Senior Police Staff Investigator (PIP2) in Ashington

Salary: Band 9, £42,861-£49,716pa (Please note it is Northumbria Police policy to appoint at the beginning of the band).

Location: Ashington

Hours/Contract: 37 hours per week, Permanent

The role

Here at Northumbria Police, we think our region is amazing! It takes a great deal of people from different backgrounds, with diverse skills and experience to serve our force area effectively. This could be the perfect time for you to join us in our Crime Team.

Are you ready to play a pivotal role in delivering justice and uncovering the truth behind undetected homicides? We’re seeking a dedicated and experienced Review Officer and Deputy Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) to lead the review of complex homicide investigations. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact by ensuring thorough, high‑quality reviews that support victims, families, and communities.

In this critical role, you’ll oversee homicide reviews and produce detailed, accurate reports for the attention of the Crime Senior Management Team. You’ll lead a skilled team of police staff investigators and HOLMES personnel, managing threat, harm, and risk while directing resources effectively. Your specialist knowledge and investigative expertise will be key to delivering professional, outcome‑focused reviews that uphold the highest standards of policing.

What you’ll do

• Conduct reviews of undetected homicide investigations in line with the Terms of Reference set by the force Commissioning Panel.
• Oversee, and undertake as Review Officer, the review and analysis of evidential material to identify investigative opportunities and lines of enquiry.
• Prepare accurate, detailed and focussed review reports, providing clear recommendations to the SIO.
• Assume all first line manager responsibilities for Review Team PSI’s, advising and cascading direction from the SIO, efficiently and appropriately.
• Delegate review roles to Review Team PSI’s appropriately, ensuring they have the right skills and knowledge to complete the task to a high standard through identifying and addressing all training, development and welfare needs.
• Provide leadership and direction to staff, providing mentoring/coaching, empowerment, guidance and support in order to maximise their development, efficiency and morale.
• Ensure that all retained exhibits and material are appropriately recorded and stored in accordance with current guidelines, legislation and policy, to maximise forensic potential and withstand any future scrutiny.
• Assist investigations where necessary by ensuring appropriate strategies are in place to obtain appropriate accounts from victims, witnesses and suspects to assist in bringing offenders to justice.
• Ensure information obtained is legitimately recorded and stored, to safeguard and protect members of the public and the organisation.
• Attend court and other hearings in person where necessary to present evidence to support the process of the Criminal Justice system in accordance with legislation.
• Act as a liaison officer for victims and witnesses of crime, providing appropriate and timely updates; and as necessary signpost relevant partner agencies to support them through criminal justice process and ensure safety and wellbeing.

What you’ll bring

• PIP2 Accreditation and management of investigations and teams, delivering investigations into serious crime.
• ISMP / ICIDP.
• Experience in the management of complex and SCC investigations.
• Experience and working knowledge in both MOPI and CPIA obligations.
• Prioritise own and team-work within timescales. Ensure investigative policy is actioned.
• Experience of solving complex challenges.
• Set professional standards. Effectively manage and maximise team and individual performance.
• Proficiency in HOLMES (Home Office Large Major Enquiry System).
• Experience in covert policing operations.

We know it’s important for you to feel that you’re not only part of a great team, but part of a community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Harnessing these differences creates a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, and their talents are fully utilised. Appointments are based on merit alone.

Just so you know, candidates with priority status will be given precedence for this role over other applicants. If your application is successful, you will be asked to complete a Management Vetting (MV)/ Security Clearance (SC) form, therefore you must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 5 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. A job offer will be dependent upon vetting clearance, medical information, and references.

Terms of appointment

This is a permanent role subject to a six‑month probationary period. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.