police staff information pack reporting scientist

Metropolitan Police Service (MPS)

Police Staff

Information Pack

Reporting Scientist (Firearms Examiner)

Origins

Founded by Sir Robert Peel in 1829, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) is one of the oldest police services in the world. The original Metropolitan Police District (MPD) covered a seven mile radius from Charing Cross containing a population of less than two million. This was policed by 1,000 officers.

Today, the MPS is made up of more than 50,000 officers and staff, which includes over 5,000 volunteer police officers from the Metropolitan Special Constabulary (MSC) and its Employer Supported Policing (ESP) programme.

The current MPD includes the whole of the Greater London Area, covering 620 square miles and over 8.3 million people. Since April 2000, the boundaries of the MPD have mirrored the 32 London boroughs as shown below.

ABOUT THE METROPOLITAN POLICE SERVICE

Organisation

From the beginning, the purpose of the MPS has been to serve and protect the people of London by providing a professional police service; this remains our purpose. The Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis is appointed by the Queen, in consultation with the Home Secretary. The Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC) supervises the police service and publishes an annual policing plan, including performance targets. It reports back to the Mayor, the London Assembly and the community.

We have an annual net budget of £3.6 billion – more than 25% of the total police budget for England and Wales. We are one of the largest employers in London and the South East of England.


The following chart shows how the MPS is structured.

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The previous Commissioner has outlined his vision of Total Policing with a total war on crime, total care for victims and total professionalism from our staff at its core. We are committed to delivering excellent policing from tackling anti-social behaviour and other crime in neighbourhoods, through to dealing with terrorists and the most serious criminals often ‘behind the scenes’. We rely on the work of warranted officers, police community support officers (PCSOs), special constables and police staff to tackle the range of policing challenges facing London.

MPS Values, Mission and Priorities

Our success depends on us all working towards the same goals. Our strategy, led by the previous Police Commissioner, Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe, is called Total Policing. It consists of a set of priorities, set out below, supported by key values. Total Policing ensures that we are on the front foot in tackling criminality in all its forms. Where new techniques or new technology can help in that war, we will maximise use of it. Total Policing also means Total Care for victims – preventing people from becoming victims in the first place where possible but, where we have victims, ensuring that the MPS gives the best possible support. And we will do that with Total Professionalism, so that the MPS continues to foster the support and trust of law-abiding Londoners, while ensuring that it is an organisation that all criminals fear. All of this will be underpinned by our values of Courage, Compassion, Integrity and Professionalism.

Total War on Crime

We are crime fighters. This is a vital part of policing. Tackling crime, arresting criminals and bringing them before a court is the core of what we do, doing whatever we can to arrest criminals and stop crime as long as it is legal and ethical.

Total Professionalism

It is important that when a victim reports a crime that we tell them how that crime is being progressed and that they have confidence in those dealing with their case. We also need to ensure we are sensitive to the victim’s needs, understanding what is unique about them and how we tailor our service to meet their needs. We must always remember that we have a duty of care to our victims.



Our commitment to transform – ‘Met Change’

We’re determined to offer the best police service possible for Londoners. But we must change with it:

• We want all communities in London to have high levels of confidence and satisfaction

• We need to keep cutting crime as a more connected world creates new security risks and criminal threats

• We must invest in our people and modernise our technology so we can offer the public a better service. Our officers and staff deserve great tools to fight crime and support victims

• We need to be better at recognising great performance and challenging poor behaviour

• We want to be a Met that looks and feels like London by having officers and staff who can relate to the diverse communities of London.

As a result our goals are ambitious; to cut Neighbourhood crime by 20%, cutting costs by 20% and increase public confidence by 20% by 2016. To achieve this we will need a step change in the way we operate and how we are structured.

To achieve a step change in performance, cost and satisfaction the Met is undertaking a portfolio of change. Met Change is establishing the One Met Model. Four further programmes – the Commercial Strategy, Total Technology, Corporate Real Estate, and Total Professionalism – will build on the One Met Model, embedding the principles first established through Met Change.

Total Technology is a transformational programme of work that will provide modern IT for our workforce. Changes will enable us to use more technology out of the office, reduce re-keying of information and improve the IT systems and hardware all at a lower cost.

Corporate Real Estate (CRE) is reducing our estate by a third and cutting operating costs. By rationalising our estate we will be able to deliver savings but also, as importantly, free up capital to invest in new buildings and technology that are fit for purpose for the future of the Met.

Commercial Strategy manages both the renewal and market testing of some services. The programme will ensure the Met has effectively identified service requirements and is well positioned with the market to be an effective and intelligent client.

Total Professionalism focuses on our people, values and behaviours. These are central for ensuring all the changes are successful. We are adapting our systems of reward and recognition to ensure we support the right behaviours to make change successful.

BACKGROUND TO FORENSIC SERVICES

The MPS Forensic Services Directorate undertakes the forensic work that the MPS require to support the police in their investigation of crime. The Directorate staff provide robust, high quality evidence for presentation at court.

The role within Forensic Services is in the Forensic Firearms Unit (FFU). The FFU is staffed by court reporting forensic scientists (firearms examiners) who deal with the scientific aspects of casework, predominantly in the laboratory and occasionally at scenes so there is the opportunity for off-site working. Reporting scientists set forensic strategies based on available information and the requirements of the case. Firearms examiners work with firearms, ammunition and related items such as electric shock devices and noxious sprays and may also be involved in the examination of gunshot damaged items including (or such as) vehicles, furniture and clothing. Reporting forensic scientists attend court to give oral testimony in addition to providing written expert evidence.

Reporting Scientists (firearms examiners) take personal responsibility for individual cases that they are working on by examining items within the laboratory, although this may extend to the examination of crime scenes with relevant training and experience. Their main role is to examine, identify and classify items according to the UK firearms legislation, test fire examined weapons and ammunition, acquire samples to the HD3D IBIS technology, perform comparison microscopy on exhibits and control samples, submit samples for GSR or other analysis by another provider and write up their results and conclusions. The firearms examiner is personally responsible for appropriately prioritising their cases according to investigative and criminal justice deadlines. They work in a team of reporting scientists and are line managed by a senior scientist. They may be required to line manage a junior member of staff.

Job title: Reporting Scientist (Firearms Examiner)

Salary: £31,070 to £36,893 plus £2,930 location allowance. You will receive £31,070 the band minimum. Progress to the band maximum of £36,893 will be via incremental progression

Location: Lambeth

Responsible to: Senior Forensic Scientist (firearms examiner) - Band M

Role description

A firearms examiner will complete casework and forensic examinations of exhibits that have predominantly been submitted to the laboratory, in support of Specialist Crime and Territorial Policing. These case work examinations will include the following activities;

• Undertake examinations that will enable the correct identification and classification of firearms, ammunition and related items, in support of forensic strategies.

• Ensure that examinations are undertaken in accordance with the relevant quality assurance and Health and Safety processes associated with the item being examined

• Undertake make safe (safety check) and other preliminary examinations while being aware of and preserving other forensic trace evidence types that will need to be retrieved by other experts prior to your own full examination

• Make safe weapons to prevent unintentional discharges. Be responsible for the safety, appropriate certification and storage of all firearms and associated paraphernalia submitted to the FFU

• Examine and photograph items for identifying marks and modifications

• Safely handle and undertake test-firing of weapons and ammunition for classification and microscopic comparison purposes

• Demonstrate familiarity with a range of equipment, including chronograph, air gun charging kit, reloading tools and trigger pull measurement devices

• Use of HD3D IBIS technologies to identify potential ballistic links; realise early investigative opportunities and maintain a high quality database

• Conduct manual comparisons and peer reviews of samples on a comparison microscope

• May also be required to attend crime scenes on occasion, to assist in the examination and retrieval of forensic evidence with other appropriate colleagues

• Ensure the maintenance of quality technical processes in line with independently verified standards (ISO17025) including peer reviews such as case files.

JOB DESCRIPTION – REPORTING SCIENTIST (FIREARMS EXAMINER)

• Ensure delivery of services in line with customer Service Level Agreements and national performance criteria

• Contribute to the development of firearms intelligence products over and above the routine provision of an evidential classification service

• Liaise with, supervise or mentor technicians, firearm experts from outside agencies, other police services or defence experts as appropriate

• Design and deliver appropriate training and awareness sessions to customers

• Input accurate and timely intelligence data on to the NABIS database

• Maintain the highest levels of personal, business and scientific integrity at all times.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

The Firearms Examiner must have an excellent understanding of forensic science principles in general and of firearms examination in particular.

Essential educational qualifications: In addition to being a practising, competent firearms examiner, we require you to have a suitable science or engineering degree (or equivalent). If you have no degree we require a proven track record (5 years) of relevant firearms examination experience. Aspects of the role may be tested at the interview process to confirm your competency.

A full clean UK driving licence is essential should the role-holder aspire to progress to a Senior Forensic Scientist role within the FFU.

We expect the successful candidate to display the ability to examine exhibits from both volume and serious crimes. We also expect the candidate to be competent to carry out a range of forensic examinations relevant to a firearms examiner, including comparison microscopy, and must participate in routine competency and proficiency testing regimes. The candidate must also display excellent communication skills and have the ability to convey technical information effectively to other staff and forensic practitioners, police officers, external stakeholders and other forensic professionals.

Key activities:

• Prepare to carry out forensic examinations, establishing the integrity of forensic items and determine the requirements of the case, ensuring continuity and documentation are appropriate

• Determine the examinations to be undertaken on recovered forensic items in line with an appropriate forensic strategy which you will be responsible for setting

• Examine submitted items using suitable techniques, including examinations in support of off-site work if required, on occasion. Complete detailed notes and produce reports and statements that clearly describe the forensic examinations undertaken



• Understand and comply with relevant H&S legislation and ensure your own actions reduce risk within the working environment

• Explain findings from examinations to colleagues and stakeholders including other forensic practitioners, front-line staff, police investigators and CPS provide expert evidence to the Criminal Justice System as required

• Maintain and develop knowledge, skills and competence ensuring these are up to date and develop them to meet the demands of employment

• Assess and compare forensic materials that have been recovered during examinations. These include the results of tests upon items potentially recovered at scenes.

MPS Performance Framework

Forensic Examiners will be expected to evidence the behaviours required against the MPS Performance Framework for Specialist/Technical Roles under the headings:

• Operational Effectiveness

• Organisational Influence

• Resource Management.

Additional Information

• The Firearms Examiner will be expected to work within the Directorate’s Quality Management System, sign and abide by the Code of Conduct and actively participate in the continuous improvement of the system by participating in quality assurance, engaging in audits, competence tests, reporting non-conformances etc. and suggesting changes that improve the system

• The successful candidate will be required to work Monday to Friday (between 07:00 and 19:00), and will be required to participate in an on-call rota that covers weekends and bank holidays to provide an out of hours service that delivers remand reports to investigators. The organisation is moving towards implementing a weekend working rota system. The Directorate of Forensic Services provides a service 365 days a year to facilitate examinations of items both within the laboratory and out at crime scenes

• The successful candidate will require CTC vetting as a minimum and may be expected to undergo additional vetting to SC, MV and DV levels if working on confidential enquiries and intelligence led investigations

• The successful candidate will consent to provide a DNA sample and fingerprints which will be placed on Police Elimination databases

• It would be desirable that the role holder holds a full DVLA driving licence as they may be required to undertake a MPS driving test.


• The successful candidate will work as part of a team and on their own initiative and be required to fulfil some or all of the following obligations:

• complete all mandatory competence and training assessments successfully

• undertake triennial eye sight tests, annual audiometry tests and regular blood lead level testing as administered by Occupational Health

• participate in annual psychological assessments and be prepared to allow your GP to share your medical records

• be subject to random drugs and alcohol testing

• undertake mandatory annual Emergency Life Support training and refreshers

• accept that on occasion, you may be requested to work additional hours, change shift at short notice and/or work rest days to meet operational service delivery

• undertake any other duties that may reasonably be requested appropriate to the grade in line with forensic innovation or service delivery.

SPECIALIST/TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE FRAMEWORK

Operational Effectiveness

Delivers quality outcomes to meet objectives

Uses specialist knowledge and skills to support the delivery of relevant objectives. Ensures a high quality service, balancing the needs of customers and stakeholders. Manages a range of tasks, delivering to time and quality. Adapts and responds to shifting priorities. Deals with challenges and generates solutions.

Manages work through informed and reliable judgement

Uses specialist knowledge and skills to inform decision-making, and minimise risk where practicable. Provides guidance and support, seeking it where appropriate. Promotes continuous improvement proactively by identifying, sharing and applying lessons learnt.

Organisational Influence

Acts with Professionalism

Shows initiative, personal resilience and motivation to deliver a quality service. Upholds legislation, regulations and policy, acting with integrity and challenging those who do not.

Develops effective communications and working relationships

Behaves appropriately, taking personal responsibility for own actions and setting a good example for other colleagues. Actively demonstrates the promotion of equality and valuing of diversity and helps others to do so. Develops from own experience and supports the development of others where relevant. Takes account of how own behaviour affects others. Maintains a current understanding of specialist area.

Builds effective relationships with customers, colleagues and stakeholders. Communicates effectively and inclusively with customers, senior managers and team members. Ensures clear, two-way communication through listening and responding appropriately, learning and sharing information. Upholds organisational reputation.

Resource Management

Manages own time and relevant resources efficiently and effectively

Prioritises work and use of resources to meet relevant objectives. Ensures time and resources are used in a way that best meets customer and the organisation’s needs. Uses the organisation’s resources efficiently, ethically and appropriately. Shows support for efficient working.

By joining the Metropolitan Police Service, you will be helping to protect the lives of over seven million people. There’s nothing more rewarding than knowing that your efforts are having an impact on such a large and diverse community.

In return, you will receive a starting salary of £31,070 gross per annum and a London Location Allowance of £2,930. Annual incremental spine points will achieve progression from minimum to maximum of the pay scale.

As a member of our team, you will also have access to Met Benefits - an external website, offering MPS employees (staff and officers) guaranteed savings at major high street stores and retail outlets nationwide. These benefits are obtained and co-ordinated by Human Resources. You can save money on everything from food, clothes, furniture, electrical and DIY products to hotels, restaurants, cinemas and theatre tickets.

All staff are eligible to join the Metropolitan Police Athletic Association (MPAA) and the Metropolitan Police Sports and Social Association (known as the ‘Comets’) and enjoy taking part in sporting and social events. The MPS has four well-equipped Sports clubs at Bushey, Chigwell, Hayes and Imber Court, available to all staff as well as family and friends.

For further information regarding the terms and conditions offered by the MPS and assistance in completing your application, please visit the MPS Careers website.

YOUR REWARDS

For further information regarding the eligibility criteria for joining the MPS, please visit the MPS Careers website or the information contained in the application.

The MPS is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. As part of these safeguards, the MPS adopts a consistent and thorough process of safe recruitment in order to ensure that all MPS staff and volunteers are suitable. Posts that involve a high level of contact with children and vulnerable adults will additionally require a Criminal Record Bureau (CRB) check.

Applicants with previous MPS service

Please note that individuals with previous MPS service who left the MPS as a result of a corporate Early Departure Scheme [where compensation was awarded e.g. redundancy] are not eligible to submit an application to re-join the MPS in any police staff role for a period of 5 years from their date of leaving the organisation. Any applications received that do not comply with this will be automatically rejected.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Your application form will be initially sifted against MPS criteria such as convictions and residency

• Following the initial sift your application will be assessed against the role criteria

• If successful at this stage we will contact you regarding an interview date. You will receive a minimum of 7 days’ notice. If you are unsuccessful at this stage we will also write to you and advise you of this

• The interview will be competency-based and questions will be posed around the criteria for the role in question, as set out in the advert and information pack

• If successful at interview we will send you an initial offer of employment which sets out what happens next

• If unsuccessful we will also advise you in writing but will be unable to offer feedback.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

MAKING AN APPLICATION

WHAT TO DO NEXT

Please submit your completed online application, an up to date CV and a personal statement by the advert closing date.

For general enquiries please visit www.metpolicecareers.co.uk, which includes an ‘Answering Your questions’ section or contact the Recruitment Team on

01633 632500.

• The recruitment process is thorough and consequently can be quite lengthy

• Shortlisting and interviews will be based on the criteria listed

• Until an offer of appointment is confirmed in writing, you should not assume your application has been successful.

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