Fingerprint Specialist
Role Purpose
To analyse, compare, evaluate crime scene friction-ridge detail against computerised and manual reference samples to verify identity and act as an expert witness, where required.
Key Accountabilities
• Establish the identity of a person through the analysis, comparison, evaluation and verification of friction-ridge detail recovered from crime scenes, exhibits and ten-prints.
• Code and search friction-ridge detail recovered from crime scenes and exhibits, using databases to enable comparisons to be made with information databases.
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17025 standards to provide a quality service through accreditation.
• Document and report findings of outcomes, ensuring accuracy and proportionality, in order to assist with investigations.
• 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 and attend and present evidence of opinion in court.
• 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.
• Design and deliver training for key stakeholders and the wider policing community to improve knowledge and understanding of friction ridge detail related issues in the investigative process and share best practice in Force, regionally and nationally to aid collaboration and continuous improvement in policing.
• Provide holistic advice, support and guidance regarding all friction ridge detail related matters to all aspects of the investigation of crime.
• Provide specialist advice and support to facilitate the recovery of friction ridge detail from crime scenes and cadavers.
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:
• Specialist advanced training and experience in applying fingerprint identification techniques.
• Relevant Science degree or equivalent training and/or relevant operational experience.
• Knowledge of working with Laboratory rules and protocols.
Skills:
• Good communication skills with the ability to listen to others.
• Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
• Skilled in the use of use standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
• Ability to apply patience, attention to detail, and methodology to specialist fingerprint identification work.
• 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 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.
• Develop skills around Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).
• Court training as an expert witness.
• Receive mentoring and coaching from colleagues and other specialists.
• Maintain knowledge of applicable legislation and quality standards.
Professional Registration/Licenses
• Not applicable.
Links to other Profiles
• Fingerprint Officer
• Fingerprint Technician