Job Description

National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS)

The National Ballistics Intelligence Service is a key component in the UKs strategy to reduce firearms criminality. Located in Birmingham and Manchester, our mission is to provide a national centre of excellence for forensic science, intelligence and knowledge around the use, supply, distribution and manufacture of illegal firearms and ammunition.

NABIS supports UK Law Enforcement at a local, regional and national level as well as offering support internationally through engagement with key European law enforcement agencies and beyond.

About the Role

As a NABIS Ballistics Expert, you would be responsible for the examination, identification and interpretation of firearms, ammunition and associated evidence in support of complex criminal investigations. You will undertake detailed microscopic and comparative examinations alongside test firing to provide quick time forensic results to UK police forces.

NABIS are recruiting qualified Ballistic Experts to join our established team in Birmingham.

As part of a Forensic Ballistic team, you will work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies, sharing specialist knowledge and identifying firearms linked series, presenting findings to investigators, legal professionals and courts.

Key Responsibilities

• To examine firearms, ammunition and ballistic related items in line with NABIS Standard Operating Procedures, ISO17025 and the FSR Codes of Practice.
• To provide expert ballistics knowledge in the delivery of products and services by using tool mark comparison systems, microscopy and IBIS technologies, together with firearms legislation.
• Undertake evidential test-firing of firearms for classification and ballistic comparison. Additionally, undertake the classification of all types of firearms and ammunition whilst preserving forensic evidence including, DNA, fingerprints and fibres.
• To ensure safe working practices within the NABIS Hub, taking into consideration Health and Safety guidelines, compliance with safe working practices and adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.
• Attend court in the capacity of a Ballistics Expert and present evidence as required including the production of expert witness statements.

Full Role Details

Click here to view the full details of the role, including the Essential Criteria, Desirable Criteria and any educational requirements for the role.

Salary and Shifts

Salary: Grade 7 £44,700 - £50,949

Hours: Monday – Friday 8am-4pm and participate in the weekend on-call rota

Selection Process

1. Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.
2. Closing Date: 30th September 2026
3. Assessment and Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview and an assessment. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.
4. Proposed Date (s) : TBC
5. Pre-Employment Checks - If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required.

Checks may include:

• Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Management vetting and Security clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process.
• Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.
• Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.

Contact: Gregg Taylor - gregg.taylor@westmidlands.police.uk.

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.