Forensic Imaging Supervisor - Cambs

A rare and exciting opportunity has arisen to become the next Forensic Imaging Supervisor within Scientific Services.

The role provides an excellent opportunity to play a crucial role within the collaborated Forensic Imaging Unit where you will be joining the exciting and dynamic world of policing and contribute towards making Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire a safer place.

 

Based at Hertfordshire HQ with a requirement to travel across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire, you will play an integral role of the Forensic Imaging Team supporting the unit and it’s customers.

 

As a national driver in ISO 17025 holding UKAS accreditation status,  your primary role as supervisor and technical manager is to effectively manage  a small team of analysts and provide additional support to the local team of technicians when their supervisor is unavailable.

 

You must be an effective team player, organised and highly motivated, understanding the importance of flexibility, effective communication, and collaboration to work efficiently with colleagues located in different office locations across the BCH estate, our users, customers and the CPS.

 

Your key responsibilities will include:

• To provide supervisory support for all Technical and Administrational staff within the Forensic Imaging Unit, across all dedicated specialised imaging disciplines.
• To establish daily priorities, maintain tasking practices and quality procedures, and adhere to relevant legislation in the delivery of ‘best and timely evidence’ to all Forensic Imaging customers, including but not limited to, Scenes of Crime, Major Crime, Serious and Organised Crime, Local Policing Command, Criminal Justice and Crown Prosecution. Equally, to negotiate with these partners and provide formal awareness training and advice to achieve the maximum effectiveness of the Unit.
• To ensure that the continuity and integrity of all Forensic Imaging evidence is maintained so that comprehensive Witness Statements or reports can be produced for Court. To attend Court to deliver evidence as required, and to record and manage the archive and disposal of evidential material in line with MOPI standards.
• To ensure that unit facilities are maintained for effective service delivery and that staffing levels are appropriate for tasking demands. To coordinate the temporary movement of qualified staff between units in response to surge, operational and priority tasking, while ensuring account is taken of the legal and financial consequences of any decision making.
• To maintain all Forensic Imaging equipment inventories, ensure that appropriate unit equipment is serviced and maintained, that routine quality control checks are carried out and take corrective action if equipment is unsatisfactory.
• To keep up to date on technical developments and case law developments in digital evidence. Research the provision of new and replacement equipment within procurement guidelines, making written recommendations to the Forensic Imaging Manager. To subsequently update, amend and validate/verify SOPs, equipment and relevant documentation as necessary to ensure accuracy.
• To supervise the implementation of Health and Safety practices and COSHH regulations, be able to carry out Risk Assessments (RA’s), on and off site, ensure that they are current, and ensure that Staff are conversant with RA’s and provided with the necessary environment and equipment to carry out their duties, including; attendance  at Major Crime Scenes, in Custody suites and during Crime Scene CCTV retrieval.
• To continually assess and develop the team, maximising training opportunities for all staff within Forensic Imaging. To deliver training, when necessary, maintain appropriate performance monitoring tools, write annual appraisals, and manage recruitment, discipline, target setting, SLA compliance and sickness issues.
• To ensure that staff follow legislation and case law procedure.
• To work directly with the Forensic Imaging Manager in the implementation and continuance of unit wide adherence to the standards expected within ISO 17025 accreditation and where the role is based within the accredited unit, to hold the responsibility of technical manager and all duties related to that responsibility

 

The successful candidate will have:

 

• A Degree or equivalent qualification in a forensic science discipline, or, at least 3 years’ experience working with digital imaging systems including CCTV, Video Identification or digital Photography
• Able to evidence excellent supervisory skills and relevant experience of change management
• Able to evidence excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Able to evidence a high level of computer literacy, specifically; Microsoft Office software, statistical monitoring and electronic database management
• Ability to work in an environment which entails viewing and dealing with unpleasant and graphic/sensitive material, including communicating directly with suspects and victims of crime
• Able to evidence an understanding of current evidential legal requirements, case law, legal codes of practice and statutory guidance
• Knowledge of ISO 17025 ‘Digital Forensics’ quality standards, processes and procedures
• Be self-motivated, can work alone, and show initiative while managing demanding workloads and deadlines.
• Full UK Driving License
• Good colour vision

 

Other information:

 

• This role requires the post holder to have a valid UK driving license as they will need to travel to different locations across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire.
• If using a private vehicle then business insurance needs to be organised by the individual.
• The post holder will occasionally be required to work additional hours; this will be agreed in advance.
• Vetting is required, as advised by the vetting unit.
• The post holder will be expected to undertake training as and when required.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with health and safety requirements.

 

 

Obligatory Requirements

• Before commencement of this appointment, this role may be subject to a medical assessment. For some roles health screening or surveillance may be required on a regular basis, as identified by line manager risk assessments.
• You must be able to view and discuss graphic, distressing and sensitive case work and engage with victims.
• There is a requirement for the role holder to meet the probationary objectives set

Additional Advert Information 

• Internal Applicants 
  To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period. 
  If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert. 

• Vetting Process 
  Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18). 
  Examples of when this may apply include: 

• Transferring to another force 

• Renewing vetting clearance 

• Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance) 

• Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals 

If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application. 

• Redeployment and Redundancy 
  This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted. 
  Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions. 

• Role Profile 
  We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes. 

• Commitment to Inclusion 
  As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive. 
  If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme. 

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