A look at Executive Officer Role In The Case Intake Services (CIS) in FSI

Please tell us a bit about your role?

The role in CIS is one of great variety. CIS team members are client facing and are generally the first point of contact for stakeholders that require FSI’s services. These include An Garda Síochána, Customs, the Defence Forces, other state agencies and Departments. We are responsible for the correct and safe intake and storage of all exhibits to the laboratory. Attention to detail and clear communication is essential. It is a physically active role with a considerable amount of time spent on your feet. There is a requirement for lifting and moving exhibits between disciplines throughout the entire laboratory building. CIS team members are also responsible for the packaging and return of all exhibits back to the relevant stakeholders upon completion of analysis in the laboratory. The work requires us to be onsite in the laboratory for the entire working week.

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

Location and variety were my main two reasons for applying for the job. Being based in the Backweston Laboratory Campus just outside of Dublin not only cut down on my commute but offers a less stressful location and surroundings to work in. The variety of work, between taking in all different types of cases and exhibits that need analysis by the various disciplines of DNA, Fingerprinting, Physical Analysis and Chemical Analysis means no two days are the same. The work in CIS is split between working on Case Intake and a variety of background duties including the retrieval, internal movement, packing and returning of exhibits. 

What do you value most about your job?

My work gives me a strong sense of purpose. I find it rewarding to know that I play a part in science supporting justice. The area that gives me the greatest satisfaction is working with the DNA Cold Case team who work on Body Identification and Missing Persons. While it can be a deeply distressing area of our work, it is rewarding knowing that we play our part in identifying the deceased and bringing reassurance and closure to their families in their time of loss. 

What are some of the benefits and supports available to you?

CIS enjoy a greater level of flexibility from the Flexi-time system than that which is offered more widely across the Civil Service being able to carry a greater number of hours across flexi-periods along with the option of an earlier start and finish time. The team and organisation recognise the importance of supporting each other especially when taking in more serious cases like sexual assaults, serious assaults and murders. We can call upon the Civil Service Employee Assistance Service (CSEAS) if required for professional support. 

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

I have had the opportunity to attend and present a poster at the European Academy of Forensic Science conference in Dublin this year, highlighting the crucial role CIS plays in exhibit management and case information in FSI. I have also had the opportunity to attend several different courses in support of my work to improve my understanding of the various scientific disciplines within FSI, including the collection and packing of evidence at crime scenes. Additionally, I have received training on courtroom attendance and how to deliver evidence as a professional witness. CIS members may be called upon to testify in court to confirm chains of continuity.

What has surprised you since starting this role?

The sheer variety of exhibits and evidence that is presented to FSI for analysis and the many ways in which even a single exhibit can be looked at to provide evidence. Every time you see on the news that something is being sent to FSI for analysis, that exhibit has to come through Case Intake.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoy my interactions with both our clients and the staff within FSI. I have built up a strong working relationship with many of the regular stakeholders that we deal with. I also enjoy the close collaboration with our professional colleagues such as when we have to call on the duty scientists from the different disciplines to consult on case submissions, learning how they may approach exhibits and what might yield the greatest results.

Anything else you would like to share?

Working in CIS is a highly demanding role, both mentally and physically. That said, it is extremely rewarding and gives those working in CIS the opportunity to play an active part in science supporting justice. It is at the core of Civil Service Values including integrity, impartiality and objectivity. The role has greatly helped me in developing my resilience and self-confidence and I take great pride in the work I do.