Police Staff Investigator Level 1

Worcester, Worcestershire.

Fixed Term Contract until 31st March 2020.

Full Time

The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Monday 16th September 2019.

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

Interviews will be held on Friday 27th September 2019.

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

Main Responsibilities:

To undertake the investigation of priority and volume crime, as defined by Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police, and to actively participate in a range of evidence gathering and investigation at that level, exercising the designated powers.

To interview and record the evidence of victims and witnesses in statement form or ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) interview as appropriate, exercising the designated powers. In some cases, this will need to be supported by the gathering of appropriate medical and forensic evidence.

To attend scenes of crime and ensure that all available evidence is protected and secured, to maximise forensic opportunities.

To liaise with other members and departments of the organisation, with other police forces, partnership and external agencies and the public, to gather evidence and identifying and trace offenders.

As necessary, to provide victims and witnesses with regular updates on the progress of investigations in compliance with the victims’ code.

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

To act as disclosure officer under the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 making decisions relating to the relevance of unused material for disclosure to the CPS.

To record on relevant police systems in a timely manner, any information / intelligence that relates to criminality and / or public protection or ASB issues.

To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post and in accordance with the designated powers.

Experience/Skills and Knowledge:

PIP 1 accreditation or a demonstrable knowledge of the investigation of volume crime.

The criminal law, in respect of offences which would fall within the category of volume crime, as defined by Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police.

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.

Experience in the investigation of volume crime and providing witness care.

Experience in preparation of evidential files.

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 team.

The ability to work with partnership and external agencies.

Be competent in the use of Information Technology, including Microsoft

Packages and other standard PC software, and have the ability to be trained in a variety of both national and local systems.

The ability to manage a high caseload, working under pressure and to strict deadlines.

Special Conditions:

Designated Powers - Exercise the following powers designated under the Police Reform Act 2002 and as authorised by the Chief Constables of West Mercia Police:

* Search Warrants applications

* Access to excluded and special procedure material

* Entry and search after arrest

* General power of seizure

* Access and copying in the case of things seized by constables

* Arrest at a police station for another offence

* Power to transfer persons into the custody of investigating officers

* Power to require arrested person to account for certain matters

* Extended powers of seizure.

With the exception of warrant applications, these powers are only exercisable within the policing areas of West Mercia.

Work Hours / Locations

The requirement to work a shift pattern between the hours of 0700 and 2300.

The ability to travel to, and occasionally work from, other locations within West Mercia policing areas.

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

**Please note that candidates that do not evidence a PIP 1 qualification will not be considered**

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;

Compressed Hours, Job Share, Part Time Working