Forensic scene investigation - Volume Crime Scene Examiner
Location: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Hertfordshire
Department: Scientific Services Unit
Step into a role where no two days are the same
As a Volume Crime Scene Examiner, you’ll be at the forefront of policing—attending burglary and volume crime scenes, working independently, and making real‑time decisions that directly support investigations and bring offenders to justice.
This is a hands‑on, practical role where you’ll:
- Attend crime scenes and identify, recover and record forensic evidence
- Work independently in dynamic and potentially challenging environments, often under pressure
- Use your professional judgement to assess situations and make your own decisions at the scene
- Lead the scientific investigative response at burglary and vehicle crime scenes
- Contribute directly to victim satisfaction, successful investigations and court outcomes
Start here. Build your career.
This is an entry‑level opportunity into forensic investigation - you do not need a forensic science degree as full training is provided. A-Level equivalent and occupational qualifications will be considered where they meet the role requirements.
We actively welcome applications from people of diverse backgrounds and experience, including skilled practical and operational trades, and customer-facing leadership roles.
With experience, training and demonstrated competence, you will have the opportunity to progress through:
- Internal development and competency assessment
- Structured professional development
- Selection into the Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO/CSI) role
This pathway offers a clear route into more complex and specialist forensic work with higher salary progression.
What we’re looking for
We’re looking for individuals who are practical, resilient and people‑focused, with the ability to operate confidently in varied and sometimes challenging environments.
This role suits individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including:
- Problem-solving and precision roles (e.g. skilled trades and engineering)
- Military or emergency services experience
- Customer-facing leadership roles requiring problem-solving and resilience
If you are self-motivated, observant and enjoy working independently in a fast-paced environment, we would encourage you to apply.
In particular, you will be able to demonstrate:
Open‑minded thinking
- You approach situations without assumptions
- You can assess situations objectively and adapt your thinking as new information emerges
- You recognise the importance of impartiality and avoiding bias in decision‑making
Adaptability with people
- You can communicate effectively with a wide range of individuals
- You are comfortable working with people from different backgrounds, circumstances and perspectives
- You can adjust your approach depending on the situation—particularly when supporting victims in their homes
Professional resilience
- You remain calm and focused in challenging or unfamiliar environments
- You can deal with situations that may be physically or emotionally demanding
- You take responsibility for your actions and maintain high standards under pressure
The reality of the role
This is not a desk‑based job. You’ll be:
- Travelling across the three Counties
- Visiting people’s homes following burglary or other incidents
- Making decisions independently at scenes
- Working shifts, including evenings, weekends and public holidays
Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Scientific Services Unit is leading nationally in demonstrating compliance to the Forensic Science Regulator's Code of Practice. You'll be joining a high-performing and respected organisation and we look forward to working with you on your development as a scene investigation professional.
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.
Please note: This role has been identified as high-risk in relation to potential DNA contamination within forensic processes. As such, successful candidates will be required to provide a DNA mouth swab and Fingerprint elimination sample as part of their pre-employment checks.
The sample will be used to conduct a speculative search against our database and then solely for contamination elimination purposes and held on a secure elimination database in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR.
Provision of this sample is a condition of employment for roles identified as high-risk.
