Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) - Forensic

Thames Valley Police; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Flexible working

Lifestyle discounts

LG Pension

Career development

Wellbeing services

Job summary

Thames Valley Police is recruiting entry-level Crime Scene Investigators to join the Forensic Investigation Unit, covering Milton Keynes and other locations across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire. The role involves travel across the force, flexible working and potential progression as training and competency are achieved.

Applicants should be self-motivated, have strong problem-solving and communication skills, and hold a full manual driving licence.

Qualifications

• A good degree of self-motivation and personal resilience.
• The ability to use your own initiative.
• Proven problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team working skills.
• A commitment to serving the public.
• Passion to succeed in this role.

Responsibilities

• Capability to travel across the Force to undertake assignments in a timely manner and work flexibly.
• A full manual driving licence is considered essential for this role.

Skills

Self-motivation

Initiative

Problem-solving

Communication

Teamwork

Public service mindset

Education

Degree in a relevant field

Job description

Department Forensic Investigation Unit, Force Crime

Location Aylesbury, Bicester, Loddon Valley, Milton Keynes, Oxford, Slough

Rank/Grade TVP Broad Band 3F

Linked grade: Tier 1 - Band 3F starting package circa £37,189 p.a., Tier 2 - Band 3G starting package circa £48,692 p.a., Tier 3 - Band 3H starting package circa £54,492 p.a. (salaries incl of allowances, excluding On Call, details in advert)

Full Package - Tier 1 package: Entry level Tier 1 CSIs will start at Band 3F circa £32,339 per annum, plus 15% shift allowance, increasing upon completion of the stage 2 training programme and attaining competency as a Tier 2 CSI to the Tier 2 package which will start at Band 3G circa £36,474 per annum, plus 18% shift allowance, plus On Call and 15.5% criticality allowance; increasing to Tier 3 package which will start at Band 3H circa £41,757 per annum plus of 18% shift allowance, plus On Call and 12.5% criticality allowance (subject to progression) plus benefits.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is making a significant, multi-year investment in our Forensic Services and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines, to create a forward looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate, timely services that support effective crime investigation for the populations of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire.

If you are looking to develop your current CSI career and have:

• A good degree of self-motivation and personal resilience,
• The ability to use your own initiative,
• Proven problem-solving skills,
• Excellent communication, interpersonal and team working skills,
• A commitment to serving the public,
• and have the passion to succeed in this role

Capability to travel across the Force is required in order to undertake assignments in a timely manner and work flexibly. Due to unsocial hours and personal safety for lone working public transport may not be suitable. For this reason, a full manual driving licence is considered essential for this role.

As part of this recruitment, a 12-month talent pool will be created for the successful candidates. Further appointments will be made from this pool for arising permanent and fixed term vacancies.

As well as entry level CSIs, we also welcome applications from trained CSIs to start at the level they are trained to.

As part of the Thames Valley Police family, you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 25th October 2026.

Candidates will need to be available to attend an assessment centre on 17th and 19th November 2026, location to be confirmed, following which successful candidates will be invited for interviews.

Thames Valley Police (TVP) is making a significant, multi-year investment in our Forensic Services and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines to create a forward-looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate, timely outcomes that support effective crime investigation for TVP and other external organisations. Our investment includes developing our people, making best use of technology and creating a Centre of Excellence for the future:

At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us .

Working Smart . You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.

SupportingYou . Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with.We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You .

Developing You . We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.

Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
As part of our ongoing commitment to fair and transparent recruitment, we provide guidance on how AI may be used during the application and interview processes. Please familiarise yourself with our AI Guidance for Applicants - TVP Careers