Forensic collision investigator

Stowmarket, Suffolk and Wymondham, Norfolk

Job reference: L1488

Full time (40 hours) - Permanent

Hours of work: The Forensic Collision Investigator post has a requirement to work a rotating shift pattern between 07:00 and 00:00 each working day; this includes weekend working and a requirement to fulfil on-call coverage with existing FCIs.

Rank: PC

Closing date: Monday 14th September at 5pm

Contact: richard.godden@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or peter.bourne@norfolk.pnn.police.uk

Please note that if you are successful in your application, there are no guarantees that a move will take place immediately, the posting process will be managed in accordance with Force priorities and resourcing demands.

The Joint Norfolk and Suffolk Forensic Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU) comprises bases located at Stowmarket, Suffolk and Wymondham, Norfolk, both proving 24/7 cover across the two counties.

All members of the team are working together towards achieving accreditation to ISO 17020 as part of the new National Forensic Collision Investigation Network.

Activities and responsibilities of the post

1. Principle purpose of the role

• Work as part of a team of Forensic Collision Investigators; attending scenes of road death, serious injury collisions and police vehicle collisions. Supporting Senior Investigating Officers (SIO) and Lead Investigating Officers (LIO) by gathering and interpreting evidence and information to establish the causes of collisions and provide expert evidence as required at court
• Produce forensic reports within agreed deadlines to allow for case progression.
• Maintain own professional competence by attending and implementing standard procedures at scenes of road deaths, life changing collisions and incidents involving Police vehicles.

2. Main activities of the role (This list is not exhaustive)

• Undertake the role of a qualified Forensic Collision Investigator attending the scenes of incidents, objectively analyse information and circumstances beyond evidence gathering, interpret the information and provide expert opinion, both orally and through the presentation of professional reports. Provide support to SIO and LIO to ensure all possible evidence is preserved and effective cases can be built.
• Provide advice, guidance and reports. Ensure the high standard of forensic collision investigation in order to present a professional and unbiased expert opinion to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), criminal, civil, coroners courts and other relevant parties. The delivery of such evidence will comply with the current legislative requirements concerning the preparation and delivery of evidence
• Maintain an awareness of current research and developments within the discipline, and to ensure compliance with local service level agreements.
• Check and validate all evidence to ensure that the correct scientific principles are used.Check and validate that any conclusions reached are valid and supported by the available evidence to allow for effective investigation and progression of expert opinion to prosecution where necessary.
• Undertake on-call duties to ensure FCI availability beyond core hours and at other times as necessary.
• All members of the team are working together towards achieving accreditation to ISO 17020 as part of the new National Forensic Collision Investigation Network.
• Any other duties that are commensurate with the role and rank as may be requested by management.

3. Special conditions and points to note

• The purpose of this job description is to indicate the general level of the duties and responsibility of the role, the duties may from time to time vary without changing the general character of the role or the levels of responsibilities.
• Whilst the role is normally based at the aforementioned location, you may be required to work at other establishments across both Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies as may be reasonably required. Police Regulations will be adhered to in such instances.
• All duties must be carried out in accordance with relevant Health and Safety legislation and good practice. A 'No smoking in the workplace' policy applies.
• All duties must be carried out in a manner that supports the Constabulary's commitment to equality and inclusion.
• Requirement to work rotating shifts between the core hours 07:00 – 00:00hrs including weekends and on-call cover.
• Bank holiday working may be required.

Essential criteria

1. City and Guilds Certificate (+ Statistics) or De Montfort University UCPD in Forensic Collision Investigation, or higher qualification in Forensic Collision Investigation.
2. Be able to demonstrate competence within the preceding 24 months in the discipline of Forensic Collision Investigation.
3. Demonstrates a detailed knowledge of Forensic Collision Investigation file preparation and Road Death Investigation Procedures.
4. Working knowledge of road traffic legislation and general practices relating to roads policing.
5. Knowledge of Court Procedures and presenting evidence at criminal/coroner's court.
6. Possess sound problem-solving skills and have the ability to interpret and evaluate qualitative data to extract salient points and to draw conclusions.
7. Demonstrate the ability to plan and prioritise your own workload.
8. Excellent written, verbal communication and negotiating skills. The ability to present information to a wide audience.
9. The post holder must possess a current UK driving licence for motor cars and must have, or be capable of passing, an advanced driving certificate for motor cars issued by a police driving school.

Desirable criteria

1. Knowledge or expertise of other software, systems, tools that support the role of FCI and is necessary to provide expert witness testimony.
2. Qualification to CertHE, FdSc or BSc in Forensic Collision Investigation.
3. Qualified vehicle examiner or relevant experience within the field of motor vehicle examination/maintenance/inspection.
4. Additional driving qualifications (motorcycles, large goods vehicles and passenger carrying vehicles)

If you would like an informal discussion about the post, please contact Richard Godden (FCIU Supervisor) richard.godden@suffolk.pnn.police.uk or Peter Bourne (Forensic Operations Manager) peter.bourne@norfolk.pnn.police.uk.

Consideration will be given to whether the post can be delivered on either a part time or job share basis, in line with the organisational requirements of this role.

The recruitment criteria for all posts are subject to reasonable adjustment in line with the Equality Act 2010.

Applications from at-risk staff will be prioritised and receive preference in any selection process.

Anyone who wishes to be considered for appointment should request an application pack by emailing transfereesuffolk@suffolk.pnn.police.uk with the above vacancy reference in the subject line. Please also include your name and current force.