Police Staff Investigators

Locations: Multiple sites across Hampshire (including Southampton and surrounding areas)

Contract: Temporary - 12 months initially (with view to extension)

Security Clearance: National Security Vetting required

About Red Snapper Recruitment RSR is a public safety and enterprise security recruitment specialist. We support public safety organisations across the UK to attract and retain high-quality talent, working in partnership with employers to source specialist skills and experience.

PIP2 Police Staff Investigator - Serious & Complex Crime

Pay Rate: £19.19 per hour (PAYE)

Role Purpose

The PIP2 Investigator conducts investigations into serious and complex crime, using advanced investigative techniques and placing the victim at the centre of all decision‑making. The role is focused on achieving effective investigative outcomes and bringing offenders to justice.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to serious and complex crime investigations in line with PIP2 standards.
• Gather, record, assess and retain intelligence, material and evidence from multiple sources in an evidentially admissible format.
• Develop investigative plans, identifying appropriate lines of enquiry and required resources at force, regional or national level.
• Assess threat, harm and risk, implementing investigative and safeguarding strategies accordingly.
• Interview witnesses and suspects in accordance with PIP2 investigative standards, generating further lines of enquiry as required.
• Use relevant powers including arrest, apprehension and issuing special warnings where necessary.
• Undertake search and custody procedures in line with legislation and force policy.
• Provide victim‑focused support, including risk assessments and victim strategies, working closely with Victim Care Units.
• Analyse evidence and intelligence to identify suspects and evidential opportunities.
• Manage exhibits, disclosure and case files in accordance with legislation and best practice.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns including child abuse, domestic abuse, sexual offences and offences against vulnerable adults.
• Prepare investigation reports and maintain accurate audit trails throughout the investigative process.

Essential Criteria

• PIP2 accreditation (mandatory - non‑accredited applicants will not be considered)
• Proven experience investigating serious and complex crime
• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system
• Demonstrable experience of complex information gathering and problem solving

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Confident use of IT systems and investigative databases
• Ability to analyse complex information and make sound investigative decisions
• Effective team working and stakeholder engagement
• Strong report writing and case file management skills
• Ability to plan, prioritise and review own work objectively

PIP1 Police Staff Investigator - Volume & Priority Crime

Pay Rate: £17.42 per hour (PAYE)

Role Purpose

The PIP1 Investigator undertakes investigations into volume and priority crime, gathering and reviewing evidence to determine appropriate outcomes, including charging decisions and progression through the criminal justice system.

Key Responsibilities

• Gather, record and retain evidence and intelligence from victims, witnesses, suspects and other sources.
• Identify and pursue all reasonable lines of enquiry, proportionate to the nature of the offence.
• Conduct witness and suspect interviews in line with legal frameworks and investigative guidance.
• Apply arrest necessity tests and use relevant powers including arrest, RUI and special warnings where appropriate.
• Complete search and custody procedures in line with legislation and policy.
• Conduct victim and witness risk assessments and develop support plans where required.
• Liaise with colleagues and supervisors to progress investigations effectively.
• Analyse evidence to identify offenders and support charging decisions.
• Manage exhibits, disclosure and case files in accordance with legislation and policy.
• Respond to safeguarding concerns involving vulnerable victims.
• Prepare accurate reports and maintain audit trails throughout investigations.

Essential Criteria

• Experience of investigative work within a policing or criminal justice environment
• Strong understanding of the criminal justice system and applicable College of Policing guidance
• Demonstrable experience of evidence gathering and problem solving

Desirable Skills & Attributes

• Strong communication and empathy when working with victims and witnesses
• Confident use of IT systems and investigative tools
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage competing demands
• Effective team working and stakeholder engagement
• Strong report writing and documentation skills

How to Apply

If you are an experienced PIP1 or PIP2 Investigator seeking your next opportunity within a policing environment across Hampshire, please submit your CV to your application portal. If this role isn't right for you but you know someone who may be interested, please refer them via our Refer a Friend scheme - successful referrals are rewarded with retail vouchers. Red Snapper Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer.