Thames Valley Police
Secondment/Fixed Term Contract until 30th November 2026.
Thames Valley Police (TVP) is making a significant, multi-year investment in our Forensic Services and is transforming our wide array of forensic disciplines to create a forward-looking, accredited service which delivers proportionate, timely outcomes that support effective crime investigation for TVP and other external organisations. Our investment includes developing our people, making best use of technology and creating a Centre of Excellence for the future:
New state-of-the-art forensics centre planned for Thames Valley – TVP Careers
Celebration of work starting on new forensics centre - Thames Valley PCC
Forensics Centre Construction Celebrated in Bicester - TVP Careers
As part of this transformation, an exciting leadership opportunity has arisen to join the Forensic Investigation Unit (FIU) as a Fingerprint Support Team Leader in the Fingerprint Bureau. Reporting to the Fingerprint Bureau Manager, you will supervise the day-to-day work of Forensic Administrators and Fingerprint Bureau Technicians ensuring that the Fingerprint Bureau receives the required administrative and technical support to deliver an effective service. In addition to line management, the Fingerprint Support Team Leader will be a team player, carrying out administrative activities and undertake the technical processing of Tenprints and associated biometric information. For this reason, candidates must possess analytical skills and be able to examine fine detail with good eyesight. They will make decisions regarding Fingerprint identity, and are expected to maintain technical competence in relation to dealing with Tenprint Friction Ridge Detail (Stage 1 fingerprint training or equivalent).
Duties will include activities such as: conducting physical checks on fingerprint exhibits and biometric material transiting through the FIU; meticulous compilation of all documentation, with an emphasis on accurate data inputting onto case management systems; confirming identity of persons through comparison of stored and supplied fingerprint records; interrogating and interpreting local and national databases; management and maintenance of the National Fingerprint Collection, Police National Computer and Criminal Databases.
Being able to follow standard operating procedures and processes in accordance with accreditation and quality standards is essential to ensuring that the Force is compliant with regulatory requirements and the legitimacy of fingerprint evidence into the Criminal Justice System.
The successful candidate will be expected to undertake the established psychological screening process. Along with all other posts in Force Crime, Intelligence and Specialist Operations Departments, this role will require an enhanced level of vetting.
If you are a permanent member of staff applying for this role, please note it will be offered on a secondment basis. Important: 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 then the role may be offered on a fixed term contract basis, but this has implications including loss of continuous service protections.
Please note: 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.
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 (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.
To apply for this post please attach a cover letter of no more than one page and a CV of no more than 2 pages. NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter or if the CV is more than 2 pages long.
If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 23050. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.
The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 14th December 2025.
Find out more about TVP Forensics here.
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At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
