Job Description

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is making a significant, multi-year investment in our Forensic Services and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines to create a forward-looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate, timely outcomes that support effective crime investigation for TVP and other external organisations. Our investment includes developing our people, making best use of technology and creating a Centre of Excellence for the future:

As part of this transformation, an exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU) as a Quality Technical Officer (QTO) in the Fingerprint Development Laboratory (FDL). Reporting to the Fingerprint Laboratory Supervisor, you will support the day-to-day delivery of Quality Standards and accreditation activities within the laboratory, ensuring that the Force is compliant with regulatory requirements and the legitimacy of evidence into the Criminal Justice System. This opportunity is open to applicants who have demonstrable experience as a Fingerprint Laboratory Officer with the following attributes:

• Excellent interpersonal and team working skills,
• Proven analytical skills coupled with professional decision making,
• Good eyesight to examine and record fine detail,
• Ability to follow standard operating procedures,
• A commitment to serving the public,
• and have the passion to succeed in this role,

Duties will include activities such as designing and carrying out validation activities, completing audits and assisting with the technical aspects of quality investigations. They will have oversight of proficiency testing, inter-lab comparisons and collaborative exercises; asset management and maintenance (including identifying equipment calibration requirements), and the undertaking and co-ordination of appropriate corrective and preventative action.

Realising opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement, this role is integral to ensuring our analytical forensic services are fit for modern policing, and will work closely with other QTOs and leads across a range of Forensic Science disciplines. The post-holder will actively engage with the scientific community, conduct scientific research where appropriate in order to advance the capability of the unit as well as reviewing, developing and maintaining documented processes and standard operating procedures.

Candidates must be a qualified Fingerprint Laboratory Officer, able to demonstrate and maintain technical competence and knowledge as a subject matter expert in both a scene and lab environment. They will also support and deliver technical training within the unit. For this reason, post-holders are expected to spend approximately 20% of their time on operational activities to maintain that competence. The remainder of the time will be spent on accreditation and training activities.

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages. NOTE: CV\'s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at quoting reference 20557. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 16th July 2023.

Find out more about TVP Forensics .

#LI-Hybrid

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more .

Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we\'ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be .

Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Valuing Difference. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. Learn more about how we are .

Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

Thames Valley Police