RSR is a public safety & enterprise security recruitment specialist. We assist public safety employers find the right talent. We assist all employers when they want to source public safety and enterprise security skills and experience.
We are currently recruiting for a Forensic Laboratory Officer to work on a full-time, long-term contract based in Preston, Lancashire.
Please be advised, this role is office based, so applicants must be prepared to travel to and work from Preston.
The role will be involve accessing Police systems, so applicants will need to undergo Security Vetting checks.
The role is paying £13.28p per hour (PAYE)
Main purpose of the role:
To support the unit in the retrieval and recording of Fingerprint/ Palm print, footwear and indented writing evidence
Key Responsibilities :
- To ensure the integrity of exhibits and maintain continuity in the evidence chain.
- Ability to make an independent assessment for the suitability of evidence, to form an Evidence Recovery Plan (ERP).
- To work in accordance with standard operating procedures, conducting laboratory examinations for recovered exhibits, enhancing /recovering / recording evidence without compromising other evidence types.
- To use your knowledge to apply a forensic strategy approach to maximise the potential evidence recovery rate of each exhibit. To understand the sequential approach for examinations.
- Ability to identify all evidence types and liaise with other specialised units to discuss ERP strategies.
- Participate in ‘joint examination’ exercises, formulating strategies with other members of specialised forensic units.
- Gain extensive knowledge of the ‘CAST Finger mark Visualisation Manual’; understand, follow and be able to apply.
- To work in a laboratory environment, preparing chemical solutions (for enhancement processes), ensure appropriate safe containment of chemical waste and perform general housekeeping functions, to the required Health and Safety standards, (including the lifting, handling and transport of equipment/materials). Use sterilisation techniques on contaminated items, equipment and documentation, in order to ensure subsequent safe use.
- Ensure the stock of chemical reagents is maintained.
- To monitor and arrange the collection and disposal of clinical and chemical waste.
- Application of a wide range of physical and chemical processes in the laboratory, and at crime scenes, using validated methods whilst adhering to relevant COSHH and risk assessments and giving full consideration to Health and Safety Guidelines. Comprehensive training will be provided; it is expected it will take a minimum of 3 years for a practitioner to become fully competent.
- Perform routine maintenance and cleaning of laboratory equipment and work areas.
- Perform visual examinations including using High Intensity Light sources (Laser + various fluorescent lights); specialist training will be provided in order to perform this role due to hazards / danger involved in operating this equipment.
- Ability to make an assessment of the evidence and decide if it should be recorded.
- Record evidence using Digital Imaging Equipment and complex lighting techniques.
- Understand the use of digital imaging software and apply skills to enhance digital images to achieve the best standards for the Fingerprint Officers and the Courts.
- Perform peer review and quality assurance of case work.
- Understand the principles of being involved with and managing / storing sensitive information.
- Operate within the requirements of quality certification and accreditation, including the Forensic Science Regulator’s Codes of Practice and Conduct, to ensure the appropriate standards are maintained in all areas. Keep up to date on latest updates / modifications to the Quality System.
- Undertake validation and verification of techniques to demonstrate their effectiveness.
- Maintain your competency in all areas (performing processes and operating equipment); Take part in annual audits of processes; inter laboratory comparison tests and external proficiency test schemes.
- Provide technical assistance at Major scenes (at appropriate level) and maintain the appropriate records.
- Provide witness statements and attend court to give evidence (for all crime categories) to support the Criminal Justice System, for matters relating to case work undertaken in the FEL and when attending scenes.
- Communicate effectively with personnel; internal and external; at all levels in relation to laboratory enquiries and scene attendance.
- To demonstrate laboratory processes and deliver training to new members of staff; staff attending a department visit; members of collaborative exercises and, on occasion, staff from other forces or organisations, as authorised by the Constabulary.
Essential:
Experience of working in a laboratory environment and handling chemicals
Experience of working effectively as part of a team.
Experience of the digital photography process and using software for enhancing digital images
Experience of working to deadlines and tight timescales, within a busy environment.
Experience of working with minimal supervision, organising and prioritising own workload
Experience of working on own initiative, investigating problems, developing solutions and taking appropriate timely action to resolve them.
Desirable:
Experience of handling confidential & sensitive material in an appropriate manner
Experience of data collection and recording
Experience of working on / with computerised systems
To have practical understanding of COSHH regulations and knowledge of Risk Assessment
To have a practical understanding of working to a quality management system
If you would like to be considered for this position and have the relevant experience, then please send your CV to martin.cookson@rsg.ltd
Due to the high volume of applications we receive, if you do not hear from us within 7 working days, your application has been unsuccessful.
If this role is not for you but you do know somebody who would be interested, please feel free to refer them to us! We have a “Refer A Friend” bonus scheme and we will reward you retail vouchers for any referrals who are not already known to us and are successfully placed!
Red Snapper Recruitment is a member of the Red Snapper Group.
The Red Snapper Group acts as an employment agency (permanent) and as an employment business (temporary) – a free and confidential service to candidates.
The Red Snapper Recruitment Group is an equal opportunities employer.
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