Fingerprint /Forensic Officer

Victoria Police

Forensic Services Department

Fingerprint Sciences Group

Forensic Officer Level 2 (FO-2) roles available

2 years fixed term

About the role:

The Victoria Police Forensic Services Department is a NATA accredited laboratory that provides a professional forensic service to Victoria Police, persons involved with the administration of justice, and the public. 

The Fingerprint Sciences Group (FSG) provides a range of services which include, but are not limited to, crime scene and exhibit examinations, latent comparisons, forensic intelligence and support to frontline members, and provision of evidence in courts of law.

As a Fingerprint/Forensic Officer within the FSG you will be trained to perform a multitude of tasks which are performed on a rostered basis. These tasks include attending major crime scenes to recover fingerprint evidence, processing of exhibits in a laboratory setting, processing tenprint sets and assisting with administrative support functions.

The role offers significant opportunity for training and career development with progression through merit-based selection into Fingerprint Examiner (FO-3) and Fingerprint Expert (FO-4) positions available in the future for suitable candidates. Progression requires working towards the completion of the relevant discipline specific graduate certificate.

Your duties will include:

• Attend and assist at crime scenes and secondary locations to process crime scene related samples within defined parameters.
• Attend the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine (VIFM) for the purposes of fingerprinting deceased persons.
• Conduct analysis of samples and initial examination of exhibits under direction and supervision within defined parameters
• Operate and maintain existing systems and processes including technical and scientific equipment.
• Processing and management of ten print fingerprint records on the National Automated Fingerprint Identification System (NAFIS)
• Present factual evidence in Courts of Law.
• Conduct quality controls within work area, including keeping records where necessary.

As the successful applicant, you will have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification (desirable)
• Ability to undertake scientific/technical examinations following established procedures.
• Experience with the operation and maintenance of relevant scientific instrumentation
• Proven administrative skills including the maintenance of detailed and accurate records.
• Well-developed oral and written communication skills with an emphasis on the ability to impart specialist knowledge and advice to internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work autonomously and/or in a team environment and to manage workloads in order to meet defined/agreed targets and deadlines.
• Prepare reports and provide results on technical matters relevant to own work area.
• An understanding of the customer service requirements of the position and a demonstrated record of strong commitment and achievement in meeting customer needs
• A proven record of ethical behaviour and a demonstrated commitment to the Victoria Police Code of Ethics and Conduct and the Organisational Values

Requirements and relevant information:

• Numerous fixed-term contracts are available.
• Position is located at 31 Forensic drive Macleod, Victoria
• Successful candidates will be required to:
• Possess a current Victorian Driver Licence and qualify for an appropriate Victoria Police driving authority within three (3) months.
• Work after hours, weekends and public holidays (shift work). 
• Undergo pre-employment checks which may include fingerprint checks and misconduct screening.
• provide a DNA sample (buccal swab) for use in laboratory quality control procedures (elimination purposes only).
• Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa.

Your application must include:

• Resume
• Completed application form – A separate application form is attached to the advertisement on careers.vic.gov.au    You must respond to the questions in the application form and attach same for your submission to be complete.

Please Note: For candidates applying via SEEK.com, click on the “Apply” button and you will be taken to the Careers.vic.gov.au website, which is where you will find the separate application form attachment, this form needs to be completed for your application to be considered.

Applications will not be accepted via email.

Current Victorian Government employees must apply via Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE).

Applications close midnight, Monday 11th March 2024.

For further information on this role please contact: Tracie Gould on (03) 9450 3*** or via email ************@police.vic.gov.au.

Victoria Police is a contemporary and agile workplace and supports flexible working arrangements.

If you have a disability/medical condition and require a copy of this advertisement and attached documentation in an accessible format or would like to discuss an access requirements/reasonable adjustment for the recruitment process, please contact VPS Recruitment via email ***************@police.vic.gov.au  or on (03) 9450-9***.

About Us:

Victoria Police has a dedicated workforce of more than 22,000 employees consisting of police, protective services officers, police custody officers, and public service staff. Each employee plays a vital role in providing the 24/7, 365 days a year emergency response and public safety capability the organisation delivers to its community. As a Victoria Police employee, you have a dedication and commitment to community safety. 

Having a workforce that reflects the community we serve is important to Victoria Police. We want to attract and retain people of all genders, ages, religions, disability, sexual orientation, family and caring responsibilities, and cultures including people of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage. If you are interested in a position, we encourage you to apply as we celebrate the benefit that diversity brings to our employees, our services, and our community.

Find out what it is like working as a Victorian Public Servant for Victoria Police: https://www.police.vic.gov.au/vps