Footwear Specialist
Role Purpose
A Footwear Specialist provides specialist analysis and interpretation of footwear evidence to support criminal investigations and act as an expert witness where required.
Key Accountabilities
• Ensure the recovery of best evidence by supporting the wider investigation through scene attendance.
• Assess and compare footwear exhibits to evaluate suitability for further comparison and where appropriate, undertake detailed examination and interpretation of footwear evidence.
• Support the criminal justice process by providing accurate and timely factual and evaluative reports and statements when appropriate, including advising how to interpret and assign conclusions to forensic findings distinguishing between factual and evaluative reporting.
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with legal requirements, the requirements of Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct as well as local quality management systems to provide a quality service.
• Conduct peer review of footwear evidential examinations and participate in any arbitration processes.
• Support management in attending external events, undertaking horizon scanning and research in order to identify emerging trends, technology and investigative opportunities in gathering and analysing footwear evidence nationally and internationally; and recommend improvements to footwear processes and shape the future of forensic footwear services.
• Design and deliver training for key stakeholders and the wider policing community to improve knowledge and understanding of footwear evidence related issues in the investigative process and share best practice in force, regionally and nationally to aid collaboration and continuous improvement in policing.
• 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:
• Significant prior experience as a Footwear Officer.
• Completed Footwear Examination Programme Stages 1 and 2, or equivalent.
• Completed training in specialist footwear evidential examination and interpretation, court presentation, scene attendance, photography and other specialisms.
Skills:
• Good communication skills at all levels and able to adapt the content and style to differing audiences.
• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.
• Able to produce clear, concise, accurate reports or other documents.
• Skilled in the use of use IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
• Able to review own performance objectively and to take steps to maintain and enhance competence and professional standards.
• Able to 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 and expert witness techniques.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable legislation and quality standards.
Professional Registration/Licenses
• Not applicable.
Links to other Profiles
• Footwear Officer