Forensic Vehicle Examiner

Provide a full technical examination and expert report on motor vehicles within scope of practice.

• Conduct specialist and technical mechanical vehicle examinations in line with national requirements.
• Deliver competent, factual reports, evidential statements and when appropriate, expert and interpretative reports and continuity processes, as required for the criminal justice system and force procedures/systems.
• Critically review colleagues’ and external expert reports to ensure highest standards of professional evidence and that correct mechanical principles have been applied.
• Engage with, implement and abide by departmental procedures in line with the requirements of Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17020 standards to provide a quality service.
• Identify if additional resources and/or specialist knowledge is required to assist with the forensic examination and/or reconstruction.

Prior education and experience:

• NVQ level 4 or equivalent in automotive studies.
• Proven relevant experience with a theoretical and practical knowledge of motor vehicle technology and engineering.

Skills:

• 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 examination of items and 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.

• 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 collision investigation and automotive fields.
• Maintain competence by completing annual competency assessment provided by the Forensic Collision Investigation Network (FCIN).
• 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.

• Membership of the Institute of Motor Industries (at Associate or Affiliate level).

• Forensic Collision Investigator

• Forensic Collision Investigation Unit Supervisor