Vacancy Information
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full time Forensic Collision Investigator within the Forensic Collision Investigation Unit based at Shoreham. The FCIU is within the collaborated operations command of Sussex and Surrey and part of Roads Policing.
The successful candidate will, therefore, be required at times, to work across both force areas and provide support to other forces on rare occasions.
The Forensic Collision Investigation Unit is responsible for the in-depth investigation into the causes of fatal and serious injury road traffic collisions. The unit will also be employed in any other arena where its skills and abilities will assist other departments or add value to investigations.
The Role
The role will involve examining scenes, collecting evidence and data, conducting research, reconstructing incidents, preparing in-depth reports and the presentation of expert evidence at criminal and civil courts, or any other judicial venue, as required. It will also involve supplying specialist technical knowledge and support to other areas of the force.
Key Responsibilities
To attend incidents as required and conduct both the evidence gathering phase and subsequent reconstruction phase in accordance with health and safety legislation, the NPCC protocol for Collision Investigation, APP investigating road deaths, Forensic Science Regulators requirements, Civil and Criminal Procedure Rules, the membership requirements for the Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators, Lord Woolf report Access to Justice 1996 regarding expert witnesses and any other protocols concerning agreed working practices either locally or with partner agencies.
To conduct static and dynamic risk assessments before and during any work undertaken to ensure compliance with Health and Safety legislation.
To conduct vehicle examinations as required and to record findings and liaise with specialist experts / manufacturers as necessary.
To record evidence at scene and subsequent vehicle examinations with competent use of digital photography equipment.
To maintain appropriate records and audit trails (both manual and electronic) in respect of evidence gathering, forensic reconstructions and exhibits.
To be skilled in the use of computer and I.T systems, especially Microsoft Word and Computer Aided Design packages such as RiScan Pro / RiSOLVE and Animation software.
To drive police vehicles at an Advanced permit level.
To conduct scene surveys using 3d Laser scanning, GPS, Total Station, Triangulation and Chain and Offset methods and subsequently produce detailed 2d / 3d scale plans.
To attend case conferences and provide sound technical and legal advice regarding the investigation or any area where the post holder’s specialist skills and experience are relevant.
To ensure that equipment is correctly maintained, operated and is serviceable.
To ensure that exhibits are identified, recorded, analysed, stored and disposed of in the approved manner.
To support the investigation of incidents by HM Coroner by conducting an appropriate level of investigation and producing suitable evidential packages.
To give evidence, in an expert witness capacity, at Magistrates, Crown, Coroners and Civil court.
Skills & Experience
The following are considered essential:
At least 5 years continuous experience as a Forensic Collision Investigator.
Possess City and Guilds Advanced Police Forensic Collision Investigation examination pass or the equivalent UCPD qualification.
To have proven mathematical ability by assessment, if required.
To have extensive experience in the area of Collision Investigation, including proven scene examination skills and giving evidence before Crown, Magistrates, Coroners and Civil courts.
Current full membership of Institute of Traffic Accident Investigators (MITAI).
Proven experience of Surveying techniques in one or more of the following: use of Total Stations, GPS, Laser Scanners, Chain and offset measurement and recording and Triangulation methods.
Forensic tyre examination qualification.
Forensic light bulb examination qualification.
To hold a full car driving licence and hold or be willing to be trained to police advance driving standard.
To possess or be willing to undertake motorcycle training.
To possess or be willing to be trained in additional driving groups.
Be able to show competence with day and night photography.
Ability to work with minimal supervision.
Must be able to manage own workload and prioritise competing demands.
Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with members of the public, senior managers, partner agencies and colleagues whether at scene or in other environments.
Sound working knowledge of relevant procedural guidance.
Excellent problem solving ability.
A track record showing personal responsibility.
Flexibility. Some shifts may be subject to change at short notice and hours of work may be extended due to operational commitments / exigencies of duty.
Must be aware of Health and Safety and be able to carry out both static and dynamic risk assessments.
To be computer literate and have sound practical knowledge of Microsoft office programs.
The following are desirable:
To hold AAE/CAE/Eng Tech or similar vehicle mechanic qualification.
Qualification / working knowledge of:
Vehicle handling dynamics.
Vehicle electronic systems.
Tachographs.
Air braking systems.
Anti-lock braking systems.
Pedestrian collision dynamics.
Motorcycle collision dynamics.
Forensic light bulb examination.
City and Guilds light vehicle examination (or equivalent).
Licentiateship of City and Guild of the London Institute.
Additional Information
Applicants should be aware that the post also attracts an 'on-call' element to provide out of hours response as part of a rota system.
Contact Details
Mr Colin O’Neill MCSFS, LCGI, MITAI, AAE, MIMI
Senior Forensic Collision Investigator
Telephone - Internal 582217 / External 01273 404083
Email: colin.oneill@sussex.pnn.police.uk