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Initial firearms classification adviser

Information about the role of an initial firearms classification adviser, including the role purpose, key responsibilities and the skills required.

About the role

An initial firearms classification adviser is a forensics position within the investigation sector of policing. It's a service deliverer role in the policing professional profiles.

Role purpose

The initial firearms classification adviser (IFCA) undertakes the initial triage classification of firearms, imitation firearms and ammunition to support and advise on the initial stages of an investigation. 

Key responsibilities

Key responsibility statements show the accountabilities for someone in this role. They focus on what is done, not how it is done.

  • Undertaking of initial firearms classification to identify lines of enquiry for investigations involving firearms, imitation firearms, and ammunition to determine a proportionate response in line with relevant law, policy and guidance, for example, the Firearms Act 1968 and the Criminal Justice Act 2003.
  • Identifying action required by the investigating officer to progress the investigation in line with the law, policy and guidance. 
  • Advising on a forensic strategy to capture forensic evidence to support criminal justice proceedings.
  • Advising on the registration and submission of items to the National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) in line with policy and guidance to support national intelligence gathering and policing objectives.
  • Assisting investigating officers, intelligence staff and crime scene investigators in the investigation of crime to contribute to high-quality case files and support criminal justice proceedings.
  • Supporting an urgent charge or remand decision to manage operational risk, in line with force policy and pending the provision of a report by an appropriately accredited forensic service provider. 
  • Operating within the restrictions and provisions within the forensic science regulator code of practice to protect the public and support the criminal justice process.

Competencies, values and core skills

The competency and values framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes the behaviours required by police officers and staff to be effective in their roles and uphold the Code of Ethics for policing.

Competencies

The CVF has six competencies, which are split into levels. These levels can be used flexibly to allow for a better fit with frontline and non-frontline policing roles, and at different levels of seniority. This ensures that there is consistency throughout all the policing professional profiles. Some roles may contain different CVF levels due to the specialist nature of the role. Those working at higher levels should also fulfil the requirements of the lower levels.

This role should be operating at or working towards the following competencies. 

Values

The CVF has three values that apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority.

Core skills

All roles in policing have nine core skills in common. These are split into levels that represent the different levels of policing. This role should be operating at or working towards the following core skills.

Education, qualifications and experience

Previous education, qualifications and experience

  • Knowledge of relevant law, guidance, policy, and process for initial triage classification of firearms, imitation firearms, and ammunition.
  • Knowledge of reporting methods, including the streamline forensic reporting (SFR) process.
  • Knowledge of the forensic science regulator (FSR) code of practice and the criminal justice system.

In-role education, qualifications and experience

Achieve initial firearms classification adviser accreditation through the successful completion of the National Initial Triage Classification of Firearms and Ammunition course, or equivalent force training programme.

Continuing professional development

Continuing professional development (CPD) enables everyone in policing to develop and gain recognition for their professional skills, knowledge and competence. CPD ensures that we continue to provide high-quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of professional development review (PDR)conversations.

Learning and accreditation

  • Maintenance of initial firearms classification adviser (IFCA) accreditation through demonstration and assessment of continued competence against professional standards and evidence of CPD, in line with the College of Policing model. 
  • Complete all annual and mandatory training.
  • Any exemptions to learning and accreditation requirements are at chief constable discretion, in line with the local force policy.

Professional development

This role should consider the following CPD:

  • maintaining a portfolio of evidence of knowledge and skills gained through conducting initial triage classification of firearms, imitation firearms and ammunition
  • maintaining knowledge of new and developing legislation, relevant stated cases, and changes to the FSR code of practice and current national policing priorities
  • registering with the Chartered Society of Forensic Sciences and adhering to the organisation’s codes of conduct
  • completing the G2 module of the National Police Firearms Training Curriculum
  • maintaining knowledge and understanding of new approaches to evidence-based policing, including engagement with academics and others to support research if requested, and synthesising these into working practice
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