Forensic Laboratory Officer

Forensic Laboratory Officer (Technical Lead) Location: Police Headquarters, Exeter Salary: Grade 8 - Starts at £42,897 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £47,712 per annum. Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part-time or you are appointed on a part-time basis your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon and Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same grade. Vacancy Type: Permanent, this role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need. Do you have a high level of attention to detail? Do you have previous experience within Forensic Laboratories, UKAS, the Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice and EN ISO/IEC? Are you a people person whos keen to support their team maintain compliance? If youd like to be part of a great team using those skills to provide a service to the justice system whilst ensuring compliance of our Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratory in Devon, we are looking for a new Technical Lead/Laboratory Officer to do exactly that, if interested please read more below. The Role Reporting to the Regional Forensic Laboratory Manager, the Forensic Laboratory Technical Lead is responsible for overseeing the Fingerprint Enhancement Laboratorys (FEL) ISO technical compliance. Working with the SWPC Quality Team, the Regional Forensic Laboratory Manager and the Forensic Laboratory Team the role holder will coordinate and undertake tasks required by the Quality Management System. The role holder will also need to maintain their technical competencies by completing operational laboratory work. In particular to: Manage the FELs ISO technical compliance through the Quality Management System maintaining records for staff competencies, proficiency tests / interlab comparisons, training, equipment, document control, quality control etc. and to act in an advisory capacity to the Regional Forensic Laboratory Manager. Coordinate the regular review of processes and documents incorporating suggestions for improvements from the FEL or changes resulting from audits, other ISO activity or United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) visits. To oversee the change process, and implementation of the new processes and documents with the authorisation of the Regional Forensic Laboratory Manager Drawing on their technical expertise, the Technical Lead will collaborate with the Regional Forensic Laboratory Manager ensuring that all the laboratorys non-conformances are investigated, and technical corrective / preventative actions are completed. Coordinate and organise validation plans, studies and reports to evidence the efficacy of new and existing laboratory equipment and process techniques. Keep abreast of new and developing forensic techniques and changes to BS EN ISO 17025, ILACG19, Forensic Science Regulator Code and all other applicable accreditation standards. Act as the laboratorys main technical liaison during visits by UKAS and will be responsible for demonstrating accreditation compliance to the Technical Assessor. Visits may be annual surveillance, reassessments, extension to scope or unscheduled. Carry out and maintain competencies in laboratory examination and chemical treatment of crime scene exhibits for the purpose of visualising, recovering, photographing, and recording forensic evidence. Attend crime scenes and other locations as requested to carry out examinations and chemical treatment to provide specialist assistance. Produce Streamlined Forensic Reports and Statements of Evidence and to attend court on request to present evidence. Provide specialist advise to CSIs, Investigators, Criminal Justice, to ensure best forensic outcomes are obtained relating to fingerprint development and preservation. Any other activity documented within the Forensic Laboratory Officer Role Profile. What you get if you join us: A competitive salary with yearly increments. 25 days a year leave entitlement, with an increase to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time workers). Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties. Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one-off payment of £5) Company sick pay. Competitive local government pension scheme. Job related equipment, as required. Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties. Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme). Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services. Development and training opportunities. Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need Flexitime, with the ability to undertake your hours flexibly and in line with business need To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Police, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

Location: Exeter, South West, GB

Posted Date: 8/13/2025