Crime Scene Manager

Job Introduction

About Us: 

British Transport Police (BTP) is the national police force for the rail network throughout Great Britain. We are the ‘Guardians of the Railway,’ putting passenger safety at the heart of what we do. Our values are simply: We Care, We Do the Right Thing, We Strive to Be Better Every Day, We Are One BTP, and We Are Proud to Protect. Join us and help create an environment where we can all be our best every day. 

The Opportunity: 

Salary: £38,264.81 per annum, plus 10% Shift & 10% On Call allowance

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: Glasgow - Cowcaddens Road

Type of Working Arrangement: Blended approach of home and office-working is available

Hours: This is full-time role (37 hours)

Are you looking for your next exciting career move? British Transport Police have an excellent opportunity for a Crime Scene Manager to join the Scientific Support Unit. As a Crime Scene Manager with BTP, you will line manage a small regional team of Scenes of Crime Officers, attending volume crime scenes, and more complex or major crime incidents to advise and collaborate with lead investigating Officers in accordance with ISO 17020 and the Forensic Science Regulator codes of practice, by managing complex scenes which includes recording, investigating, examining and recovering forensic evidence whilst also aiming to minimise disruption on the railways by deploying appropriate strategies to partially or fully open lines.  

Main Responsibilities:  

• To manage a small regional team of Crime Scene Officers and to manage complex scenes/postmortems, creating an action log and ensuring compliance to procedures and implementing forensic strategy. Ensuring decision making is well documented and communicated.
• To attend the more complex scenes of crime and major incidents, overseeing the crime scene ensuring it is preserved and processed in accordance with set out protocols (ISO 17020 and Forensic Science Regulators Code of Practice and Conduct) with responsibility for own health and safety and others whilst implementing dynamic risk assessment enabling evidence to be collected safely and comprehensively through effective communication with those involved in the investigation.
• Attend disruption and fatality scenes, mortuaries and postmortems to assist in the recovery of any/all forensic samples. Be able to work in such environments and handle deceased persons and assist in specialist body recovery at scene.
• Work with peers and managers to respond to changes in demand and large, sudden events by self-organising resources collectively in the field and to pull on other personnel when needed.
• Engage with and implement departmental procedures in line with the requirements Forensic Science Regulator Codes of Practice and Conduct and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 17020/17025 standards to provide a quality service through accreditation.

Further information about this vacancy can be found in the attached job description.

What We’re Looking For; Essential Skills:    

Qualifications and Training:

• Attended and passed the Crime Scene Manager course or to have achieved this within 12 months of undertaking the role.
• Have a degree level qualification in a forensic science related subject or relevant experience in the field.
• It is essential for the post holder to have a clean full UK driving license.

Experience:

• Extensive experience of working as a SOCO on major crime and/or incidents of a complex nature relating to forensic recovery.
• Experience of managing forensic investigations at scenes, including directing the packaging, storing and transport items of potential evidence.
• Experience of working with ISO 17020 and the Forensic Science Regulator codes of practice
• Experience of line managing a small team, to mentor and develop performance creating strong engagement and a high performing culture.

Skills:

• Able to review and assess individual and team performance against expected standards (ISO), providing objective and effective feedback and ensuring corrective actions are taken where necessary.
• Keeps up to date with new approaches to evidence-based policing as new technological approaches within the forensic investigation field.
• Ability to work in difficult situations, calmly and accurately, sometimes within pressurised environments.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of all forensic related science
• A detailed understanding of the criminal justice system.
• Awareness of Health and Safety in the work environment

Additional Information

The job involves extensive travel across the UK, working long hours, which may sometimes be unsociable, including shifts and on call.

Working with little or no daily supervision.

The job will necessitate working in difficult circumstances including tunnels, steep embankments and outside in all weather conditions etc.

The job entails dealing with extremely distressing situations including scenes involving death and mutilation, liaising with family members who have received news of recent loss of a loved one and victims of crime.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting (3 years minimum UK residency required), including a full background and financial disclosure. For more information and Top Tips, please see attached document.

Medical: We’ll ask for relevant health and medical history details to support employee wellbeing.

References: We'll ask for references to cover the past 5 years.

How to apply: 

Applications will be via a detailed CV, Cover Letter and online application form. Your Cover Letter should outline why you are interested in the role and how your skills and experience demonstrate your suitability for the role.

Completed applications must be submitted by 11.59pm, 06 April 2025

What we offer:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days after 5 years.
• Family-friendly policies, including up to 26 weeks paid maternity and adoption leave.
• Bespoke benefits platform and Blue Light Card access.
• Salary sacrifice options for cycles, home technology, gym membership, and electric vehicles.
• Interest-free annual rail season ticket loan after 6 months.
• Access to the Transport Benevolent Fund for health, welfare, and financial support.
• Development opportunities, including fully funded apprenticeships.
• Excellent Pension scheme:  We offer the BTP GPP Police Staff Pension Scheme, administered by Royal London. This group personal pension plan is available to all police staff and is a defined contribution scheme. It provides the flexibility to vary your pension contributions from 4.4% to 12% of your salary. For more information, visit the Royal London dedicated pension page or email us at Pension-Queries@btp.police.uk. Note: If you are an existing member of Police Staff in the RPS, your pension will not be affected.

Inclusion & Diversity: 

At BTP, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued. We believe diversity drives innovation and better decision-making. Our roles are open to everyone, and we encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, women, LGBTQI+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those who are neurodiverse. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

For more information on Inclusion or the Disability Confident Scheme, please click the links Inclusion & Diversity Disability Confident Scheme 

Join Us: 

Grow your career with us. We can’t wait to hear from you! See why BTP is right for you and click here for more information. For further information, please contact our Resourcing Team at RecruitmentTeam@btp.police.uk