Salary: $91,668.00 per annum | 12-month contract

Applications are invited for the post of Forensic Crime Scene Investigator (FCSI) in the Forensic Support Unit of the Bermuda Police Service (BPS). Working under the overall direction of the Officer in Charge and Detective Sergeant in the Forensic Support Unit, the FCSI will be engaged in all aspects of the forensic examination of crime scenes and any other incident which requires photography and the collection of any items pertinent to the incident.

Duties include but are not limited to:

EXAMINATION/PHOTOGRAPHY OF CRIME SCENES/INCIDENTS, COLLECTION/PROCESSING FORENSIC EVIDENCE

• Assists in processing crime scenes, which will include but not limited to the following types of crime scenes; murder, firearm incidents and recovery, drug importation, money laundering/seizures, serious/fatal traffic/vessel/aircraft collisions, serious sexual assaults, burglaries, theft, wilful damage, assaults, stolen vehicles, arsons and others.


• This includes photographing and videotaping the scene, sketching, latent print collection, evidence collection (biological/non-biological), casting impressions, assisting on search warrants and forensic lab processing of evidence. Collects, processes, handles and tags evidence and perishable specimens, maintaining chain of custody and scene/evidence integrity, in accordance with department policy and procedures.


• Take photographs of victims who have been physically or sexually assaulted.


• Attends Post Mortem examinations and takes photographs under the direction of the resident Pathologist, or visiting Forensic Pathologist, in some cases.


• Prepares crime scene reports and other reports as required.


• Takes internal photographs for police events such as police sports, Outward Bound, retirees, passing out parades, and police presentations and awards at the direction of the Officer in Charge of the Forensic Support Unit or his designate.


• Conducts presentations and gives demonstrations about the unit during school or civilian visits, as well as conducts PowerPoint presentations to police recruit foundation courses, police continuation courses, Authorized Firearm Officer courses, and other in-house police training courses, about the role of the Forensic Support Unit at scenes/incidents, with an emphasis on crime scene preservation.


• Assists in the proper care and maintenance of Service equipment and vehicles.


• Undertakes associated duties as requested by the Officer in Charge of the Forensic Support Unit, his designate and/or the Commissioner of Police.

LABORATORY DUTIES 

• Operates efficiently digital photographic, video and other computerised equipment to download and secure all digital images and files to a secure disc array.


• Uses Adobe Lightroom software (Classic and newer versions) to process all digital images as well as produce digital and hard copy photographic colour enlargements and contact sheets for case files and court proceedings.


• Uses laboratory equipment for the processing of evidence for latent prints, which includes cyanoacrylate[1]fuming, fingerprint powdering techniques, and Ninhydrin processing.


• Uses laboratory equipment such as evidence drying cabinets, to safely dry biologically hazardous and infectious evidence.


• Uses laboratory equipment such as a safe chemical fume hood for the preparation of mixing hazardous fingerprint chemical reagents and for the safe storage of evidence contaminated with hydrocarbons (arson-contaminated evidence).


• Assists in the maintenance/cleaning of the aforementioned laboratory equipment and all other laboratory equipment.

COURT PRESENTATION AND COURT TESTIMONY 

• Prepares witness statements and supplies digital and hard copy contact sheets as well as digital photographic colour enlargements to investigating officers.


• Prepares digital and hard copy photographic albums for court presentation.


• Gives "expert" testimony and evidence of "opinion" on Forensic Support Unit disciplines, at all levels of the Bermuda Court system.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• • The post holder must be a mature individual who is motivated and able to work well under pressure with honesty and integrity in a highly confidential environment.


• Post holder will perform “on call” duties and will work on a shift rota, which will include working outside of normal office hours, weekends and public holidays.


• Post holder will be required to operate a police issued vehicle, in performance of assigned tasks, and will be required to operate a police radio and cellular device.


• Responsibilities and Reporting during an Emergency Situation such as a Hurricane, Aircraft Disaster or Maritime Disaster: If assigned, employees in this classification will be required to report and carry out duties as directed for the duration of the emergency. Depending on the nature of the emergency, this may require working for prolonged hours.

TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE/ POSITION SPECIFIC SKILLS (HARD SKILLS)

• Be proficient in the use of a digital DSLR camera, be aware of the video recording capabilities of current Apple PRO series and Android smartphones.


• A working knowledge of the English laws and legislations affecting court evidence in the jurisdiction of Bermuda, Police And Criminal Evidence (PACE) Act.


• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft 365 products including Word, Excel and PowerPoint at an Intermediate Level.


• Proficiency in the use of Adobe Lightroom (Windows and MAC OS) as well as be familiar with Windows and Mac OS computer operating systems.

ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

• Strong verbal, written communication skills, and interpersonal skills.


• Ability to think strategically with good decision making skills.


• Exceptional analytical and problem solving skills.


• Ability to identify abstract objects and to determine patterns and trends.


• Ability to be precise and direct and to present facts logically and clearly.


• Convey a sense of authority and influence.


• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.

Applicants must possess a Bachelor’s degree with a Crime Scene Examiner Qualification or hold an equivalent qualification in a related field.

Applicants must have a minimum of two (2) years’ experience in a similar position in a computerised environment with digital forensic photography, videography and preparation of court evidence experience.

The role is offered for 12 months and will be based at the BPS Headquarters in Hamilton, Bermuda.

Applicants are asked to submit a comprehensive curriculum vitae alongside a personal statement outlining their suitability for the role to Mrs. Sharon Davis-King, HR Administrative Officer, via email at sdavis@bps.bm.

All applications must be received no later than 28th February 2025.