The principal responsibility of the Crime Scene Investigator is to provide an effective and efficient Crime Scene Investigation capability to the SW Regional Forces.
To attend all categories of crime scene and associated locations to conduct scientific examinations with the objective of identifying, recording and recovering physical and digital forensic evidence and intelligence information.
To conduct additional post scene activity to enable effective processing of evidence and intelligence information.
In particular:
- To gather information from relevant sources to ascertain the circumstances of incidents and the requirement to attend locations; including liaison with officers and people at scenes to secure effective co-operation and co-ordination of scene investigations.
- To conduct risk assessments of scenes and to ensure that all safety precautions are taken and documented when in situations which may present a health hazard, e.g. exposure to cadavers, body fluids, physical and chemical hazards.
- To attend volume, serious and major crime scenes and associated locations as required and to conduct scientific investigations with the objective of identifying, recording and recovering potentially valuable physical, trace and digital forensic evidence and intelligence information (including post mortem examinations).
- To undertake methodical investigations in accordance with National Occupational Standards and departmental Quality Standards (including ISO 17020/17025), using specialist light sources, photographic and other equipment as required.
- To work closely with Pathologists and other Experts and Specialists, working with minimal supervision and under the direction of a Crime Scene Manager.
- To take additional responsibility and/or functionality in specialist areas such as; blood screening, fire investigation, CBRN, UV and 360° photography, covert operations, DVI, Archaeology, rope access, Luminol, sea survival, illicit labs, mentoring/tutoring, occasional trainer, Crime Scene Manager
- To obtain appropriate sample materials from persons for further examination, elimination and recording purposes in accordance with documented procedures when authorised and required.
- To ensure correct packaging, preservation, continuity and integrity of exhibits and to retain and store recovered physical and trace evidence in a way that prevents contamination and loss of evidence. Where necessary, to prioritise, review and submit exhibits for subsequent analysis or storage as required to other police departments or identified outside agencies, taking into account evidential significance and value for money.
- To disseminate information / intelligence effectively, appropriately and promptly.
- To accurately maintain comprehensive computer and written records, to record activity, track exhibits, to meet departmental and statutory requirements relating to the storage and retention of physical evidence and information.
- To prepare evidential material and attend court to present expert evidence and opinion as required, ensuring standard formats of statements, photographic albums and indices are produced for presentation as scientific findings in criminal investigations and judicial proceedings.
- To maintain stores, equipment and storage facilities and to ensure that crime scene equipment is available and fit for purpose in order to meet operational requirements. To undertake general administrative tasks as required.
- To attend training courses and other events linked to ongoing competency to maintain skill and expertise in scene investigation and evidence recovery. To keep abreast of changes and developments within Crime Scene Investigation.
- To provide specialist advice and knowledge to colleagues, partners and other individuals and agencies to support the achievement of regional objectives and enable compliance with Regional policy.
- To ensure contact with members of the public positively contributes to providing customer satisfaction and confidence in the police service. To provide relevant crime prevention advice in order to contribute to the reduction of crime.
This list of duties is not restrictive or exhaustive and the post-holder may be required to carry out duties from time to time that are either commensurate with/or lower than the grade of the post. In some posts this might include the ad-hoc provision of guidance and informal training of new colleagues.
The post is a ‘designated role’ under the Police Reform Act 2002 and the Policing and Crime Act 2017 and as such, the post holder will have certain designated powers as awarded by the Chief Constable.
Additional Information:
‘The commencing salary will be within Grade 8 starting at £44,700 (£FULL TIME EQUIVALENT pro rata) rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £49,716 (£FULL TIME EQUIVALENT pro rata) per annum subject to Job Evaluation.
Devon and Cornwall Police completed a Job Evaluation Project in 2015 and the Crime Scene Investigator Level 2 was included in that project in which a grade was assigned. However, the role has changed and now forms part of the regional collaboration and will need to be re-evaluated under the regional structure. This role will be re-evaluated as part of the regional collaboration for South West Forensics in the future.’
Please note:
South West Forensics are recruiting for a CSI 'Bank', which will be used to fill future vacancies in Devon and Cornwall during the next 12 months.
