Jobs

Job Background:

The role of a Crime Scene Surveyor (Mapping Specialist) is to primarily provide a professional cartographic and crime scene survey service to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other government departments, which positively supports investigation, prosecution and operational planning processes. This is achieved by attending crime scenes and conducting comprehensive surveys in order to produce visual aids, in the form of sketches, scaled drawings, maps, plans and digital presentations depicting crime scenes in detail.

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 37 hours per week.

A duty rota ensures that 24/7 365 coverage is maintained and as such you will be required to operate on an on call rota outside office hours and at weekends. 

You may also be required to work short notice overtime in response to taskings when not on call or when a daytime tasking goes beyond normal finishing time. Crime Scene Surveyor’s respond to crime tasking from a central base in Carrickfergus. An immediate response to a tasking anywhere in Northern Ireland is required within 2 hours.

The post attracts an on call allowance in which appropriate rates will be applied. These hours and allowances are subject to ongoing review to reflect business needs.

Salary:   £33,542 - £34,231 plus £1422 Environmental Allowance

Main Activities:

The main duties and responsibilities associated with the role include the following:

• Attending crime scenes (some of which will be distressing in nature) which will involve surveying using Electronic Total Stations and High Definition Survey Scanners, sketching, measuring, capturing spherical images, recording evidence, completing dynamic risk assessments, working unsupervised, team working and giving expert advice.
• Taking raw survey data collected at crime scenes and using specialist Computer Aided Design (CAD) software, Geographic Information System (GIS) applications and reprographics equipment to produce detailed, scaled maps and plans of crime scenes for use during the investigation process and for use in court.
• Using specialist presentational software to create digital presentations for use during investigations and at court. Collating digital evidence from scene survey and from other agencies including maps, photos, CCTV, audio, documents, fingerprints and DNA.
• Producing hard copy maps, plans, photography and documentation in relation to taskings undertaken by the unit.
• Attending briefings and consultations prior to trial, giving specialist expert advice. 
• Giving specialist expert witness testimony and advice to the courts.
• Providing maps, plans, visual aids, digital presentations and expert advice to the Police Service of Northern Ireland and other agencies with respect to operational requirements and the planning of major events.

Additional Information:

It should be noted that some of the scenes of crime can be distressing and traumatic in nature. Self-confidence will be needed as the role holder may need to give evidence in court and be cross-examined by barristers. 

As crimes happen at any time, being called out on evenings and weekends is a regular part of the role. A duty rota ensures that 24/7 365 coverage is maintained and as such you will be required to operate on an on call rota outside office hours and at weekends. You may also be required to work short notice overtime in response to taskings when not on call or when a daytime tasking goes beyond normal finishing time. Crime Scene Surveyors respond to crime tasking from a central base in Carrickfergus. An immediate response to a tasking anywhere in Northern Ireland is required within 2 hours.

The role holder will also undertake other duties commensurate with the nature of the role, and to help facilitate additional resilience, this will include the potential of cross- skilling across other forensic disciplines such as Crime Scene Investigator.

The role holder will also be required to provide a fingerprint and DNA sample for elimination purposes for the duration of their employment within Scientific Support branch.

The duties and responsibilities outlined reflect the main elements of those associated with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.  

Person Specification:

Essential Qualifications

HNC/Diploma in relevant Geographic Information System (GIS), Cartographic or Survey subject

OR

2 A’ Levels (or equivalent) 

OR

Level 3 City & Guilds Certificate in Computer Aided Design (CAD).

Essential Skills and Experience

• 2 years’ experience in a professional GIS, Cartographic or Survey role.
• 1 year’s relevant experience using CAD.

Essential Other  

• IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite (including Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook).
• Applicants must have a valid driving licence and a car available for official business use, or access to a form of personal transport that will enable you to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Additional Information

Appointment will be dependent on the individual satisfying the vetting requirements for the post which will vary according to the work area appointed to. Please note that for all appointments there is a minimum requirement to have a three year checkable history immediately preceding the submission of a vetting questionnaire.

Shortlisting will be carried out based on the essential criteria.

Successful applicants will be retained on a merit list for future opportunities arising. 

We would encourage you to check the spam within your email system for any relevant correspondence.

Selection Methodology

PSNI uses the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) which sets out nationally recognised behaviours and values to support all policing professionals. You will be assessed against the values and at the competencies level as indicated below.

This will include both past and future focused questions. Further guidance and, information about the Competency and Values Framework (CVF) is available here on our website. Please use the 2024 CVF for this role.

Applicants meeting the eligibility criteria and essential qualifications, skills and experience will be required to demonstrate their experience for the following criteria:

Competency and Values Based Interview

Values

• Public Service

Competencies – Level 2 

• We Take Ownership
• We Collaborate
• We Support and Inspire