Jobs

Job Background: 

The Identification Bureau Specialist Photographer main role is to produce photographs of fingerprints and footwear marks from crime scenes, ensuring that the quality of the images are at the highest levels and are suitable for intelligence or evidential purposes. 

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

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

Main Activities: 

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

• Produce high-quality photographs of fingerprints and footwear marks that may be used for intelligence purposes or evidential purposes in the Criminal Justice System.
• Operate the Digital Capture System to photograph friction ridge detail (fingerprints) before and after chemical enhancement.
• Operate the Digital Capture System to photograph Footwear Marks recovered from crime scenes for intelligence purposes.
• Maintain and archive original image files for continuity of evidence purposes.
• On occasion provide photographic services at crime scenes.
• On occasion attend mortuary facilitates to obtain photographs of fingerprints from deceased persons for the purpose of formal Identification.
• Attain and maintain competency in compliance with ISO17025:2017 Quality Management System.
• Maintain photographic equipment and supplies to ensure compliance with Service Level Agreements and ISO17025:2017 requirements.
• Prepare reports and evidential statements that may be used within the Criminal Justice System.
• Attend court to provide evidence, as required.
• Provide training to Scientific Support Branch staff in the photographic processes and procedures.
• Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of relevant health & safety policies and procedures.
• Provide advice and expert guidance to staff and customers, as appropriate.
• Undertake continual professional development, including researching new techniques and developing novel methods. 
• Participate in and contribute to team meetings.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders, including other government organisations.

Additional Information:

It should be noted that due to the nature of this role the role holder will work alone within the Identification Bureau Photography Suite for extended periods of time. 

It should be noted that the role holder may on occasion be required to attend crime scenes and the mortuary which may be distressing. 

All role holders within Scientific Support Branch are required to provide a DNA sample and fingerprints for elimination purposes. These will be held upon the respective elimination databases for the duration of appointment.

This Job Description reflects the main duties and responsibilities with this position. It is not intended to be exclusive or exhaustive.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications 

• HNC Level 4 in Photographic / Digital Imaging or equivalent. 

AND

• A minimum of three 3 years’ experience (within the last 5 years), working in a professional photographic role, involving the capture and production of photographic images.  

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrates a comprehensive working knowledge of digital imaging, including image capture, processing and quality standards. 
• Demonstrates ability to communicate effectively and professionally with others in a work environment. 
• Proven ability to manage workload independently, meet deadlines and deliver accurate, reliable work.

Essential Other

• The successful candidate must have access to a form of transport which will enable them to fulfil the responsibilities of the job in full.
• IT literate specifically in the use of the Microsoft Office suite. (Including MS Word, MS PowerPoint, MS Excel and MS Outlook)

Desirable Skills and Experience 

• Demonstrates a working knowledge of historical photographic techniques and their application within a contemporary photographic environment.  
• Demonstrates a creative and considered approach to photographic lighting, appropriate to subject matter and operational requirements. 
• Demonstrate experience with MACRO photography – the ability to photograph small objects or concentrated areas to produce high quality images.
• Demonstrate experience of working within a scientific or laboratory environment.

Additional Information:

Successful candidates will be required to complete essential training for the role.

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, which includes a requirement for candidates to have resided in the UK for the three years immediately preceding their vetting application. 

Shortlisting will be carried out based on essential criteria. Please note in some instances, for example, where there is a high volume of applicants, desirable criteria may be assessed.

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 plus submission of portfolio.  

Values   

• Courage and Integrity
• Public Service

Competencies – Level 2

• We Take Ownership
• We Are Innovative and Open Minded