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 forensic disciplines from traditional to digital and strong relationships between teams exist. We have an opportunity within the Fingerprint Bureau to recruit a full time Fingerprint Expert.
The Fingerprint Bureau are looking for a committed, motivated, and enthusiastic individual to fill the role of a Fingerprint Expert.
We are looking for individuals who have either completed the Advanced Fingerprint Course and/or are capable of being signed off as a competent practitioner under ISO17025 to complete the final check for fingerprint identifications and produce fingerprint evidence on all crime types. This means that applicants need to have significant experience within fingerprint comparison and would have either completed an Advanced course or equivalent or be ready to do so. There is a requirement for applicants to pass a technical competency test as part of the selection process.
Applicants should be trained in the use of IDENT1 and ideally possess a practical knowledge of SOCRATES. Quality standard ISO17025 and Forensic Regulators Statutory Codes of Practice knowledge is essential.
Key Responsibilities:
As a Fingerprint Expert you must be able to undertake the following core duties:
- All forms of fingerprint searching, comparisons and identifications using both automated and manual processes for all crime types daily.
- Verifications of fingerprint identifications for scenes of crime marks and eliminations made by Fingerprint Officers and other Experts.
- The production of Streamlined Forensic Reports including full fingerprint evidence for identification and elimination purposes for presentation in Court.
- Assisting in the development and training of Fingerprint Officers and Trainee Fingerprint Experts as Mentors and give advice, guidance and assistance when required.
- Offering expert opinion, interpretation, and guidance to police colleagues, CPS and other agencies when required.
Demonstrate a methodical and accurate approach to analytical work and be able to follow standard operating procedures (SOP’s) and Work Instructions (WI’s) to ensure the continuity and integrity of exhibits and compliance with ISO17025 and the Forensic Science Regulator Statutory Codes of Practice and Conduct.
It is imperative prior to submitting an application that all applicants read the role description for full information in regard to the Key Responsibilities, Knowledge and Experience, Skills and in particular the Special Conditions relating to the role.
A full detailed list of role responsibilities and competencies required for this post are detailed within the role profile
For further information about this role please contact the below by email:
Elaine Jenks, Fingerprint Bureau Manager on elaine.jenks@westmidlands.police.uk
Paul Smith, Fingerprint Bureau Technical Manager on paul.smith4@westmidlands.police.uk
Mick Killeen, Identification Manager on mick.killeen@westmidlands.police.uk
Hours of Work and Flexibility:
- Alternating shift patterns are worked, covering 06:00-22:00 Monday-Friday.
- Currently 14% weekday shift allowance.
- 1 in 4 weekends covering 10:00 – 18:00. Approximately 5% weekend shift allowance accrued. •
All Bank Holidays will be covered 06:00-22:00. • 7.5% market supplement
Vetting:
Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Security Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background and 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.
Interviews:
Interviews will take place on the 4th and 5th May 2026
Benefit Statement:
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 addition 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.
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"
