Police Staff Investigator PIP Level 2

Police Staff Investigator Level 2

This role reflects a series of Police Staff Investigator Level 2 postings, with the opportunity to work within a Local Policing Area (locations across West Mercia), the Major Investigation Unit (Hereford) or Operation Lincoln - the Investigation into maternity standards of care within the Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Hospital Trust (locations across West Mercia). The locations for these roles are primarily at Shrewsbury, Telford, Kidderminster/Redditch, Worcester and Hereford.

Fixed Term Contract – 6 months from appointment (with a possibility of extension beyond this) 

Full Time

There is no closing date as applications will be reviewed periodically.

Applications are sought from experienced PIP 2 qualified Police Staff Investigators. Previous Detective experience (in a variety of backgrounds) is essential.

Those currently eligible on the redeployment register will be given prior consideration. 

Secondments may be considered - Please obtain approval from your Line Manager before applying for this as a secondment (please note this is for internal candidates only).

The main purpose of the role is to prevent and detect crime. To investigate criminal activity. To actively participate in a wide range of evidence gathering and criminal investigation tasks involving victims, witnesses, technical sources and suspects.

Main Responsibilities:

Investigate offences of crime, and to actively participate in a wide range of evidence gathering and crime investigation tasks. Exercising designated Investigating Officer powers.

To interview and record the evidence of victims of crime and witnesses to crime, in statement form or by an ABE interview as appropriate. In some cases this will need to be supported by the gathering of appropriate medical and forensic evidence.

To act as liaison officer for victims and witness of crime, and where appropriate support them through the criminal justice process. This will include providing regular and ad hoc updates on investigations to victims of crime as appropriate.

To formally interview suspects in a manner that is compliant with PACE and other legislation.

To secure and preserve evidence through the proficient use of certain technical equipment. Examples of such technical equipment and IT systems include digital cameras, audio-video recording equipment, CCTV download systems, police intelligence systems, property management systems and file preparation systems.

To attend scenes of crime and ensure that all available evidence is protected and secured in order to maximise forensic opportunities (i.e. manage the so-called “Golden Hour”).

To prepare and submit complete evidential files to the Crown Prosecution Service observing the highest professional standards, and meeting the required Manual of Guidance standards in relation to quality, timeliness, disclosure and evidential integrity. Then to attend court hearings, where necessary, to present the evidence in person.

To provide professional specialist advice and knowledge to all colleagues within the organisation in relation to all aspects of crime investigation and case file management.

To liaise with other members and departments of the organisation, with other police forces, external agencies and the public in relation to the gathering of evidence, identifying and tracing offenders, and ensuring that all aspects of the investigation are taken into account.

To seek and exploit criminal intelligence opportunities in order to prevent and detect crime, and to submit intelligence reports on suspected criminal activity as and when that intelligence becomes available.

Undertake any relevant task at the discretion of a detective sergeant or senior investigating officer, as deemed commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of the post. This may include including the seizure and viewing of evidential material, undertaking house-to-house enquiries, making a media appeal, and undertaking property related enquiries (but this is not an exhaustive list of tasks).

Experience/Skills:

The post holder should have demonstrable knowledge, commensurate to that of a detective constable in the same department, i.e. PIP Level 2:

Key offences in criminal law including all major offences against the person and against property

Key aspects of criminal procedure legislation, including the PACE and CPIA

The fundamental workings of the courts and the wider criminal justice system

The rules of best evidence, investigative interviewing of both witnesses and suspects, case file preparation and an awareness of forensics

Substantial experience at an equivalent level in a serious and/or complex crime investigation role.

A proven all-round investigative ability.

Possess an analytical mind, a methodical approach and have attention to detail.

The ability to effectively and efficiently handle and interview victims, witnesses and suspects

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to interact with people from all walks of life and communicate with them at a level commensurate with their understanding

The ability to work as part of a tight-knit team

The ability to work with other agencies and partners

Have an aptitude towards Information Technology and have the ability to be trained in a variety of both national and local systems and also be familiar with standard PC software.

Have excellent communication skills both written and orally and to be able to deliver presentations.

Special Conditions:

Warranted powers - The post holder will be required to lawfully exercise with professional judgement the 'designated powers' of an investigator as determined by the Police Reform Act 2002, and as authorised by the Chief Constables of Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police. Those powers are: to make PACE Section 8 search warrant applications; to access excluded and special procedure material; to enter and search after arrest; a general power of seizure of evidence; access and copying evidence in the case of things seized by constables; to arrest a suspect at a police station for further offences; to accept the transfer of prisoners for the purposes of interview; power to require an arrested person to account for certain matters; and some extended powers of seizure. With the exception of warrant applications these powers are only exercisable within the policing areas of Warwickshire and West Mercia.

Work Locations - May be required on ad hoc basis to work from different geographic locations to support the investigation.

Other - Must be prepared to deal with occasional distressing scenes or material. 

To read more about the added benefits and rewards of working for West Mercia Police, please go to our website. 

We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. 

You will be required as part of West Mercia Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks. 

We support the “Happy to talk flexible working” campaign, which aims to encourage uptake of flexible working for individuals, the flexible working options that may be considered for this role include; Part Time Working.