Forensics Collision Investigator Role Profile

Transcription

1 Forensics Collision Investigator Role Profile Scale Line Manager Department Constable Senior Forensics Collision Investigator Forensics Services Department To attend collision scenes as a practising collision investigator. Undertake a thorough and complete investigation of collision scene, environmental and mechanical factors. To use best practice during scene and vehicle examinations as well as the investigation as a whole. At all times, to have due regard for the health, safety and welfare of themselves and other staff. To provide specialist advice to Senior Investigation Officers (SIO) at collision scenes as and when required. Scope To provide a detailed and comprehensive report, including scale plans and photographs of collision scenes and other incidents as required. To provide details of relevant background material and research pertinent to the matters in hand. When required, to verify all critical results interpretation and provide case file verification to ensure they are of a suitable standard, supporting the Unit via the SCI. Advise CPS and Counsel at case conferences and during pre-trial hearings if necessary. To give evidence, as an expert witness, when required, to Courts and other hearings. To support partners with casualty reduction and road safety initiatives. Where this role is fulfilled by a Police Officer to maintain all the core skills and competencies commensurate with that role. Special Conditions As a minimum the post-holder must hold a current Certificate in Forensic Collision Investigation, City and Guilds in Vehicle Examination. As an applicant the candidate must be prepared to undertake and complete the statutory training within two years of taking the post. Requirement to work outside normal working hours. The post holder is required to participate in an on call system to

2 provide 24 hour cover. Requirement to undertake developmental training as and when required. Maintain a portfolio of professional development including, when appropriate, professional affiliation. The post-holder should maintain a portfolio to demonstrate current professional competence. Requirement to participate in regular internal and external mandatory counselling sessions. Where the post-holder is a Police Officer there remains a requirement to undertake operational policing duties as instructed / required. Required to work in different locations within the force area. Core Responsibilities Community Safety Activities The role holder should effectively deliver these key requirements: Conduct roadside vehicle inspection Safely stop vehicles to carry out roadside checks acting within level of authority and working in partnership with other agencies as required. Manage and maintain road safety Contribute to maintaining safe road use by identifying and addressing poor road user behaviour in accordance with legislation and policy. Respond appropriately to road hazards. Plan and conduct road collision investigations Contribute to the investigation of an incident by conducting relevant examinations and tests of the incident site(s) in accordance with Health and Safety, legal and other organisational requirements. Prepare and drive police vehicles safely (operational) Drive a police vehicle safely with consideration for others in accordance with organisational policy and in line with the system of car control. Respond to road related incidents, hazards, offences and collisions Contribute to maintaining road safety by identifying and responding to hazards regulating traffic dealing with traffic offences and attending collision scenes in accordance with legislation and organisational policy. Investigation Conduct investigation - 1 Conduct the investigation and scene preservation with the relevant investigation policies and legal requirements, and within the required timescales. Demonstrate support for victims and witnesses and recognise any possible impact on the community.

3 Manage investigations - 11 Manage a team of investigators ensuring that investigations are carried out thoroughly and expeditiously in accordance with relevant legal requirements and investigation diversity and partnership policies. Manage scene preservation - 33 Take charge of the scene taking appropriate action to ensure the initial preservation of the scene is complete, evaluate evidence, identify and pursue possible lines enquiry as required to progress the investigation. Custody and Prosecution Prepare and submit case files - 42 Prepare and submit case materials, working with the CPS or other relevant agencies/organisation to progress the case. Present evidence in court and at other hearings - 44 Attend court and give evidence in accordance with legislation. This activity links to PIP levels 1 and 2. Personal Responsibility Complete administration procedures Ensure that all matters relating to the process of information are carried out in a prompt, efficient manner and in accordance with legislation, policy and procedure. Maintain standards of professional practice Ensure your behaviour complies with organisational values and organise your own work effectively to meet the demands of your role. Identify, implement and monitor development activities to enhance your own performance. Managing the Organisation Managing and Developing People Provide specialist advice and knowledge Provide specialist advice and knowledge to colleagues, partners and other individuals and agencies to support the achievement of organisational objectives and enable compliance with organisational policy. Prepare and deliver presentations Prepare and deliver information to diverse audiences ensuring that you use an appropriate communication style, operate equipment correctly and represent the values of the Service. Behaviour Area Leading People Behaviour Effective communication - B Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience. Checks for understanding. Teamworking - B Sets up teams or working groups, and involves them in achieving goals. Develops good relationships and co-operation within the team, and removes barriers. Supports team members when necessary. Maximising Potential - B Encourages others to learn and develop, giving them clear and direct guidance and feedback on their performance. Encourages and supports staff, making sure they are motivated to achieve results.

4 Leading the Organisation Problem Solving - B Gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making sure it is reliable and accurate. Analyses information to identify important issues and problems. Identifies risks and considers alternative courses of action to make good decisions. Planning and Organising - B Plans activities thoroughly for self and others. Builds milestones into plans, monitors progress and adjusts them as necessary in response to any changes. Provides clear direction and makes sure that staff know what is expected of them. Leading the Way Personal Qualities & Values Respect for Race and Diversity - A Understands other people s views and takes them into account. Is tactful and diplomatic when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect at all times. Understands and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences. Personal Responsibility - A Readily accepts responsibility for self and others. Takes responsibility for managing situations and problems. Leads by example, showing a commitment and a determination to succeed. Continues to learn and develop. Resilience - A Shows reliability and resilience in difficult circumstances. Remains calm and confident, and responds logically and decisively in difficult situations. Assess and identify the scene and advise the SIO of any matters arising particularly in respect of evidence security and health and safety. To advise the SIO on the management of the physical evidence. To identify and secure evidence using the most appropriate retrieval methods to ensure a complete record of the incident scene. Main Responsibilities : To identify all vehicles involved and ensure that a complete examination is undertaken and all evidence is recorded. This extends to vehicle digital (incident recording) data. To advise the SIO regarding forensic testing and facilitate the submission of relevant, agreed articles through the Exhibits Officer and Submissions Manager. To interpret all the evidence and provide indications to case conferences and progress meetings or briefings as required. To carry out a full investigation of the evidence and to produce a suitable report evidencing findings and the rationale. This must be supported by testing and research when necessary. To deliver evidence, as an expert witness when required, to Inquests,

5 Criminal, Civil Courts and other hearings as required. Deliver talks to outside organisations and partners with a specific emphasis on casualty reduction. This role profile indicates the key activities of the post and does not restrict the post holder from performing other duties. Additional duties may be agreed on an individual basis and recorded in the Performance Development Review (PDR). Where this role is fulfilled by a Police Officer to maintain all the skills and competencies commensurate with that role. A sound and current knowledge of, and operational experience in, Forensic Collision Investigation and Vehicle Examination. This may be developed over two years in the case of new staff. Police advanced driving is essential (may be developed in-post within 2 years), motorcycle and large vehicle licences are also desirable. A sound and current knowledge of, and operational experience in, Collision Scene Management. Competent photographer. Essential skills, experience and qualifications : Competent in the use of surveying equipment. Excellent communication skills to deal on a professional basis with colleagues at all levels within the organisation and with external providers. Possession of a professional qualification of not less than City and Guilds Certificates in Collision Investigation and Vehicle Technology. Able to demonstrate and evidence competencies as a practising collision investigator based upon the portfolio. Registered to an appropriate professional body or willing to undertake registration. Desirable to work towards higher qualifications such as diploma or degree.

6 Plan and conduct road collision investigations Activity Number Plan and conduct road collision investigations Contribute to the investigation of an incident by conducting relevant examinations and tests of the incident site(s) in accordance with Health and Safety, legal and other organisational requirements. Effective performance will include the following: Accurately gather details of the circumstances of the incident from all available sources. Determine the location and area of scene(s). Give consideration to the possibility of linked scenes. Establish effective working relationships with scene personnel. Consider safety of all personnel at the scene and give advice to ensure that relevant safety precautions are carried out. Determine logistics, types of examination to be carried out and ensure equipment required is available and functional. Identify the potential for contamination of evidence together with any changes that may have occurred at the scene and assess implications for the investigation. Accurately record details of the incident, scene(s), and preliminary investigation findings in order to ensure a full audit trail. Identify additional areas of expertise and equipment. Secure relevant personnel and equipment as required. Where appropriate, specify arrangements for suitable transportation and removal of evidence to a safe environment for further examination.

7 Effective communication - B Behaviour Category Communicates ideas and information effectively, both verbally and in writing. Uses language and a style of communication that is appropriate to the situation and people being addressed. Makes sure that others understand what is going on. Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience. Checks for understanding. Positive Indicators Deals with issues directly. Clearly communicates needs and instructions. Clearly explains management decisions and policy, and the reasons behind them. Communicates face to face wherever possible and if it is appropriate. Speaks with authority and confidence. Changes the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience. Manages group discussions effectively. Summarises information to check people understand it. Supports arguments and recommendations effectively in writing. Produces well-structured reports and written summaries. Negative Indicators Is hesitant, nervous and uncertain when speaking. Speaks without first thinking through what to say. Uses inappropriate language or jargon. Speaks in a rambling way. Does not consider the target audience. Avoids answering difficult questions. Does not give full information without being questioned. Writes in an unstructured way. Uses poor spelling, punctuation and grammar. Assumes others understand what has been said without actually checking. Does not listen, and interrupts at inappropriate times.

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