Exhibits Officer

The Exhibits Officer records all items of property seized during an investigation. They consider the evidential and investigative opportunities presented by seized property and ensure that property is stored in a secure and appropriate fashion for the duration of the investigation, or as long as required. They will ensure the correct disposure of property when authorised to do so by the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO).

• Support investigations by ensuring that all property seized is correctly handled, recorded, including on HOLMES2, and stored to maintain its evidential and investigative value.

• Review the evidential and investigative value of items seized to support the wider investigation

• Liaise with the SIO and other stakeholders to submit exhibits and samples for forensic analysis in line with relevant guidance and/or procedures.

• Advise on the correct processes for the handling, storing and recording of seized property to aid the wider investigation.

• Carry out dynamic risk assessments on property seized, adhering to applicable health and safety legislation to ensure the safety of all officers and staff handling exhibits.

• Comply with all national and local guidance and applicable legislation relating to seizing, handling, recording, storage and the disposal of property seized during an investigation.

• Attend as required searches, post mortems and other locations in the capacity of Exhibits Officer to support the correct seizure, handling, recording, transportation and storing of evidential items in line with local and national guidelines and applicable legislation.

Prior education and experience:

• Experience of the investigative process or conducting investigations.

• PIP 2 desirable but not mandatory

• Experience of Major Incident Room procedures and roles.

• Completion of the HOLMES2 Exhibits training

• Knowledge of the up-to-date methods for correct recovery, handling, packaging and security of evidence.

• Awareness of the importance and role of forensics in exhibit recovery, handling and storage.

Skills:

• Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support and adapt language, form, and message to meet the needs of different people and audiences.

• Skilled in the use of specialist IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.

• Able to break down a complex problem into component parts and determine appropriate action in investigations.

• Ability to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support and advice as required.

• Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate improvement plan.

• Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.

• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.

• Able to produce clear and concise reports and other documents using good practice procedures.

• Maintain knowledge of the local and national guidance around the seizure, recording, processing, handling, and use of property seized as part of an investigation.

• Maintain knowledge of the investigative process and any changes to local and national guidance and legislation relating to investigation.

• Identify and share good practice on a local and national level.

• Maintain knowledge of the Major Incident Room Standardised Administration Procedures (MIRSAP).

• Keep up-to-date with changes and updates to the HOLMES2 system and how it applies to, and impacts on, disclosure and exhibits.

Not applicable

• Office Manager
• Action Manager
• HOLMES Manager
• Indexing Supervisor
• Disclosure Officer
• Analyst
• Indexer
• Document Reader
• Receiver