Vacancy Information
Rank – Police Constable
Location – Shoreham
Working hours – Full time
Hours – 40 hrs per week
Chief Constables' Message
We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.
We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference.
If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.
We wish you all the very best with your application.
Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner
The Role & Key Responsibilities
The Forensic Collision Investigation Unit (FCIU) is part of Roads Policing Unit in Operations Command. It comprises of experienced Police Staff & Police Officers who specialise in the investigation of road deaths and serious injury collisions across Surrey and Sussex. The Forensic Collision Investigators provide expert evidence for investigation teams 24/7 – 365 days a year.
We’re now looking to add to our team of Forensic Collision Investigators (FCI) based at Shoreham. It’s an exciting opportunity for Police Constables to join a dynamic and developing unit. Full training and support will be given to the successful applicants. Using your newly acquired FCI skills, you’ll probe the most difficult cases, bringing offenders to justice and closure to the bereaved. Whenever there’s a serious or fatal collision, you’ll be among the first on the scene. You’ll examine the scenes & vehicles involved, and make sure all evidence is recorded. In many cases, this requires sophisticated mapping and photographic equipment. You’ll then produce reconstruction reports that explain how events unfolded. As a qualified expert, you’ll be presenting your findings in court therefore you need to speak clearly and confidently and explain technical concepts.
In the role you will provide expert assistance at the scene of fatal and life threatening road collisions and support the force with an expert Forensic Collision Investigation service.
Key Responsibilities
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17020/ 17025 standards to provide a quality service through accreditation.
• Record and map the scene of fatal and life threatening road collisions using a variety of methods and equipment to prepare evidential scale plans and other visual representations.
• Conduct examinations of a range of vehicle types as part of investigations to collisions to aid the reconstruction and investigations into collisions.
• Ensure the thorough and meticulous collection, preservation and interpretation of the scene and other evidence including vehicle defects and telematic data to report on the circumstances of the collision.
• Provide expert evidence and opinion to the investigation team and the Courts, whilst ensuring that at all times you remain within your competence and expertise, in order to provide a professional and unbiased account.
• Identify if additional resources and/or specialist knowledge is required to assist with the forensic examination and/or reconstruction, should the level of expertise required exceed your own in order to inform effective decision making.
• Produce reconstruction reports by applying correct scientific principles and ensuring conclusions reached are valid and supported by the available evidence.
• Assist other team members with investigations and peer review findings to ensure the accuracy and quality of evidence is maintained.
• Communicate internally and externally. Regular (daily) contact (face to face, telephone/ video conferencing and email) in relation to investigations and other unit business – to exchange information, discuss progress and pursue additional actions relevant to investigations. Whilst not an exhaustive list, the range of persons or agencies will include CPS, IOPC, Coroners/coroners officers, insurance companies/agents, and local/national media.
• To meet regularly with Lead Investigation Officer (LIO) and Officer in Case (OIC) in order to discuss strategies for investigations, advise on technical issues/actions and deal with internal issues. To review actions, identify problems and outstanding tasks and suggest possible options in relation to forensic collision investigation.
Skills & Experience
We’re looking for Police Constable Trainee Forensic Collision Investigators who have an enquiring mind, attention to detail and self-discipline. The ideal candidate will be self-motivated, eager to learn, and want to provide the best service possible in a demanding, challenging but ultimately rewarding role. We understand that not all applicants have the necessary academic qualifications, which is why the right candidates will undergo necessary training, assessments and support to ultimately achieve a Degree Level Bsc or Certificate of Higher Education. Officers within Surrey and Sussex FCIU are in receipt of reward and Recognition payments. At various educational pathway milestones payments are made monthly or at the time of passing depending on the milestone achieved.
• Applicants must have at least 2 years experience as a Constable, no longer in their probationary period and have the support of their line manager.
• It is an entry requirement of the course provider that you have obtained GCSE, or equivalent, in Maths and desirable to have also studied physics to that level.
• Achieved the minimum of a standard Police driving course (as part of the selection process an assessment will take place for the candidate’s suitability for advanced driving).
• Ability to work with minimal supervision to strict time scales.
• Mechanical knowledge/experience is desirable.
• Category C & D licences (lorry, coach) or willingness to undertake training with experienced professionals.
• Communication skills - written and verbal
• IT Skills (Including Word and Excel).
Why Work With Us?
• National salary plus £2,000pa South East allowance paid monthly.
• 25 days annual leave per year, rising to 30 days depending on your length of service.
• Opportunity to progress through promotion and/or specialism.
• Free bus travel across Sussex and discounted rail travel.
• Incredible colleagues who will support your return.
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's really important that our officers andstaff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisationwe'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach and skills that diversitybrings; all of which help us deliver a better policing service. We strive toensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit isopen and accessible to all.
We have multiple staff support groups whohelp to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they arereflected in our work. We are proud members of the Stonewall Workplace EqualityIndex and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter andaligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We value the differences that people bringfrom all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexualorientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status orreligious beliefs, we would love to hear from you.
Further Information
If you are considering applying for this rare and exciting opportunity, please make contact with either:-
recruitment@sussex.police.uk
Inspector Richard Hobbs - richard.hobbs@sussex.police.uk
Mr Julian Taylor - julian.taylor@sussex.police.uk
Forensic Collision Investigation, Surrey & Sussex.
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