Experience 
Essentials

• Possess an in-depth understanding of controlled drugs and relevant legislation. 
• Understand Serious and Organised Criminality and threat to UK.
• In depth understand of the drugs market and supply.
•  Knowledge of drugs market trends.
• Knowledge and previous experience of drugs investigations
• Previous experience of preparing and presenting evidence in court. 
   

Desirable

• Should already have attended a recognised Drug Expert Evidence course or be willing  to complete a recognised course
• Working knowledge of drugs classification, valuation  and mobile device extraction and interpretation
• Possess an understanding of the current legislation in respect of an Expert witness
• An understanding of criminal legislation including Codes of Practice, Data Protection and the rules of evidence. 
• A member of the Drugs Expert Witness and Valuers Association (DEWVA), and to abide by their rules and constitution. 

Skills: 
Essential

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a wider team of Drugs Expert Witnesses.
• Work independently with limited supervision.
• Possess excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
• Demonstrate a planned and organised approach to achieving objectives, defining clear timescales and outcomes while managing competing priorities.
• The ability to travel throughout the West Midlands region and further if required to do so for operational needs, training and court appearances.
• Ability to assist with the management of team workload in absence of Drug Expert Witness & Ballistics Team Manager 

Desirable

• Be conversant with Microsoft Office and have excellent computer literacy skills.
• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Staff within the Drug Expert Witness Team and the WMP Forensic Services Department
• All employees of West Midlands Police concerning Drug related enquires.
• National Drug Expert Witness Teams, Forensic Suppliers, Police Forces and other external agencies via written and verbal communication.
• Liaison with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), barristers and other judicial members.
• Maintain written/verbal contact with any external providers/suppliers.

Internal and External Contact 

• Staff within the Drug Expert Witness Team and the WMP Forensic Services Department
• All employees of West Midlands Police concerning Drug related enquires.
• National Drug Expert Witness Teams, Forensic Suppliers, Police Forces and other external agencies via written and verbal communication.
• Liaison with Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), barristers and other judicial members.
• Maintain written/verbal contact with any external providers/suppliers.

Special Conditions 

• The post holder will be required to work Monday to Friday and weekends. Working flexibly between hours of 8am and 8pm, including bank holidays and on occasions outside of core shift hours 
• There may be a requirement to work at different police stations within West Midlands Police as well as the opportunity to agile work

Direct Report 

• Drug Expert Witness & Ballistics Team Manager 
• Identification Manager

Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully passing vetting and medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

West Midlands Police are currently undertaking a long term review of staff pay and conditions.  The grade, pay and other terms of employment are therefore subject to review and may change in the future. 

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions.  As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.  

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision:  Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"