Important: Candidates that have applied for this role within the last 6 months will not be considered.

The purpose of the opportunity is to provide expert assistance at the scene of fatal, life-threatening road traffic collisions and other serious incidents to support the force with an expert-status Forensic Collision Investigation Service.  To provide a full technical examination on any type of vehicle. To produce technical reports on findings and present your evidence as an Expert Witness in Court including Crown, Coroners and Civil Courts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess severity then attend and investigate scenes of fatal and likely to become fatal road traffic collisions. 
• Ensure a detailed investigation of the scene is undertaken in line with ISO 17020 accreditation.
• Ensure an effective and robust scene management is in place to secure and preserve best evidence.
• Identify and evaluate all relevant evidence at a scene.
• Record pertinent evidence to be able to reconstruct a scene later that is of a standard that it will stand up to third party scrutiny later.
• Record scene including distressing material using LiDAR scanners, terrestrial photography, written notes and digital downloads.
• Conduct vehicle examinations at scene and later at third party premises. This includes data downloads and vehicle testing across all vehicle categories.
• Ensure all evidence collected at the scene is recorded in line with standard operating procedures.
• Ensure all technical equipment is in calibration and is current with any required method validation.
• Ensure all evidence collected at a scene is secured in line with standard operating procedures and in compliance with Management of Police Information and Data protection.
•  Ensure a robust Quality Assurance check is completed of all data recorded in line with standard operating procedure time scales.
• Offer independent expert advice to the Senior Investigating Officer to support a forensic strategy for the most robust case. Ensure work is within the limitations of expertise and advise where another expert may need to be instructed to ensure best case evidence is presented.
• Assess and evaluate all analytical data in line with ISO 17025 requirements.
• Assess and evaluate all interpretive information.
• Prepare expert reports to the highest professional standards by applying correct scientific principles and ensuring conclusions reached are valid and supported by the available evidence.
• Ensure evidential integrity in a timely manner in line with set Service Level Agreements as appropriate to the type of report.
• Ensure reports are prepared in line with the end to end process as set out in standard operating procedures.
• Ensure all evidence presented is appropriately peer reviewed through a robust quality assurance process before any report is published or findings disclosed.
• Attend Court and other hearings as required to present independent expert witness evidence in line with Criminal and Civil Procedure rules.
• Take personal responsibility to keep updated on the latest versions of Standard Operating Procedures, methodology and Codes of Conduct.
• Achieve and maintain competence in accordance with ISO and regulatory standards and evidence through continued professional development.
• Support all aspects of ISO accreditation including competency testing method validation, equipment validation and auditing as required.
• To take all security precautions in respect of information and systems maintaining the integrity of the work of the forensic collision investigation unit, ensuring confidentiality at all times, reporting all concerns about security/vulnerability and to report any breaches of this responsibility by self or others.
• Undertake all training (some of which will be residential) as directed by your line manager.
• Achieve a BSc with honours in Forensic Collision Investigation through a structured programme in the timelines provided by your line manager and the Forensic Collision Investigation Network.
• Due to the nature of the role, must provide biometric samples (fingerprints and DNA) as required to ensure on going inclusion on the relevant elimination databases for policing purposes
• All roles are expected to know, understand and act within the code of ethics and values of the Police Service.

Knowledge & Experience  

Essential:

• Hold an A level minimum grade C (or equivalent) in Maths and Physics.
• Hold a GCSE minimum grade C (or equivalent) in English.
• Achieve a BSc with honours in Forensic Collision Investigation within the time lines set by the Forensic Collision Investigation Network.
• Hold a minimum of a Full UK driving licence Category B.
• Achieve vocational licences as directed by WMP and the Forensic Collision Investigation Network.
• Achieve an Advanced Police Driving Grade
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of motor vehicle technology.
• Excellent working knowledge of modern motor technology, equipment and products.
• Achieve relevant qualifications in vehicle examination.
• Have working knowledge of Microsoft Office systems including Word and Excel software to produce concise technical reports, calculations and other documents.
• Achieve working competence of CAD software
• Achieve a working competence of Adobe Suite editing software.
• Willingness and ability to work in physically challenging environments e.g. walking long distances or over uneven ground, carrying awkward or heavy items over protracted periods of time. Varying light levels, inclement weather conditions and exposure to potentially hazardous substances including but not limited to fuels, chemicals, bodily fluids and bodies
• 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 take control of a dynamic situation and influence others.
• Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
• Able to present evidence in court and at other hearings. Evidence presented will be subject to cross examination and opinion challenged during those proceedings.
• 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 collision 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 under minimal supervision.
• Able to work with others, offer support and opinions and be able to receive feedback.
• Able to identify potential new ways of working and innovation where appropriate and to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work

Desirable:

• Sound evidenced forensic collision investigation experience.
• City and Guilds in Forensic Collision Investigation.
• UCPD in Forensic Collision Investigation.
• Cert HE in Forensic Collision Investigation.
• BSc in Forensic Collision Investigation.
• Experience of maintaining and testing a wide range of electrical and mechanical systems.
• Educated to Level 4 City & Guilds or BTEC/HND/HNC equivalent in vehicle mechanics.
• Experience in working to ISO 17020 and or 17025.
• BSc in STEM subject field.
• Experience in preparing complex reports to a high level.

• Attain membership of a professional organisation recognised by Institute of Motor Industries or an institution registered with the Engineering Council, Chartered Society of Forensic Science or ITAI.
• Experience or understanding of ISO accreditation, in particular ISO 17020 & 17025.