Forensic Laboratory Officer

We are currently recruiting for a Forensic Laboratory Officer based in Lancashire 

Pay rate: £13.28 p/h PAYE / £17.08 p/h Umbrella.

Hours: Full time (37 hrs per week) – Office based

Contract duration: Temporary ongoing

Purpose: To support the unit in the retrieval and recording of Fingerprint/ Palm print, footwear and indented writing evidence.

Duties:

• 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. Training will be provided.
• 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.
• Perform critical checks of equipment to ensure it is fit for purpose to comply with 17025 accreditation standards.
• 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.
• Ability to use the computer operating systems within the laboratory; maintaining detailed records of cases and exhibits on the; Sleuth system; Digital Capture System; Digital Enhancement and Printing on the ‘Fuji minilab’; Gas Monitor Software; Hygrometer Software; Microsoft Windows operating system for access to 17025 etc.; Re-setting / loading of folders on different systems after computer upgrades or crashes.
• 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.
• Keep up to date with latest developments and advances in techniques and processes in accordance with ISO 17025 and 17020 accreditation.  Attend conferences / CPD events etc. to support this knowledge.
• Keep up to date with developments in forensic technologies that may impact on laboratory work.
• Attend relevant training and development courses, in order to fulfil career development.
• 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 Client.

Essential Experience:

• Experience of working in a laboratory environment and handling chemicals

Desirable Experience:

• Handling confidential & sensitive material in an appropriate manner
• Data collection and recording
• 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

Apply online or contact Terri O’Keefe on 07879 585551 or Lucia De Felice on 07425 757587.

You can also email terri@peelsolutions.co.uk  or lucia@peelsolutions.co.uk for more information on this role.