Footwear Officer
Role Purpose
A Footwear Officer assesses and compares crime scene and custody footwear marks, providing information intelligence to support incidents and investigations, and to maximise the evidence and intelligence data gathered from crime scenes.
Key Accountabilities
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements of Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct as well as the local quality management systems to provide a quality service.
• Assess and compare custody prints, footwear and scene marks to produce information intelligence to support the investigation of crime.
• Interrogate and update local, regional and national databases and systems (e.g. the National Footwear Reference Collection (NFRC) and the National Footwear Database (NFD)) to record outcomes of footwear assessments and comparisons, to maintain validity of intelligence databases and to aid in the production of intelligence to support the investigation of crime.
• Support the criminal justice process by providing accurate and timely reports and statements as appropriate, including advising how to interpret and assign conclusions to forensic findings, distinguishing between factual and evaluative reporting.
• Handle exhibits from investigations in line with agreed protocols to maintain the integrity and continuity of evidence for the purpose of investigative processes and court proceedings.
• Design and deliver training for key stakeholders and the wider policing community to improve knowledge and understanding of footwear evidence in the investigative process.
• Provide advice, support and guidance regarding all footwear related matters to all aspects of the investigation of crime.
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:
• Level 3 or equivalent standard in numeracy and literacy.
• An understanding of the policies, legislation and regulations relevant to area of work.
Skills:
• Able to observe and attend to detail to identify footwear marks effectively.
• Able to communicate effectively with the ability to listen to others.
• Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
• Skilled in the use of use IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements, such as the use of imaging equipment to create evidential records of digitally captured images.
• Able to use resources efficiently in own role.
• 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.
• Able to interpret and apply guidance to a specific activity.
• Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate improvement plan.
• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Develop knowledge around forensic disciplines.
• Keep up to date with new technological approaches within the forensic investigation field.
• Maintain skills in court presentation techniques.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable legislation and quality standards.
Professional Registration/Licenses
• Not applicable.
Links to other Profiles
• Footwear Specialist