Jobs

Job Background:

The main role of the Imaging Officer Specialist Photographer is to interpret, record and reproduce a visual narrative of crime scenes, medical and physical evidence.  The role aims to provide understanding of an event to those who were not present at the time: Investigators; Medical Professionals; Criminal Justice Practitioners and Jurors.

The role holder will give expert opinion and advice regarding the crime scene, to the PSNI and other Stakeholders during the investigation process and ultimately advising Crown Counsel and PPS prior to trial and giving expert witness testimony during the trial.

The role holder will be engaged with the development and implementation of ISO17020: Accreditation for Crime Scene Investigation and ISO9001: Quality Management Systems.

Please view the video below for more information on this role.

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

A duty rota ensures that 7 day coverage is maintained and as such you will be required to work a shift pattern including evenings, weekends, public holidays and be part of an on-call rota.

Salary: £33,542 - £34,231 plus £1,422 Environmental Allowance.

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

Main Activities:

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

• Attend Photography Tasks – Crime Scenes/Exhibits/Medical/Aerial/Public Order (some of which will be distressing in nature).
• Construct a digital album on computer/disc when required.
• Prepare Albums/DVDs and other investigative products ensuring its security, integrity and availability when required.
• Maintain accurate documentation and computer records including adding tasks to NICHE database and producing Statements.
• Attend briefings and consultations prior to trial, giving specialist expert advice.  At trial giving specialist expert witness testimony and advice to the courts.
• Ensure all machines and equipment are maintained to ensure compliance with the service level agreements and standards.
• Maintain an up to date knowledge of technical developments and research within this field.
• Implement and comply with ISO17020; Accreditation for Crime Scene Investigation and ISO9001: Quality Management Systems.

Additional Information:

It should also be noted that the role can be physically demanding and some of the scenes of crime can be distressing.  Self-confidence will also 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.  Imaging Officers 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 undertake other duties commensurate with the nature of the role to help facilitate additional resilience.

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.

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’ relevant professional experience in the production of lens based media. 

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrate a comprehensive working knowledge of digital imaging, including image capture, processing and presentation. 
• Demonstrate 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

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of historical photographic techniques and their application within a contemporary photographic environment.  
• Demonstrate a creative and considered approach to photographic lighting, appropriate to subject matter and operational requirements. 
• Demonstrate experience of clinical/medical photographic techniques.
• Hold a current CAA GVC Qualification or equivalent in the operation of Un-Crewed Aerial Systems.

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

Additional Requirements: 

Successful candidates will be required to complete additional 12 – 24 months essential training for the role.

Short listing 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 to demonstrate technical abilities 

Values 

• Public Service
• Courage and Integrity

Competencies – Level 2 

• We Take Ownership
• We Are Innovative and Open Minded