Scientific Support Officer: Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Service Unit
Team
Responsible to
Salary Range
Scientific Support Officer
Crime
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March 16
Scientific Support Unit
Detective Inspector – Scientific Support Manager
Scale 3 - 6
Job Purpose:
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Provide a comprehensive, effective and efficient Scientific Support service to the
force.
To attend crime and incident scenes in order to locate, record, recover and manage
information and evidence in order to support the investigative process and maximise
forensic potential.
Provide specialist guidance and advice on Crime Scene Examination issues to
investigating officers and other service units.
Support partner agencies as required.
Principal Duties & Responsibilities:
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Ensure the safety, security and preservation of all crime/incident scenes and record,
monitor and assess appropriately.
Attend scenes of volume, serious and major crimes and ensure effective
management of the scene and resources.
Make best use of technology in support of the role, ensuring correct operation and
compliance with force policy and legislation.
Prepare, maintain and update databases, software packages and digital recording
media.
Give advice on the evidential value of physical evidence.
Search for, locate, recover and record physical evidence, including trace, forensic,
footwear and fingerprint evidence, from crime and incident scenes, on recovered
property and property used in the commission of a crime.
Ensure integrity and continuity of exhibits and evidence by correct handling,
packaging, storage and documentation.
Utilise all available and appropriate enhancement techniques to maximise the
recovery of physical evidence. Apply innovative methods to preserve, record and
recover evidence in difficult circumstances
Use appropriate recording media to record crime and incident scenes, physical
injuries to victims of crime, exhibits and recovered stolen property.
Attend Post Mortem examinations to provide support and assist in the recovery,
packaging and storage of exhibits and samples.
Obtain elimination finger and palm prints from persons having legitimate access to
crime and incident scenes. Take finger and palm prints from unidentified cadavers in
order to establish identity.
Ensure the correct handling, packaging, preservation, integrity, storage and
transportation of exhibits. Maintain strict continuity of exhibits at all times. Apply
quality control measures to exhibits received.
Produce accurate written and computerised records and diagrams.
Liaise with investigating officers, internal and external agencies to maintain two-way
communication.
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Template – Job Description
March 16
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Have responsibility for the safekeeping and maintenance of personal issue
photographic and evidence recovery equipment.
Take part in a standby rota for call out during night-time hours to major and serious
crime and participate in a shift rota which encompasses a 365 days a year team
based working environment.
Prepare and present statements in accordance with current legislation and attend
court to give evidence when requested.
Attend training courses, conferences and development days commensurate with the
responsibilities of the post to attain and maintain a contemporary knowledge of
developments in the fields of Crime Scene Investigation and Forensic Science and
show continuing professional development.
Provide training and support and offer advice and guidance to investigative officers,
other departments and outside agencies as necessary.
Participate in planned projects and operations, ensuring confidentiality and
observance of the official secrets act are observed at all times.
To be familiar and comply with all relevant Health and Safety, operational, Data
protection, risk management, COSHH and ISO regulations.
Be prepared to train in, and provide, specialist roles within the unit. such as; E-Fit
operator, CBRN investigations, Working at Heights Specialist (rope access), Fire
Investigation (Arson Task Force), Confined Spaces Specialist and Level 2
investigation.
Ensure any intelligence gathered is submitted in accordance with force policy.
Note
The above list is not exhaustive and other duties commensurate with the grade and general nature of
the post may, from time to time, be required. In addition, there may be some variation and/or
development of the above duties and responsibilities without changing the general nature of the post.
All employees are to comply with confidentialities and principles laid down in the Data Protection Act
(DPA) and the Management of Police Information (MOPI).
All post holders to comply with health and safety legislation.
All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality of opportunity
and fairness of treatment for all within Cleveland Police.
Person Specification
Template
The below list is included as a guide to help you establish the essential / desirable knowledge, skills, and experience of the role in
accordance with the Force core values:
Force Values
Partnerships
Essential knowledge, skills, and experience
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
Treat all people with dignity and respect
Demonstrates an ability to deal with distressing, traumatic and emotional
situations.
Desirable knowledge, skills, and experience
Able to undertake research into new projects and ideas
relating to working practices
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Deal effectively with all levels of staff within the organisation.
People
Has ability to deal with sensitive work situations with confidence and
discretion whilst treating all people with dignity and respect.
Citizen focused approach
Has the ability to manage people and is able to work successfully as part
of a team.
Professionalism
Excellent working knowledge and practical experience of crime scene
investigations and involvement in major crime investigations.
Good working knowledge of the law, police practices and crime scene
examination work.
Evidence of continuing professional development
Experience of major and serious crime scenes.
Accredited qualification (degree or professional diploma) in
Crime Scene Investigation or a related topic.
Holder of the NPIA Crime Scene Investigation Qualification or
equivalent
Understanding of ‘Best Value’ and how this impacts on
Forensic Submissions.
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Template – Job Description
March 16
Problem Solving
Has the ability to make reasoned decisions and take responsibility for
actions.
Ability to plan and prioritise resources effectively in order to deliver a
quality service
Is motivated with the ability to work under own initiative with the
minimum of supervision and is able to cope under pressure.
Has a flexible approach to meet the needs of the post and is prepared to
work unsociable hours when required.
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Template – Job Description
March 16
Person Specification
Template
Force values
Force behaviours
Trust
Partnerships
Teamwork
Engagement
People
Empowerment
Action
Professionalism
Accountability
Problem solving
Mission
Momentum
Behavioural indicators
Values diversity
Actively listens
Is interested in all views
Seeks out contributions from all
Gives encouragement to all
Collaborates with others
Engages in the citizen focus programme
Contributes openly
Shows understanding
Assists others to act
Encourages creativity
Welcomes innovation
Focuses on tasks
Manages time effectively
Delivers on promises
Sets objectives and targets
Owns problems
Gives honest feedback
Links strategy to action
Prioritises activity
Explains requirements clearly
Plans effectively
Demonstrates initiative
Reacts positively to change