Fingerprint Bureau Supervisor

Description:

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, working in collaboration with Bedfordshire and Hertfordshire Police, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Fingerprint Bureau Supervisor to join their Scientific Support Unit, based at Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters in Welwyn Garden City. This permanent, full-time position offers a chance to play a vital role in the forensic identification process, directly supporting investigations and justice outcomes.

The Fingerprint Bureau Supervisor will oversee the tri-force fingerprint team, ensuring the effective supervision, resource allocation, and performance management of unit staff. The unit is responsible for analysing, comparing, evaluating, and verifying fingerprints and crime scene marks, making use of IDENT1, the national fingerprint identification system.

Key Responsibilities:
🔹 Day-to-day supervision and management of fingerprint examiners and administrative staff within the unit.
🔹 Work closely with Team Leaders to ensure seamless operational delivery.
🔹 Administer PDRs (Performance Development Reviews), manage staff schedules including annual leave and sickness, and promote staff morale, motivation, and wellbeing.
🔹 Provide administrative and technical support to the Technical Management team.
🔹 Ensure quality standards are upheld, particularly around ISO17025 accreditation and other fingerprint evidential requirements.
🔹 Allocate resources effectively to support operational delivery across all three forces.
🔹 Maintain and enhance team performance through regular training, quality reviews, and development initiatives.

Key Requirements:
✅ Proven supervisory experience, ideally in a forensic environment.
✅ Strong administrative and organisational skills, with the ability to manage diverse tasks.
✅ Knowledge of fingerprint identification systems, including crime management, custody, and intelligence databases.
✅ Understanding of fingerprint evidential processes and relevant quality standards (including ISO17025).
✅ Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively across teams and forces.
✅ Self-motivated, confident, and capable of working under pressure to maintain high standards.

What the Role Offers:
✔️ Opportunity to work at the heart of tri-force forensic operations, supporting investigations across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, and Hertfordshire.
✔️ Be part of a specialist ISO-accredited unit, applying your expertise to deliver high-quality forensic results.
✔️ Competitive salary with starting salary dependent on experience and employing force.
✔️ Commitment to professional development and opportunities for progression within the wider scientific support and policing community.