Exhibits and Disclosure Officer

Exhibits and Disclosure Officer

Stratford, Warwickshire

6 Months Fixed Term Contract

Full Time

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Tuesday 04th May 2021.

Previous unsuccessful applicants need not apply.

The main purpose of the role is to perform the role of Disclosure Officer as defined in the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) of 1996 and Exhibits Officer in relation to major and serious crime.

Main Responsibilities:

To act as Disclosure Officer in case of ongoing investigation. As such, to assess all seized material in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 and the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996. Make appropriate arrangements with regard to the retention of third party material as required.

To assist with the liaison with the Crown Prosecution Service, Forensic Accountant, Counsel and assist with the preparation of evidence for court.

To liaise with the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) to ensure that the existence of all material obtained in the course of the investigation is revealed to the CPS by means of disclosure schedules. Identify material that may ‘assist’ the Defence or ‘undermine’ the Prosecution case.

To preserve the integrity of exhibits, ensuring that they are logged, tracked and stored in accordance with agreed protocols. Ensure disposal of exhibits in accordance with the Senior Investigating Officer’s instructions.

To attend Magistrates and Crown Court in the capacity of Exhibits Officer or Disclosure Officer and give evidence when required.

To maintain the computerised management of exhibits on appropriate system to meet the demand of the operation.

To examine seized material and identify evidential lines of enquiry that assist within the parameters of the investigation and bring these to the attention of the SIO. To prepare schedules of material as required.

To assist the investigation team by conducting reasonable lines of enquiry when required to do so.

Knowledge:

5 GCSE’s or equivalent, Grades A-C including English Language

Knowledge of police procedures, investigations and the operation of the criminal courts

Post holder should have demonstrable knowledge of:

Major Incident Room Administrative Procedures (MIRSAP) 2005, Murder Investigation Manual (MIM) 2006, Criminal Procedure and Investigation Act (CPIA) of 1996 and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984

Key offences in criminal law including all major offences against the person/property and to understand the workings of the criminal courts and the wider criminal justice system

An awareness of forensics, exhibit packaging and cross contamination

Experience:

Recent experience of working with a Major Incident Room or similar is an essential requirement of the role.

Key Skills:

Possess an analytical mind, methodical with an attention to detail

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate effectively at all levels both verbally and in writing, particularly with the Crown Prosecution Service, counsel, defence legal advisors and the courts

The confidence to provide evidence under oath (affirmation) in a court room setting

Have an aptitude towards Information Technology

A thorough knowledge of all aspects of exhibit handling including Scenes of Crime and Forensic Science procedures

Able to demonstrate absolute discretion when dealing with sensitive and highly sensitive material/investigations

Special Conditions

Warranted powers

The post holder will be required to lawfully exercise with professional judgement the 'designated powers' of an investigator as determined by the Police Reform Act 2002, and as authorised by the Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police. Those powers are: to make PACE Section 8 search warrant applications; to access excluded and special procedure material; to enter and search after arrest; a general power of seizure of evidence; access and copying evidence in the case of things seized by constables; to arrest a suspect at a police station for further offences; to accept the transfer of prisoners for the purposes of interview; power to require an arrested person to account for certain matters; and some extended powers of seizure. With the exception of warrant applications these powers are only exercisable within the policing areas of Warwickshire.

Other 

Casual car user

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.

Candidates will be required as part of Warwickshire Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks

Those on the at risk register will be given prior consideration.