A look at the HEO role in case intake in FSI

Please tell us a bit about your role?

This role is specific to FSI and unique in its remit

As HEO in this area, you will be responsible for a large team of up to 16 staff, whose primary function is to receive all crime and drug exhibits from both An Garda Síochaná and Revenue Customs Officers, to ensure their documentation, safe storage, internal distribution and return. 

It requires all staff to be operational. This role is demanding, dynamic and very fast paced. It is not for the faint hearted due to nature of the work encountered. Precision and exactness are necessary and these behaviours will link in with FSI’s strict accreditation protocols and procedures.

Other essential qualities are the ability to remain calm under pressure, work with minimal supervision, have excellent communication, organisational and interpersonal skills, and understand the need for strict confidentiality. 

This is a physically active role and will require the post holder to be on their feet for a considerable percentage of the working day.  While primarily the role of the Executives officers on your team, there may be occasions where there will be a need to lift / move heavy objects. If you are someone who thrives in a team environment that is challenging yet rewarding, that will present you with a vigorous working day where you know you have made a valuable contribution to the justice system, then this role would be ideal for you. 

What were your reasons for applying for your role?

Location, location, location. Being close to where I live with a commute of less than 10 minutes made this location very attractive to me. The campus has beautiful walkways and onsite catering facility. It is a lovely environment to work in

The variety of work and the unique position I fill, is also very attractive to me. There is no other role like this for a HEO in Justice, and every day brings its challenges and its rewards. 

What do you value most about your job?

Knowing that my role is vital to start the wheels of Justice turning and to keep them moving towards a fair conclusion. 

On a daily basis, I can identify my valuable contribution.

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

The support from colleagues, who work with me in this unique environment, is so vital and important. We can encounter harrowing cases in our line of work, so to have that support is immeasurable. 

Extended flexible working hours are a further benefit, as this allows me to have a good work-life balance. I also have the opportunity to upskill via the One Learning Courses and to undertake internal training opportunities that would be specific to my environment and immediate operational needs. 

While working in FSI, you also maintain access to all career progression opportunities in the civil service.

What opportunities has this role provided for you?

I have had the opportunity to attend several 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. As a HEO in this operational area, you may be called upon to testify in court to prove the chain of continuity. 

What has surprised you since starting this role?

The sheer variety of cases and evidence that is presented to FSI for analysis and the many ways in which even a single exhibit can be scrutinised to provide vital assistance to a criminal investigation.

What aspect of the role do you particularly enjoy?

I really enjoy my interactions with both our clients and the staff within FSI. Playing such a central role, means you develop a strong working relationship with many of the regular stakeholders that we deal with who come from all corners of the country.

I also enjoy the close working relationship with my professional colleagues in every discipline within FSI.

My interactions with them, often becomes a learning opportunity, on how to approach / consider exhibits and what potential evidence an exhibit from a crime scene can reveal. 

Anything else you would like to share?

Working as the HEO in Case Intake is a highly demanding role, both mentally and physically. It is not for the faint hearted. 

In my 39 year career, it has been one of the most challenging but also one of my most rewarding experiences. 

This is real life “Crime Scene Investigation”, and is so much better that the television version!