SPSA Forensic Services

Trainee Fingerprint Officer

The trainee fingerprint officer must be able to develop and demonstrate the skills necessary to establish a solid base in which to progress to expert status.

These include excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail. There are no formal academic qualifications which lead to becoming a fingerprint trainee, however it is essential that applicants have two higher grades (or equivalent) or two standard grades (or equivalent) and 1 year's experience of fingerprints.

Responsibilities of a fingerprint trainee include:

• To receive, analyse, compare and evaluate fingerprint casework in line with SPSA Forensic Services procedures and under the supervision of a Senior Fingerprint Officer, Mentor and the Training Team.

• To develop and demonstrate an ability to offer explanations and information in a manner which is both easily understood and professional in delivery for the presentation of evidence in court.

• To develop and demonstrate the ability to make decisions, and accept responsibility for the consequences of those decisions, in regard to case work, bureau practice and the role in general.

• To assist in the maintenance of the National Fingerprint Collection as held on both manual and automatic recording systems in line with local practice.