- S26-043 Fingerprint Officer - Forensic Specialist (LC5-9 - Perm & Temp)

- S26-043 Fingerprint Officer - Forensic Specialist (LC5-9 - Perm & Temp)

Role Type

Police Staff

Division

HQ Crime Division

Department

HQ Crime Fingerprints Team

Location

Hutton Headquarters

Rank

Not applicable

Grade

LC 5, LC 6, LC 7, LC 8, LC 9

Salary

£26,703 - £45,765

Allowances

Flexi

Part/Full Time

Full Time

Hours per Week

37 hours

Type of Contract

Temporary

Eligible applicants

Candidates must hold an A Level qualification or equivalent in a scientific discipline relating to Forensic Examination (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Photography) or relevant experience in a forensic examination role. Candidates must have successfully completed the National Training Programme in the analysis, comparison and evaluation of friction ridge detail; or be willing to complete within 3 years of starting in the role.

Document Attachment Instance 1

Document Attachment Instance 1

Document Attachment Instance 1

All permanent Lancashire Constabulary police staff members applying for a temporary role require their line manager to complete the Permanent to Temporary support form. to download the form. The completed form should be sent to the HR Services mailbox once your application is submitted. Please note if your application is not supported by your line manager you are ineligible to apply for the role.

Job Advert

Lancashire Constabulary is seeking committed and highly skilled Fingerprint Officers - Forensic Specialists to join our growing Forensic Investigation team, based at our Police Headquarters at Hutton.

We have both permanent and temporary vacancies available. The temporary vacancy is for 6 months from appointment.

This is a unique opportunity to support the investigation of crime by establishing the identity of a person through the analysis, comparison and evaluation of friction ridge detail. The more experienced Forensic Investigations Specialist will develop complex forensic strategies, carry out complex casework examinations, interpret findings and provide expert opinion-based evidence at court when required.

The successful candidate will work as part of a team based in the Forensic Operations Unit.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and prioritise personal workload in relation to forensic examinations and submissions such as serious, major and complex offence types and multi-evidence casework.

• Analyse, compare, evaluate and verify friction ridge detail recovered from crime scenes.

• Maintain a knowledge of current legislation in relation to biometrics and retention.

• Attend major crime scenes when requested to provide expert advice.

• Attend mortuaries, when required, to establish identity and to maximise the recovery of fingerprint evidence.

• Understand the correct sequential examination processes of forensic casework and provide advice to officers on all matters relating to forensic science opportunities in order to maximise evidential opportunities.

• Interpret and communicate scientific findings and opinion-based findings effectively in the context of the case via SFR, statements, reports and attend court where required as an Expert Witness in fingerprint identification.

Please see the attached job specification for further details.

Skills and Experience:

• A Level qualification or equivalent in a scientific discipline relating to Forensic Examination (e.g. Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Photography) or relevant experience in a forensic examination role

• Demonstrate an aptitude for fingerprint work

• Successful completion of the National Training Programme in the analysis, comparison and evaluation of friction ridge detail; or willingness to complete within 3 years of start in role

Vetting and Medical:

Please be aware, as a condition of your appointment you must undergo and pass Recruitment Vetting (RV). Please be aware there is a minimum 3 year UK residency requirement for Recruitment vetting and you must be 18 years old at the point of applying. Successful applicants will also be subject to a medical assessment.

Upon successful appointment as per the job specification, you will be required to provide your DNA for elimination purposes, this will be held against the Contamination Elimination Database (CED).

Please note, candidates successful at shortlisting will be required to undertake an Fingerprint Aptitude test. Candidates must pass this aptitude test after shortlisting before progressing to interview.

Benefits:

• 25 - 31 days annual leave (role dependant) plus 8 bank holidays pro rata
• Local Government Pension Scheme with contributions from 5.5% to 12.5% depending on your salary
• Sick pay provisions
• Generous maternity / paternity and adoption leave entitlements
• Option to become a member of the onsite unions
• Discounts from various retailers via the Blue Light Scheme
• Access to on-site-gyms - HQ
• Cycle to work scheme
• Support from our Health and Wellbeing Centre including Welfare Officers, Counselling, Physiotherapy and Mental Health Peer Supporters
• Hybrid / Agile working (role dependant)

Closing date: Tuesday 17th February 2026 at 10am.

Please note if you are put on a reserve list or offered the role on a temporary basis, you will need to get support from your line manager.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Assistance Disclaimer

Whilst we would encourage applicants to not use AI in order to provide their examples within the application form, we accept that candidates may use AI to provide general guidance and inspiration during the completion of the form.

By utilising this functionality, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

• AI-generated content is provided for illustrative purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or personal experience.
• You remain fully responsible for the accuracy, authenticity, and originality of all information submitted in your application.
• The inclusion of AI-generated suggestions does not imply endorsement or guarantee of the appropriateness, completeness, or effectiveness.
• The organisation accepts no liability for any consequences, direct or indirect, arising from the use of AI-generated content within this form.

Applicants are encouraged to carefully review and personalise all responses to ensure they accurately reflect their individual experiences, qualifications, and intentions.

PLEASE NOTE, AGENCY EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEERS AND SPECIALS ARE UNABLE TO APPLY FOR INTERNAL VACANCIES.

Before you complete the online application, we would advise you to read the attached Information and Guidance documents.

Lancashire Police serves and protects the communities of Lancashire against crime and anti-social behaviour, keeping the county's streets safe and feeling secure.