Location of Role: Folkestone
Advert Closing Date: 07/04/2026
Starting Salary: £27,492.00 (pro-rata for part-time vacancies)
Part/Full Time: Full Time
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Shift not 24/7
Weekend/Evening Working: Yes
Are you looking for a career that challenges you, pushes you out of your comfort zone, and makes a real difference? As a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI), you will work alongside Police officers to gather forensic evidence that helps detect and prosecute criminals, delivering justice for victims of crime.
Investigating crime scenes requires confidence, independence, resilience, and adaptability. You will often work alone, making decisions in unpredictable and sometimes distressing environments. If you thrive under pressure, can think logically, and have a natural curiosity for detail, this could be the perfect role for you.
This advert is for entry-level CSIs, but our CSI Progression Scheme offers a salary up to £47,505 (pro rata). We also welcome applications from experienced CSIs seeking to transfer to Kent, with starting salary negotiable based on transferable skills.
What You’ll Do:
1. Attend all categories of crime scenes - from burglary and vehicle crime to major incidents such as GBH, robbery, rape, and murder.
2. Conduct scientific examinations to identify, record, and recover forensic evidence while preventing contamination.
3. Provide advice on scene preservation, packaging, and cordons.
4. Compile accurate reports and statements and attend court as a professional witness when required.
5. Work to ISO 17020 standards and the Forensic Regulator’s Code, maintaining meticulous records and evidencing competency.
6. Operate independently for much of the time, prioritising tasks and making decisions in fast-paced, high-pressure situations.
7. Communicate effectively with victims, witnesses, and suspects - sometimes in distressing or hostile circumstances.
8. Utilise computer management systems to accurately log crime scene examinations, evidence, and continuity records.
9. Maintain thorough and accurate administrative records, ensuring documentation, data entry, and digital case management meet compliance requirements.
10. Engage in regular quality checks, audits, and reviews of your work, identifying and correcting errors to maintain high forensic standards.
Personal Qualities We Value:
11. Confidence and independence – able to work alone and make sound decisions in unfamiliar or challenging environments.
12. Resilience – physical, mental, and emotional strength to handle distressing scenes and demanding conditions.
13. Adaptability – comfortable working outside your comfort zone and adjusting to changing priorities.
14. Problem-solving ability – logical thinking under pressure.
15. Excellent communication skills – clear, professional interaction with people at all levels.
16. Meticulous attention to detail – including good eyesight (with or without correction) to carry out detailed work.
17. Technological competence – confident using computers, digital systems, and learning new software quickly.
18. Willingness to embrace continuous improvement and feedback through audits, monitoring, and compliance checks.
Physical Fitness & Health
This is a physically and mentally demanding role. Applicants must maintain a reasonable standard of physical health and wellbeing, as the role involves:
19. Climbing, bending, and accessing awkward spaces (lofts, ditches, confined spaces).
20. Manual handling of equipment and occasionally cadavers.
21. Working at heights, in all weather conditions, and wearing PPE for prolonged periods.
Candidates will be required to pass a ‘Declaration of Health’ with our Occupational Health team as part of the recruitment process. Annual medical screening will also be required once in post.
Training
You will receive comprehensive training to national standards, including:
22. Mentoring with qualified CSIs.
23. Digital photography and scene recording using DSLR cameras.
24. Initial training delivered in two parts at Kent Police College, Maidstone, followed by competency assessment under ISO 17020 requirements.
25. Ongoing CPD and progression opportunities.
26. Training in digital tools, forensic IT systems, and compliance processes essential to modern CSI work.
Next Initial Training Course:
26th May – 26th June 2026 (inclusive). Successful candidates must be available for the full duration.
Work Pattern & Benefits:
27. Average 37 hours per week on a designated shift pattern (0700–2300), including weekends and bank holidays.
28. Participation in an overnight on-call rota for serious and major crime (with allowance).
29. Generous annual leave, increasing with service.
30. Local Government Pension Scheme eligibility.
This vacancy is based at the Folkestone CSI Hub in East Kent, with deployments across the county and occasional support to Essex Police.
Essential Criteria:
31. Strong personal resilience and ability to work under pressure.
32. Confidence and independence in lone working.
33. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
34. Meticulous attention to detail and good eyesight (with or without correction).
35. Minimum of 5 GCSEs (Grade C/4 or above) including English, Maths, and Science.
36. Full UK/European manual driving licence.
37. Computer literacy and adaptability to new technology.
38. Ability to maintain accurate records, follow administrative processes, and ensure compliance with quality standards.
Desirable:
39. Previous CSI experience.
40. Photography skills (Digital SLR).
41. Scientific degree or equivalent.
42. Experience working shifts or unsocial hours.
43. Understanding of ISO standards.
Please ensure that within your application you evidence all the essential requirements associated with the role.
Kent Police offer incremental increases within this salary band, therefore the salary for this position will rise to a maximum of £39,525.00.
All of our posts require a level of vetting and security clearance. During the recruitment process you will be sent vetting information forms to complete.
Kent Police and Essex Police welcomes applications regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, sex, or employment status.
If you’re not from the UK, you must be a resident in the UK and have lived here continuously for the last three years. You must also be free from restrictions with indefinite leave to remain. If you’re from the UK you must have lived here continuously for the last three years. This doesn’t apply to those serving abroad in the British Armed Forces.
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