Covert Crime Scene Investigator

To process covert crime scenes using specialist, approved techniques to visualise, capture and recover digital and trace evidence, and gather information and intelligence as part of an investigation in such a way as to not leave any trace of their presence at the scene.

• Develop, or assist in developing, and implement short term covert forensic strategies, plans and objectives within each investigation to assist in achieving the wider investigative objectives.
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements of the FSR Codes of Conduct and Practice to FSR Codes of Practice and Conduct and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17020/17025 standards to provide a quality service through accreditation.
• Support investigations by using approved covert forensic techniques for preserving, capturing, and assessing evidence at crime scenes, using digital capture, forensic (including digital) and fingerprint techniques.
• 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.
• Operate independently and apply applicable decision making methods to ensure effective decision making is undertaken in challenging and pressured situations.
• Identify situations when specialist support is appropriate to advance an investigation.
• Comply with guidance, regulations and legislation concerning confidentiality of covert operations to ensure that investigations are not compromised.
• 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.
• Design and deliver training for key stakeholders and the wider policing community to improve knowledge and understanding of Crime Scene Investigation in the investigative process.
• Share best practice on crime scene investigation in Force, regionally and nationally to aid collaboration and continuous improvement in policing.
• Comply with all applicable specialist health and safety legislation and regulations to ensure safe working practices in relation to crime scene investigation.

Prior education and experience:

• Likely to have achieved a Level 2 or equivalent standard in numeracy and literacy prior to entry.
• 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.
• Completed W8 course to at least level 2.
• Able to achieve local role specific fitness requirements.

Skills:

• Ability to manage and conduct effective and efficient priority and high-volume investigations.
• 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.

• Maintain knowledge and skills to retain levels 2 and/or 3 W8 certification and remain occupationally competent.
• 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.

W8 Licence to remain operationally deployable.

• Covert Crime Scene Manager
• Covert Crime Scene Co-ordinator
• Crime Scene Investigator
• Crime Scene Manager
• Crime Scene Co-ordinator