At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Custody Interview Teams to investigate and gather evidence for justice.
- Company: Dynamic police force dedicated to community safety and justice.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, and a fantastic pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable investigative skills.
- Qualifications: Inquisitive mindset and problem-solving skills; no prior experience required.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided with opportunities for career progression.
The predicted salary is between 38759 - 42939 £ per year.
Do you have a naturally inquisitive mind and enjoy problem solving? Looking for a new and exciting challenge, a career that really makes a difference in 2026? If so, then this could be your next opportunity!
Locations:
- Basingstoke
- Isle of Wight
- Portsmouth/Southampton
Salary:
- Basingstoke, Portsmouth and Southampton: Starting at £38,759 rising to £42,939 upon obtaining PIP1 Qualification and inclusive of shift allowances
- Isle of Wight: Starting at £37,710 rising to £41,778 upon obtaining PIP1 Qualification and inclusive of shift allowances
Hours: 37 per week (part time hours can be considered after 9 week classroom based training plus 2 weeks settling in. First 11 weeks in total. You will work a shift pattern which is a combination of days, lates and weekend working).
Closing Date: Sunday 8th February 2026 @23:59 hrs
Interviews will be held: week beginning 16th March 2026
We are recruiting for permanent Police Staff Investigator Trainees to join our Custody Interview Teams. The role is a challenging and rewarding position where you will be involved in devising and implementing objective investigative strategies, gathering evidence, interviewing victims, witnesses and suspects, all working to achieve justice for our communities.
A typical day will consist of you being on a day or late shift and arriving at the investigation centre to assist or lead in an investigation. This may involve attending the scene of the incident, speaking to witnesses, identifying and gathering vital evidence before interviewing the suspect in custody to prepare an investigative case file to present to the CPS; you could even be required to give evidence in Court. Some cases you’ll work alone, others alongside other PSI’s, Police Constables and Detectives; no day will be the same.
Training and development:
Our Police Staff Investigator trainees initially take part in a comprehensive modular, classroom based course. In addition to a period of mentoring and assessment whilst investigating current jobs. You will be supported by our experienced teams throughout your training and you will become an important member of the investigation team. As a trainee, you will be trained in the Professionalising Investigation Programme level 1 (PIP1). This will develop and progress your interviewing and investigative skills so you can provide the best possible service to the public. There are development opportunities to progress to a PIP level 2 investigator and move laterally between the specialist investigation departments.
Benefits:
- Fantastic Local Government Pension scheme
- 24 days annual leave rising to 29 days after 5 years service (pro-rata for part‑time workers) PLUS the 8 public holidays
Police Staff Investigator Trainee - HC623163 in London employer: Hampshire County Council
Contact Detail:
Hampshire County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Staff Investigator Trainee - HC623163 in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Research what a Police Staff Investigator Trainee does and think about how your skills fit in. This will help you stand out during interviews when you can show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former investigators on LinkedIn or at local events. They can give you insider tips and might even put in a good word for you!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for those interviews by doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on common questions and how you'd handle real-life scenarios related to investigations.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to make a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Police Staff Investigator Trainee - HC623163 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Curiosity: Make sure to highlight your inquisitive nature in your application. We want to see how you approach problem-solving and what makes you tick. Share examples that showcase your investigative mindset!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their CVs and cover letters to the role. Mention specific skills or experiences that relate directly to the Police Staff Investigator Trainee position.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your qualifications and motivations. Avoid fluff and focus on what matters!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of success. It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hampshire County Council
✨Know Your Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Police Staff Investigator Trainee. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, such as gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. This will help you articulate how your skills align with what they’re looking for.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since this role requires a naturally inquisitive mind, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully solved problems or made decisions under pressure. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Research the Organisation
Take some time to learn about the police force you’re applying to. Understand their values, recent initiatives, and community engagement efforts. This knowledge will not only impress the interviewers but also help you tailor your answers to fit their ethos.
✨Prepare Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely be asked if you have any questions. Prepare thoughtful questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. For example, ask about the training process or opportunities for progression within the team.