerprint Officers/Trainee Fingerprint Experts by supporting the mentoring programme.
The successful candidate must demonstrate a methodical and accurate approach to analytical work and be able to follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and Work Instructions (WIs) to ensure the continuity and integrity of exhibits.
A thorough understanding of the importance of compliance to ISO17025, ILAC G19, and the Forensic Science Regulator Statutory Code of Practice is imperative as is the understanding of LAB13 and the responsibility of an Expert Witness.
It is imperative, prior to submitting an application that all applicants read the role description for full information in regards to the Key Responsibilities, Knowledge and Experience, Skills and in particular the Special Conditions relating to the role.
A full driving licence is desirable.

Hours: Monday – Friday between 0600x2200

Weekends – between 1000x1800 – 1 weekend in 4

Public Holidays between 0600x2200

Relevant shift allowances are paid

Location: Ridgepoint House, Birmingham.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Interviews: Interview dates to be confirmed.

Contact: For further information regarding this role, please contact Elaine Jenks - Fingerprint Bureau Manager, Paul Smith - Fingerprint Bureau Technical Manager or Mick Killeen - Identification Manger

elaine.jenks@westmidlands.police.uk

paul.smith4@westmidlands.police.uk

mick.killeen@westmidlands.police.uk

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

“Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities”.

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

- Fair remuneration with progression opportunities, and access to a very competitive pension scheme

- Enhanced annual leave in additional to public holiday entitlements

- Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities

- A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs