Trainee Fingerprint Expert

British Transport Police (BTP) are looking to recruit a Trainee Fingerprint Expert on a permanent contract based at our Scientific Support Unit in Central London. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual looking to build their career in a Fingerprint Bureau working for a national Police Force. The starting salary for this post is £23,893.06 per annum plus £2,634.25 London Allowance and 10% On Call Allowance.

BTP is the national police Force for the rail network throughout Great Britain, including London Underground, across which we ensure the safety and security of nearly 3 billion passenger journeys and over 100 million tons of freight every year. The world in which we work is fast-paced, operationally and commercially demanding, and constantly changing. As Trainee Fingerprint Expert with BTP you will be trained in the analysis and identification of finger and palm print marks whilst being supervised and mentored by a senior colleague. We are looking for an individual with some operational experience in a Fingerprint Bureau (whether voluntary or not) or at least an advanced understanding of Fingerprint Analysis as acquired through a relevant degree/qualification. The successful candidate will undergo a training programme of approximately 3 years and will become a Fingerprint Expert, with commensurate salary and grading, upon successful completion of the programme.

As Trainee Fingerprint Expert your duties will include:

• processing basic fingerprint casework
• making decisions pertaining to the identification of fingerprints (with supervision)
• supporting in the delivery of accurate Fingerprint Identification Service to assist the bringing to justice of those who commit crime on the railway network
• process arrestee finger and palm print forms through various stages of Ident 1 and print to mark first line comparisons
• attend mortuaries and crime scenes to take finger and palm print marks and ensure quality control
• liaise with and advise officers of all ranks on fingerprint and identification matters

For further information please attached job description.

In order to be eligible for this role you must meet the following criteria:

• Some level of experience working within a Scientific Support Unit and dealing with fingerprints (whether voluntary or not) OR must have an advanced understanding of Fingerprint Analysis acquired through a relevant degree/qualification
• Excellent organisational, administrative and interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate both orally and in written report form
• Able to work calmly and accurately under pressure and within tight timescales
• Proven ability for problem solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to give formal presentations and liaise with colleagues internal and external at all levels of seniority

It is desirable but not essential that the successful candidate will also have successfully completed and passed the National Fingerprint Foundation Course.

If you are interested in this role then please do not delay as interviews will be held as soon as appropriate candidates are highlighted. In return for your experience we can offer you:

• Starting salary of £23,893.06 plus £2,634.25 London Allowance and 10% On Call Allowance per annum
• Salary progression over 7 spine points following on from successful PDR each year
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive pension scheme
• Other benefits including a bespoke BTP rewards platform, various salary sacrifice schemes and many high street and online retail discounts

How to apply?

Please submit a CV and cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria for this role. Please submit this in one single document under CV upload.

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves and welcome applicants from all sections of the community. In order to apply, you must have the permanent right to live and work in the UK and have been resident in the UK for the previous 3 years. You will be asked these and other questions to determine your eligibility to work for British Transport Police when you start your application and you must answer honestly.

Candidates internal to BTP must confirm that they are not subject to formal action plans for sickness/complaints/discipline or poor performance, that all mandatory training courses have been attended and are in ticket/up to date, that a ‘Competent’ rating, or above, was achieved on the last reporting year PDR and they have completed their tenure period for current substantive posting.