An exciting opportunity has become available within the Forensic Services Department as a Ballistic Material Expert.
Applications are invited from motivated, enthusiastic hardworking people for a role within a diverse, multifunctional team that is expanding to support the needs of the force.
The applicant will be working under the supervision of the Identification Manager.
The post holder will be required to work Monday to Friday, flexibly between the hours of 7am and 6pm, and from time to time outside of core shift hours.
Key Specific Duties (see Role Profile for full details)
1. To co-ordinate the submissions and examination of firearms, ammunition and ballistic related items in line with standard operating procedures.
2. To provide expert ballistics knowledge/examination/classification in line with accredited practice together with firearms legislation.
3. To support, contribute and comply with quality processes in line with ISO17025 and the FSR Codes of Conduct and Practice inclusive of Calibration of equipment/proficiency testing/peer review/non-conformances and audits.
4. To ensure safe working practices, taking into consideration Health and Safety guidelines, compliance with safe working practices and adherence to standard operating procedures.
5. Responsible for making safe firearms submitted to the Unit to prevent accidental discharges.
6. Undertake evidential test-firing of firearms for classification and ballistic comparison. Additionally, undertake the classification of all types of firearms and ammunition whilst preserving forensic evidence including, DNA, fingerprints and fibres.
7. To advise investigators, CPS and advocates in respect of technical and legal matters, and to assist in the selection of charges/ indictments as required.
8. To provide reports and comprehensive working papers including making recommendations for improvements or amendments to systems within the department, and at force level.
9. Attend court in the capacity of a Ballistics Expert and present evidence as required including the production of expert witness statements.
10. Responsible for monitoring the storage, movement and destruction of firearms to ensure compliance with national protocols.
11. To ensure the provision of effective force triage of recovered ballistic material. To safeguard the force from reputational harm deriving from mismanagement of ballistic seizures. To administer the evidential classification of such material, and the manner of its recording, retention and disposal, such that policy and legislation are complied with, and forensic/investigative/intelligence opportunities are not missed.
12. To undertake supervision and mentoring of Staff providing knowledge, advice and expert guidance and using the WMP conversations system to ensure that annual and interim meetings take place and objectives are agreed and actioned.
13. To attend scenes in an advisory capacity providing expert support and guidance as required.
14. To ensure compliance with statutory requirements in relation to information management including the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of Practice on Management of Police Information as appropriate.
Knowledge and Experience (essential):
1. Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience. Postholder will typically be professionally qualified, plus experience in similar/related roles, or have a proven track record of relevant work experience demonstrating deep, specialized and/or broad knowledge of firearms, ammunition and ballistics. Postholder will likely possess a relevant professional qualification appropriate to the role.
2. Extensive working knowledge and experience of working with firearms and ammunition.
3. Experience of safe handling of firearms and disassembly and reloading of ammunition.
4. Completed a recognised 'Expert witness course' in firearms and have court experience.
5. Able to produce evidential reports of the highest quality, and to constructively review and assess the work of others.
Knowledge and Experience (desirable):
1. Experience in providing technical support to firearm related units.
2. Experience of attending court to give evidence as an Expert Witness.
Skills (essential):
1. Knowledge of firearms history and manufacturing processes.
2. Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to examinations.
3. Experience in firearms range control and range procedures.
4. Good verbal and written communication skills.
5. Extensive working knowledge of health and safety legislation.
6. Full UK driving license.
7. Competent IT skills.
8. Able to work without direct supervision and make complex decisions without the need to refer for guidance.
Skills (desirable):
1. Effective time management.
2. Understanding of force IT systems.
3. Staff supervisory experience.
Contact:
Mick Killeen - m.killeen@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk or Gareth Cooper - gareth.cooper@westmidlands.police.uk
Vetting:
Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.
Medical:
Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.
By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
* Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
* Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
* Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
* A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs.
Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.
West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a 'Disability Confident Interview Scheme' - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.
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