Fingerprint Laboratory Officer - Forensic (Secondment/Fixed Term Contract) in Kidlington

Contract Details

Secondment/Fixed Term Contract until 1st March 2027.

• Band 3G: starting salary circa £35,241 per annum, plus 12.5% shift allowance, plus on call (plus benefits).
• Band 3F: starting salary circa £31,245 per annum, plus 12.5% shift allowance, plus on call (plus benefits).

Role Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU) as a Fingerprint Laboratory Officer in our Chemical Enhancement Laboratory based in Kidlington in Oxfordshire (eventually moving to our new Forensic Centre in Bicester, Oxfordshire in Spring/Summer of 2026). In this integral role, you will provide an effective Fingermark Visualisation Service, carrying out forensic examinations, utilising specialist treatments and visualisation techniques to reveal, enhance and recover fingermarks to provide an efficient, timely and high‑quality service that supports the investigation process.

Entry Level Responsibilities & Conditions

Successful candidates will have good communication skills and an ability to report on and explain their professional findings both written and verbally. They will possess good analytical skills, be able to examine and record fine detail whilst applying a methodical approach and supporting quality standards.

Advanced Level Responsibilities & Conditions

The ideal candidate will have recent and relevant experience as a Fingerprint Laboratory Officer, with demonstrable competence in undertaking the full end‑to‑end process and making decisions on case strategies and treatment pathways. You will also have experience training and/or tutoring less experienced staff, with an ability to conduct competency assessments of others.

Additional Duties

Post holders will be expected to undertake occupational health and psychological screening programmes, and to provide fingerprints and DNA samples for elimination purposes. Capability to travel across the Force is required 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; a full driving licence is considered essential.

Secondment Notes

If you are a permanent member of staff applying for this role, please note it will be offered on a secondment basis. All secondments must be supported in writing by your Line Manager and Head of Department/Commander or Deputy. Please attach written approval from your line manager and Head of Department in your application. If the secondment is not supported the role may be offered on a fixed‑term contract basis, but this has implications including loss of continuous service protections.

Travel & Work Hours

Shift allowance, on‑call or other job‑related allowances from the previous role will not be protected unless they are attached to the new role for the duration of the secondment.

Benefits

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), Bank Holidays, flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities, and the option to join a local government pension scheme.

How to Apply

To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than two pages. CVs will not be accepted without a cover letter or if the CV is more than two pages long. You may contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 23162.

Closing Date

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