Forensic Specialists within the Forensic Investigations Unit provide scientific knowledge and expertise in support of major crime investigations within Lancashire.
Forensic Expertise
The unit is based at Police Headquarters and consists of eight specialists who carry out laboratory based forensic examinations such as searching items from suspects and victims of crime for blood, semen, saliva and cellular material using a range of specialist techniques and equipment.
DNA Profiling
Other items such as weapons and firearms are examined for material which will give a DNA profile and identify the person who may have handled them.
Major Crime
The unit also attends major crime scenes such as murders and sexual offences and carries out specialist examinations such as blood pattern analysis (BPA), acid phosphatase testing (AP), Luminol and species testing.
The specialists provide a weekend on call rota, wear a uniform and use liveried vans to get to and from crime scenes.
Court
The specialists write statements for Court and are often required to give expert evidence at Court
Fire and Other Specialism's
Other specialisms within the unit include fire scene examination and reconstruction, tool mark and particulate examinations including fibres, glass and paint.
Career
To become a Forensic Specialist / Blood Pattern Examiner, it is essential that you have a scientific qualification to A-level or equivalent. A degree in a science subject is useful, but not essential. Experience of working in a scientific environment or in a police force is also useful. The majority of training is carried out in-house by trained specialists however there are opportunities to attend external courses / workshops to gain relevant qualifications. You must be able to cope with sometimes difficult situations involving heavily blood-stained scenes / exhibits.
All our current vacancies can be found under Join Us.
