Forensic Examination Officer

Lancashire Constabulary; Preston; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A public law enforcement agency in the United Kingdom is seeking a Forensic Examination Officer to join their team. The role involves providing specialized services to the Scientific Support Department, utilizing forensic techniques to recover and examine evidence. Candidates are expected to have relevant educational qualifications in science and a willingness to undergo training. This position offers generous leave, pension schemes, and health support benefits.

Benefits

25 - 31 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Local Government Pension Scheme

Sick pay provisions

Discounts via the Blue Light Scheme

Access to on-site gyms

Hybrid / Agile working options

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of forensic examination processes and protocols.
• Ability to manage workload and multi-task effectively.

Responsibilities

• Record, recover, and examine forensic evidence.
• Prepare and apply forensic processes in laboratory and crime scenes.
• Provide support to investigating officers regarding processes.

Skills

A Level qualification or equivalent in scientific discipline

Willingness to complete training programme

Education

A Level in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Photography or equivalent experience

Job description

Lancashire Constabulary is looking for a Forensic Examination Officer to join our team.

The purpose of the Forensic Examination Officer is to provide a service to the Scientific Support Department and the Force, both within the laboratory and at scenes of crime, by employing a wide range of specialist forensic techniques in order to recover, record and examine forensic evidence, including physical and chemical fingerprint and footwear enhancement, fingerprint and footwear examination, digital imaging, DNA and trace evidence recovery.

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

This role requires a broad spectrum of responsibilities. The post holder will be required to multi-task and manage their workload effectively.

Key Responsibilities

• Record, recover and examine forensic evidence relating to fingerprint, footwear and biology disciplines using standard protocols and produce accurate contemporaneous case notes, including digital images, to assist in investigations.
• Prepare and apply physical and chemical processes in the laboratory, crime scenes and mortuaries, using validated methods.
• Have an understanding of International Standards, Forensic Science Regulator Statutory Code of Practice, and other relevant documents.
• Provide advice, guidance and operational support to investigating officers and other departments concerning laboratory and crime scene processes.
• Ensure the integrity of exhibits and maintain continuity in the evidence chain.

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.
• Willing to complete training programme in analysis, comparison and evaluation of friction ridge detail; footwear coding and screening; forensic development techniques; OR biology examination and recovery.

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 assessment as part of the interview process. This will consist of a Fingerprint Aptitude Test.

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)

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.

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

Closing date: Monday 16th February 2026 at 10am.