The Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) employs more than 44,000 officers and Staff, plus thousands of volunteers and provides policing to one of the most diverse capital cities in the world.
The service provides policing to the 32 London Boroughs as well as a number of other local, national and international functions such as counter terrorism and organised crime prevention. As the country’s largest police service, the service is recognised internationally as a leader in fighting crime and many other policing organisations look to the MPS for best practice and guidance.
We are looking to recruit students for a 52 week student placement with the Metropolitan Police Service. All roles will give students valuable insight and experience of working for one of the largest public organisations in the UK and the largest single employer in London. The role is a substantive post and we seek to provide valuable practical experience wherever our students work.
Background
Forensic Services provides services across the Met, Nationally and Internationally within multiple disciplines and specialisms. Primarily located at our headquarters within Lambeth we also have staff based across London.
As the largest provider of Forensic Services in the country we cover multiple disciplines such as Crime Scene Examination, Digital Forensics, Fingerprints and Biology and as such we are constantly striving to develop and improve the service we provide through research and innovation.
The role
Candidates must be undergraduate students in a sandwich year course returning to study in Autumn 2026. Based at our Lambeth Headquarters you will be aligned to a Forensic Business Unit and will conduct supporting activity to assist the unit.
Activity may include: administration activity (data entry), research (practical, data and literature), data analysis, validation studies. The nature of the work you will undertake will be dependent on your skill sets, current studies and demand within the business. We will look to move you between units when possible to aid your experience.
Due to the broad nature of our service and the types of activity we conduct we are looking for individuals from a spread of different studies which could include (but is NOT limited to) Biomedical Sciences, Criminology, Digital Forensics, Engineering, Forensic Science etc.
Disciplines covered by our services include: Biology & Trace, Drugs, Crime Scene Examination, Specialist Imaging, Fingerprints, Firearms, Digital Forensics, Audio and Visual Forensics.
Please note You will be expected to work within the Forensic Service Quality Management System. You will be required to provide Fingerprint and DNA samples for elimination purposes only whilst in the role. This is a non-public facing role, you will not be attending crime scenes.
About you
We are looking for enthusiastic, meticulous and innovative individuals to join our Continuous Improvement Team and wider Forensic Services. This is an incredibly exciting and rare opportunity to support Forensic Services and the development of Forensic processes and techniques to ensure we meet the ever-evolving demands of tackling crime in London.
Candidates must
- Be working towards degree level within a relevant course.
- Have a keen interest in Forensics and/or Policing, with strong work ethic and desire to learn.
- Have a genuine interest in supporting continuous improvement in Forensics.
- Be able to follow direction but also work independently.
Professional qualifications
- Working towards a degree level within a relevant discipline. Can include but not limited to: Science (eg Chemistry, Biomedical studies), Toxicology, Criminology, Forensic Science, Computer Science, Information Technology/Security, Engineering, Digital Forensics etc.
Knowledge
- A basic understanding of Health and Safety principles and (if applicable to the activity) good lab practice is desirable.
Skills
- Critical Thinking
Experience
- Ability to work both in a team and independently (with direction)
- Ability to follow set processes and protocols as defined by the Forensic Services Quality Management System
- Confident using a range of systems and tools such as MS Office
- Ability to report on task or research and present findings
Activities may include
- Undertake administrative activity.
- Undertake project work.
- Support to Forensic Continuous Improvement Team in compiling information and reports.
- Support to the Forensic Consultant and business units in undertaking different types of research eg data, literature, laboratory based, statistical etc, as applicable to the discipline.
- Assist in the design of research. Performing experiments, testing or validating of current and new processes.
- Interrogate data or results to extract key information (as applicable).
- Identify potential risks and issues within research.
- Under direction processes, organises and summarises data using IT systems.
- Conduct literature reviews (as applicable)
- Understand and accept the core principles set out in the H&S Policy in relation to your role, duties and responsibilities and implement those principles and requirements in day-to-day activities.
Candidates must also demonstrate the following skills
Communication Skills
- An excellent level of both written and verbal communication skills, and ability to present information appropriately to a wide variety of clients in a clear, concise and non-technical manner. Written communications will need to be well prepared and logically structured.
Planning and Organisational skills
- Plans and organises their own work, liaising with their manager as to how the work fits in with the project.
Time Management
- Prioritises tasks and keeps to deadlines. Has a flexible and self-motivated approach to work, being able to work unsupervised if required.
Problem Solving Skills
- Can define and solve problems in a logical manner, being aware of the variety of solutions possible. Shows evidence of being able to balance theory with reality to produce a pragmatic solution.
Technical Skills
- IT skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and an aptitude and willingness to learn new software packages. Good numerical and statistical analysis skills and being able to make sense of and interpret qualitative and quantitative data.
Team Working
- Can work with a diverse group of colleagues and clients at all levels. Being an active team player and show willingness to help other people.
Personal Responsibility
- Have a proactive approach, being able to critically appraise their actions and accept responsibility given to them.
Respect for Diversity
- Demonstrates a respect for diversity through all aspects of work. Shows consideration and respect for the opinions and feelings of others, regardless of their status or background.
How to apply
To apply, please visit our website. Applications will be via a detailed CV, Personal Statement and online application form. Within your personal statement please provide information on your degree programme, why you would be interested in joining Forensic Services, any experience you have in administration, research and detail what areas of Forensics you would be interested in working within in. (NB. Please do not attach 2 copies of your CV).
Completed applications must be submitted by 30th November 2024.
