Vacancy Information
This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions.
Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.
Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.
Division / Department - Specialist Crime
Grade - Surrey Police Grade G / Sussex Police Grade 10
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - Surrey Police £33,128 - £39,149 / Sussex Police £34,329 - £37,692
Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - Yes
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Lewes
The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.
Chief Constables' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role & Key Responsibilities
As a Forensic Identification Specialist, you will undertake the full range of fingerprint related duties in support of the investigation and detection of crime, by examining Friction Ridge Detail using ACE V methodology, including searching, comparison, evidence preparation/delivery and liaison with Police Officers and staff of all ranks, both within and outside of the organisation.
You will enhance, analyse, compare and evaluate crime scene marks against elimination fingerprints and nominated suspects and utilise the Automated Fingerprint Identification System, to establish or exclude identity to support investigations and criminal justice requirements. Ensuring that all actions are recorded and retained for audit, adhering to Bureau Procedures in line with ISO 17025, legislation, and the Forensic Regulators Code of Practice,in accordance with Department and Customer expectations, in line with the FISU ‘Service Level Agreement’, Quality Manual and all other documented procedures. .
Make a positive contribution in relation to ongoing ISO 17025 accreditation, be supportive of continuous improvement initiatives and be flexible in your approach to change on a Local and National Level.
Mentor trainees, providing feedback using your knowledge, experience and expertise.
Be point of contact for Investigating Officers and other key customers to provide specialist advice in line with FISU Service Level Agreements.
Prioritising your workload and maintain an active working knowledge of changes in technology and legislation relating to fingerprint identifications via mandated courses and independent research and be involved in project groups as new processes and procedures are developed and introduced.
Host attachments from colleagues from other departments within Forensic Investigations.
Skills & Experience
To be a qualified fingerprint expert with recent experience within an ISO 17025 accredited bureau. To have recent evidence of having maintained proven competence. This will have been achieved through relevant experience in a Fingerprint Bureau environment. Competence will have been assessed in line with ISO 17025 accredited standards. Or by attending a recognised Fingerprint Training course and working through a developmental training programme over a number of years including regular competency testing.
Possess a high degree of interpersonal and oral skills along with the ability to negotiate and influence at all levels including giving evidence in court.
Demonstrate a good working knowledge of relevant Police computer systems including PNC, SOCRATES (or similar case management system), Remote Transmission systems, IDENT1 and LIVESCAN and other IT products.
Demonstrate an aptitude to perceive, analyse and think using visual images.
Work methodically and patiently, using their own initiative, with the ability to think laterally and logically to exacting standards of accuracy and integrity.
Demonstrate the focus and drive to effectively prioritise work, achieve targets and get results.
Be adaptable and flexible in their approach to personal time management.
Demonstrate an aptitude to study and maintain records of their Competency.
To be firm and persistent when expressing views and instructions to all levels of staff and to readily provide ideas and solutions to overcome.
Able to evidence strong report writing skills.
Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, together with the ability to communicate effectively at all levels and to be a team player within a close working environment.
Be responsible for prioritising your workload and maintain an active working knowledge of changes in technology and legislation relating to fingerprint identifications via mandated courses and independent research and be involved in project groups as new processes and procedures are developed and introduced.
Be required to maintain competence of fingerprint examination through regular competency testing and peer review.
A willingness to travel between Sussex and Surrey in conjunction with their responsibilities.
Why Work With Us?
Surrey and Sussex Forensic Investigations department have an exciting opportunity to join the Forensic Identification Services Unit (FISU) as a Forensic Identification Specialist (Fingerprint Expert), based in the picturesque County Town of Lewes, East Sussex. The successful candidate will be employed by Sussex Police, under their terms and conditions.
FISU is a small, dedicated, supportive and friendly department with currently, eight Specialists, one Trainee & two Ten Print Technicians, a Team Leader, a Technical Supervisor and Department Manager.
Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work.
We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;
1. career progression
2. contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
3. generous annual leave allowance
4. discounts for everyday spend
5. on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs
6. generous and supportive parental leave
7. financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support
8. discounted contributory healthcare scheme
Please use the following links for more information on the benefits of working with or
Further Information
Salary: Specialist Sussex Grade 10 - £34,329 - £37,692 + Unsocial Hours Allowance & On-Call Allowance(plus a discretionary salary enhancement, of up to £4,000, dependent on demonstrable direct relevant experience and competence).