Forensic Submission Officer

Job description

OVERALL PURPOSE OF JOB:

To provide a forensic submission provision for the Force to include the authorisation, monitoring and management of the forensic submission process to ensure the viability, cost effectiveness and evidential requirements for the organisation in line with policy. This includes advising police officers on forensic submissions procedures, liaising with forensic scientists and other external agencies and dealing with queries in respect of the appropriate packaging and documentation for submissions.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1.Deal with queries in respect of forensic submissions, comprise of advice in relation to forensic submission procedures, appropriateness of submission and outcomes required, correct use of packaging and paperwork and interpretation of results received from Forensic Providers

2.Monitor and administer the forensic authorisation pot, on RMS, to ensure that all forensic submission requests are dealt with in a timely manner by checking of availability of the Senior CSI or appropriate signatory. Check forensic submission forms (MG21 and GF1/11) for accuracy, legitimacy of forensic request, ensuring they fall in line with the Forensic Submission Policy.

3.Undertake a quality assurance checks of submission to ensure accuracy and appropriateness. If necessary interrogate in-house systems and liaise with police officers, Senior Scientific Support staff and external Forensic Service Providers. Discrepancies need to be rectified and appropriate persons and systems updated, This will include checking through case information which may be of a distressing or very sensitive nature. This process may also require the challenging, rejection and/or deferring of the submission to the Forensic Operations Manager/Scientific Support Manager if the initial authorisation falls outside of budgetary requirements.

4.Authorisation of forensic submission requests, for specified cases, to ensure the viability, cost effectiveness and evidential requirements for the organisation in line with policy. (When successfully completed probationary period and portfolio of evidence).

5.Create a computerised entry for all submissions and track all results through the process from beginning to end result on the SSU Forensic Case Management System Locard. Access and update North Wales Police Systems with information including results, DNA Match Reports, Forensic Statements, Streamlined Forensic Reports, etc.

6.To ensure all exhibits are correctly stored in line with forensic advice and force procedures in order to maintain optimum condition of exhibits prior to and subsequent transportation to Forensic Providers. Handling a wide variety of exhibits including blood-stained weapons, body organs and tissue, firearms and drugs.

7.Organising the effective transportation of forensic submissions to the relevant external Forensic Service Providers.

8.When required, attendance at crime scenes to prepare the exhibits and relevant documentation for the required forensic submissions for direct transportation to the Forensic Service Provider. (When successfully completed probationary period and portfolio of evidence).

9.Processing and weeding of DNA samples prior to transmission to the National DNA Database ensuring that we are compliant with the Protection of Freedom Act and National DNA procedures. Carrying out verification and quality checks of samples against the PNC system and amendment/status updates as required. Inform National DNA Database to delete crime stains from database where appropriate in order to maintain the data held on the database.

10.To keep up to date and to be fully conversant with the relevant Force policies and procedures and legislative requirements including the Forensic Procurement documents and specifications, National DNA policy and legislation and the Protection of Freedom Act.

11.Attending meetings and seminars within and outside the force, regional force meetings and forensic agencies on forensic submissions and other matters.

12.Assist in the furtherance of forensic awareness and good practice throughout the Force, dissemination of guidance and providing awareness inputs to police staff, police officers, students and external agencies. (When successfully completed probationary period and portfolio of evidence).

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS:
The role requires applicants who can demonstrate (with evidence) skills in the following areas:

1. NVQ level 3, or equivalent qualification/relevant experience.

2.Experience working in a busy office environment where data processing is a key part of the role is essential.

3.Must be computer literate and have experience using Microsoft Office products.

4.Ability and experience in the interpretation and management of data and ability to input high volumes of data accurately and in a timely manner.

5.Good administrative and organisational skills are essential. Ability to work as part of a team with the ability to prioritise and work to deadlines in a sometimes pressurised environment.

6. The role will require experience in handling sensitive and confidential material

Adecco is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.