Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Crime Scene Investigator

Job Family Operational Support
Job Sub Family CBRN
Code OPS-CBRN-SD-CBRN Crime Scene Investigator v1.0

Role Purpose

This profile has recently been updated to include the CVF 2024 and core skills, and the new version can be found on College Learn by entering the Profile title in the search function. Please note this profile is out of date and is in the process of being reviewed.

To process non Counter Terrorism crime scenes that involve or are suspected to involve CBRN or other potentially hazardous materials that require the use of specialist protective equipment and techniques using specialist, approved techniques to visualise, capture and recover digital and trace evidence, and gather information and intelligence as part of an investigation.

Key Accountabilities

  • Develop and implement short term forensic strategies, plans and objectives to assist in achieving the wider investigative objectives.
  • Apply specialist methods and techniques to the handling of potentially hazardous materials to minimise the risks of contamination and to ensure the preservation of evidence.
  • Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Conduct and Practice and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17020 standards to provide a quality service through accreditation.
  • Handle exhibits from investigations in line with agreed protocols to maintain the integrity, continuity and security of the evidence for the purpose of investigative processes and court proceedings.
  • Assist with the advancement of the investigation by observing, assessing and recording all aspects of the crime scene and the immediate environment, and ensuring all findings are available for the wider investigation.
  • Identify situations when specialist support is appropriate to advance an investigation or further advice where required.
  • Support the Criminal Justice process by providing accurate and timely Streamlined Forensic Reports (SFR), statements and other documentation and the preparation of relevant disclosure material.
  • Comply with all applicable specialist health and safety legislation and regulations to ensure safe working practices in relation to crime scene investigation.

Behaviours

All roles are expected to know, understand and act within the ethics and values of the Police Service.

The Competency and Values Framework (CVF) has six competencies that are clustered into three groups. Under each competency are three levels that show what behaviours will look like in practice.

It is suggested that this role should be operating or working towards the following levels of the CVF:

Resolute, compassionate and committed

Inclusive, enabling and visionary leadership

Intelligent, creative and informed policing

Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Prior education and experience:

  • Demonstrable experience of complex information gathering using a range techniques.
  • An understanding of the criminal justice system.
  • College of Policing Crime Scene Investigator Programme or equivalent recognised training.
  • Understanding of Forensic Science Regulators Code of Conduct and Practice.
  • Have successfully completed the national CBRN Initial Responder Course.
  • Must have completed the National CBRN Centre CBRN CSI Course.

Skills:

  • Good communication skills with the ability to listen to others.in accordance with the varied needs of differing situations, individuals, groups, and communities.
  • Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
  • Able to present evidence in court and at other hearings.
  • Skilled in the use of standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements, including creating visual records for forensic investigations.
  • Able to use resources efficiently in own role and to comply with financial rules and procedures.
  • Able to identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.
  • Able to break down a straightforward problem into component parts and determine appropriate action, including the evaluation of forensic investigation of crime scenes, and to take decisions and evaluate outcomes.
  • Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate continuous improvement plan.
  • Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
  • Able to identify potential new ways of working and innovation where appropriate and possible to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.

 

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

  • Have attended relevant CPD event once every 12 months to maintain occupational competence and operational deployability.
  • Keep up to date with new approaches to evidence based policing- within the forensics/ investigation field.
  • Keep up to date with new technological approaches within the forensic investigation field.
  • Maintain a working knowledge of how technological advances might facilitate offenders in committing crimes and investigative approaches relating to technological enabled crime.
  • Complete all annual and mandatory training as stipulated by any national and force guidelines.
  • Keep up to date with national guidance to your core duties.

Professional Registration/Licenses

Not Applicable.

Links to other Profiles

  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • CBRN Responder
  • CBRN First Responder
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