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Job title: Senior Fingerprint Officer / Team Leader
Grade: Grade G
Role code: SSO023
Status: Police Staff
Supervise, motivate and train a team of staff to provide an efficient, professional fingerprint identification service to the Force. Act as an expert witness in court, justifying the identification of marks found at the scenes of crime, in order to assist in the detection of offenders and the reduction of crime across Kent and Essex.
Amended February 2018
You must have a high level of professional knowledge and expertise surrounding the study and identification of fingerprints, gained through successful completion of national Fingerprint Expert training or in house equivalent process and have substantial practical experience and be a competent practitioner.
Supervisory skills to manage and motivate a small team of staff are essential, together with training and coaching skills in order to develop members of the team.
Confidence and professionalism are essential, including the presence to present and justify own professional findings and conclusions when acting as an expert witness.
IT skills are essential, as the use of ident 1 to identify and eliminate prints forms a major part of the work.
Report writing skills are essential.
I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.
I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.
I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.
I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.
I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.
I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.
I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.
I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.
I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.
I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.
Can drive police vehicles following an authorisation test. Undertakes checks to ensure roadworthiness of vehicles before use including, tyre pressures, lights, fuel, oil and water. Completes vehicle mileage logs. Ensures that the vehicle is kept clean and tidy. Ensures security of police vehicles when leaving unattended. Conforms to all relevant legal requirements for the use of motor vehicles.
Demonstrates the practical skills learnt from the Advanced Fingerprint Officers course and has a thorough understanding of the principles and practice of fingerprinting. Demonstrates a detailed knowledge of the legislation, policy and procedures of the Force and the scientific technical aids available. Attends crime scenes and is able to provide expert witness testimony in Court. Able to offer advice and assist with the development of colleagues.
Understands the law relating to the recovery and enhancement of fingerprints and the role of expert witness. Has a detailed knowledge of all processes used to develop fingerprints, including which components of the fingerprint they interact with, how to prepare and mix the chemicals and how to apply them correctly. Possesses a detailed knowledge of Health & Safety in the laboratory and COSHH regulations relating to the use of chemicals. Competent to treat complex exhibits with a variety of substrate types to maximise fingerprint evidence. Able to use basic photographic skills including the use of lighting and equipment to processes and print negatives. Demonstrates the ability to recognise the suitability of fingerprints and can 'mark up' exhibits for photographing.
Confident and experienced in all practical and written procedures relating to the discovery and recovery of forensic material, including fingerprints, its value and subsequent submission. Has practical experience of interpreting volume crime scenes and of gathering intelligence from those scenes. Possesses a good working knowledge of procedures appertaining to continuity of material found. Understands the technical aids currently in use.
Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment / technology is introduced. Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.
Can retrieve information from computer searches across data source boundaries e.g. across a number of data sources, across county. Can analyse and compare data from such searches. Understands significance of findings and can provide guidance on the reliability of forecasts resulting from data analysis. Can monitor data quality in the work of others, and may manage the impact of data quality issues.
Displays a general appreciation of changes affecting the police service. Understands the inter-relationships between the roles of the various Operational and Support activities, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Possesses a detailed understanding of working procedures, practices and policies relevant to the current role and the roles of subordinates and ensures that these are followed at all times. Is clear about Force goals and effectively contributes to local business plan objectives.
Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.
Demonstrates advanced skills in the use of one or more office software products Able to use these packages to enhance the quality or presentation of work required within the role. Manages data files and file structures. Provides on the job training and guidance to other staff in the use of specific or specialist software, if required. Familiar with established IT rules and protocols and shows a good understanding of data protection requirements.
Able to anticipate risks likely to affect the team's ability to execute their function, in terms of likelihood and impact, and assesses how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their team and their objectives. Has an understanding of pathways to alert local managers to flawed or ineffective operational control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.
Able to present and convey ideas and new/ revised procedures, on a one to one or group basis, to a logical and well structured plan. Aware of a variety of training techniques, tools and principles.
Promote equality and value diversity.