Forensic Laboratory Officer

RSR are currently recruiting for a Forensic Laboratory Officer to work on a full-time, long-term contract based in Preston, Lancashire.

Please be advised, this role is office based, so applicants must be prepared to travel to and work from Preston.

The role will be involve accessing Police systems, so applicants will need to undergo Security Vetting checks.

The role is paying £13.28p per hour (PAYE)

Main purpose of the role:
To support the unit in the retrieval and recording of Fingerprint/ Palm print, footwear and indented writing evidence

Key Responsibilities :

• Ability to make an independent assessment for the suitability of evidence, to form an Evidence Recovery Plan (ERP).
• To work in accordance with standard operating procedures, conducting laboratory examinations for recovered exhibits, enhancing /recovering / recording evidence without compromising other evidence types.
• To use your knowledge to apply a forensic strategy approach to maximise the potential evidence recovery rate of each exhibit. To understand the sequential approach for examinations.
• Ability to identify all evidence types and liaise with other specialised units to discuss ERP strategies.
• To work in a laboratory environment, preparing chemical solutions (for enhancement processes), ensure appropriate safe containment of chemical waste and perform general housekeeping functions, to the required Health and Safety standards, (including the lifting, handling and transport of equipment/materials). Use sterilisation techniques on contaminated items, equipment and documentation, in order to ensure subsequent safe use.
• Understand the principles of being involved with and managing / storing sensitive information.
• Undertake validation and verification of techniques to demonstrate their effectiveness.
• Maintain your competency in all areas (performing processes and operating equipment); Take part in annual audits of processes; inter laboratory comparison tests and external proficiency test schemes.
• Provide technical assistance at Major scenes (at appropriate level) and maintain the appropriate records.
• Provide witness statements and attend court to give evidence (for all crime categories) to support the Criminal Justice System, for matters relating to case work undertaken in the FEL and when attending scenes.

Essential:
Experience of working in a laboratory environment and handling chemicals
Experience of the digital photography process and using software for enhancing digital images
Experience of working on own initiative, investigating problems, developing solutions and taking appropriate timely action to resolve them.

Desirable:
Experience of handling confidential & sensitive material in an appropriate manner
Experience of working on / with computerised systems
To have practical understanding of COSHH regulations and knowledge of Risk Assessment

If you would like to be considered for this position and have the relevant experience, then please apply now.