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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Investigate cases, gather evidence, and prepare detailed reports.
- Company: Join the Ombudsman’s Office, dedicated to upholding justice and integrity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, potential pay increases, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and ethical environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent experience in investigations; strong communication and IT skills required.
- Other info: Limited to 100 applicants, so apply quickly to secure your chance!
The predicted salary is between 34524 - 37694 £ per year.
The salary for the post is in the range £34,524 to £ NICS payscales. There are, however, two pay awards pending which would increase the salary to £35,560 to £ NICS payscales and £37,694 to £ NICS payscales.
Main Duties
The role of the Investigation Officer is to investigate allocated cases, ensuring all reasonable lines of enquiry are pursued, including visiting incident scenes, taking statements, and the provision of high-quality reports including making appropriate recommendations based on evidence gathered.
Key Responsibilities
- Upon allocation of cases, develop and implement investigative strategies to include all reasonable lines of enquiry.
- Gather evidence, conduct investigative interviews, visit incident scenes and make relevant records using the case work management system.
- Interpret legislation, policies and guidance to support investigative decisions and recommendations.
- Make evidence-based recommendations for criminal and disciplinary action.
- Prepare quality reports for submission to internal and external stakeholders as required.
- Provide On Call support (currently every 1 in 7 weeks) to critical incidents, including times when not normally scheduled to work, e.g. night, weekends, and public holidays.
- Handle all information and records with integrity, maintaining confidentiality and in accordance with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018.
- Have due regard to the need to promote equality of opportunity between various groups.
- Uphold the principles of the Ombudsman’s Office and discharge their duties in line with the Ombudsman’s Code of Ethics.
- Any other relevant duties appropriate to the grade as may be required including the participation in the interchange of duties within the Ombudsman’s Office.
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria
- Have a degree level qualification or equivalent and a minimum of 1 year’s established investigative experience gained through criminal justice or equivalent professional investigations. OR In the absence of the educational qualification have a minimum of 3 years established investigative experience gained through criminal justice or equivalent professional investigations.
- Investigative experience means demonstrable evidence of:
- strong written and oral communication skills to ensure effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- effective IT skills with the ability to use a case work management system.
- carrying out investigative interviews.
- analysing a range of complex information.
- drawing conclusions and making recommendations.
- preparing investigative outcome reports.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience in the use of digital media to assist in the investigation process.
Please note there will be a cap of 100 applicants for these positions. Once this threshold has been reached the recruitment competition will close.
Investigation Officer employer: Police Ombudsman
Contact Detail:
Police Ombudsman Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Investigation Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of the Investigation Officer role. Understanding the specific duties, such as developing investigative strategies and preparing quality reports, will help you tailor your approach during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of investigations. Attend relevant events or join online forums where you can connect with current Investigation Officers or those in similar roles. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on legislation and policies related to investigations. Being knowledgeable about the legal framework will not only enhance your understanding but also demonstrate your commitment to the role during any discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the possibility of on-call duties by considering your availability and flexibility. Highlighting your readiness to handle critical incidents outside of regular hours can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Investigation Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Investigation Officer position. Familiarise yourself with the key duties such as developing investigative strategies and preparing quality reports.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your investigative experience, especially if it aligns with the essential criteria. Provide specific examples of your strong written and oral communication skills, IT proficiency, and any relevant case management experience.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the role. Mention your commitment to PIP accreditation if applicable, and ensure your documents are clear and professional.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for an Investigation Officer.
How to prepare for a job interview at Police Ombudsman
✨Showcase Your Investigative Experience
Make sure to highlight your previous investigative experience during the interview. Discuss specific cases you've worked on, the strategies you implemented, and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Investigation Officer role.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think about how you would approach various investigative situations, including gathering evidence and conducting interviews, and be ready to articulate your thought process.
✨Understand Relevant Legislation
Familiarise yourself with the legislation, policies, and guidelines relevant to the role. Being able to discuss how these apply to your investigative strategies will show your understanding of the legal framework within which you will operate.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. Be prepared to discuss how you have successfully communicated with stakeholders in the past, both in writing and verbally. Highlight any experience you have in preparing reports or giving presentations.
