At a Glance
- Tasks: Support investigations into crime and provide ongoing victim care.
- Company: Join South Yorkshire Police, a community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and career development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Must be over 18 with a full driving licence and good communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 23600 - 25800 £ per year.
Overview
Role: Investigation Officer (Entry Level)
Department/District: Crime Services & Districts (Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield)
Location: Various locations throughout the South Yorkshire Police Force Area
Salary: £27,747 - £30,468 progressing to £31,296 - £35,526 after completion of PIP2 qualification
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
We have exciting opportunities for Investigation Officers to join South Yorkshire Police. As key members of our investigation teams, you will be involved in supporting investigations into criminality across various investigative portfolios within force departments and local policing districts. This includes the areas of Vulnerability, Major Crime and District CID.
This is an excellent opportunity to develop into a fully accredited Investigator through a force-wide programme. The training course is 11 weeks at our dedicated training centre, following this you will continue your career pathway towards achieving competence in PIP (Professionalising Investigations Programme) Level 1. The training course will commence in March 2026 and you will be expected to work full time Monday to Friday during the training period.
Subject to a suitability assessment and subsequent attainment of the national investigators exam, candidates will progress towards Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) Level 2 accreditation and would be eligible to progress to the next band (B and D) £31,296 - £35,526 with involvement in PIP 2 serious and complex investigations.
Role
Role: Investigation Officers work in a number of areas across the force to conduct/manage investigations and submit case files to enable prosecutions. They also provide support and ongoing victim care throughout the investigative process.
Investigation Officers work across a diverse area of the force including Vulnerability, Major Crime, Specialist Crime Operations, and district policing teams. Therefore, adaptability in respect of nature of work and work environment is essential.
There is a requirement to work a shift pattern covering weekends and late shifts. Full shift patterns will be confirmed at the time of appointment.
Eligibility
- Must be over 18.
- Must hold a full manual driving licence as this role will require some driving.
- Must be able to physically undertake personal safety training.
- As part of this role the wearing of Personal Issue Body Armour will be required on some occasions.
- Able to undertake training to achieve Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) level 1.
Skills And Experience
- Good communication skills with the ability to listen, empathise, provide support, and adapt language form, and message to meet the needs of different people/audiences.
- Able to break down a complex problem into component parts and determine appropriate action.
- Able to produce clear and concise reports and other documents within best practice procedures.
- Able to work effectively in a team to achieve shared objectives, demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support and advice as required.
- Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners, and other stakeholders.
- Able to utilise IT packages, systems and/or databases.
- Able to interpret and apply guidance to a specific activity.
Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview.
For more detailed information relating to the role, skills and experience for this role, please click here to view the role profile
What We Offer
We offer generous entitlements and supportive policies to enable a better work-life balance, some of which are listed below:
- A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working
- A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust
- Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police
- Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice
- Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme
- Committed to embedding sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025
- Membership to the Sports and Social Club
- Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks
Eligibility
Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which must be taken into account for individuals applying to work with South Yorkshire Police in any capacity. A minimum checkable history of 5 years is required for this role and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure is a pre-requisite of employment with South Yorkshire Police.
Appearance & Standards
South Yorkshire Police is committed to striking a proportionate balance between self-expression and the need to maintain role sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Officers, staff, and volunteers of South Yorkshire Police are permitted to have tattoos visible whilst on duty provided the tattoo is not considered to be unacceptable or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.
South Yorkshire Police’s Key Values
At South Yorkshire Police we have 3 key values which run through everything we do — Fairness, Integrity & Trust. The attached document details the key behaviours we expect all employees to adhere to.
Smarter Ways Of Working
South Yorkshire Police is committed to developing working practices which assist staff to balance their personal and professional lives, whilst meeting the needs of the organisation. This in turn enables SYP to provide an outstanding service to the community. There are 3 different categories as part of this which are: Fixed, Field and Hybrid. This role has been evaluated as a hybrid role. Hybrid: Applicable when the work can be undertaken at any location, whether that be a SYP building or from home.
Contact Details
For further information about the role, please contact: Recruiting@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
Closing Date: 19 October 2025
Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and agreement is made between the Talent Acquisition Manager and the Line Manager for the role.
Interview Dates: Interviews will take place between 10 – 21 November 2025
How To Apply
Please click ‘Apply’
Candidate Information
Please note that, should you be successful at the interview stage and before appointment, the relevant pre-employment checks are required. These include references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria check.
Diversity & Inclusion
Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates. It is really important to us that the department represents the community we serve, in order for us to provide the best service, utilising a range of backgrounds, experience and skills. We support and value all officers and staff and the unique experiences they bring to the role. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from these valuable underrepresented groups. If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours.
Documents To Review
For the Police Staff Recruitment Vetting Handbook - Please Click here
For Application Guidance and Tips - Please Click Here
For the FIT Values of South Yorkshire Police - Please Click Here
View Our Recruitment Video
https://youtu.be/2dGn5qti7_c
Investigation Officer (Entry Level) employer: South Yorkshire Police
South Yorkshire Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises fairness, integrity, and trust. With a competitive salary, generous annual leave, and flexible working arrangements, employees are encouraged to achieve a healthy work-life balance while benefiting from comprehensive training and development opportunities. The commitment to diversity and inclusion, alongside access to various staff support networks, makes this an ideal workplace for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in law enforcement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Investigation Officer (Entry Level)
✨Get Involved with Local Community Projects
If you're eyeing a role in the government or public sector, dive into local community projects or initiatives. These not only elevate your resume but also help you make valuable connections with people already working in the field. Plus, showing a genuine commitment to public service can stand out to employers!
✨Attend Public Sector Job Fairs
Make sure to hit up job fairs specifically tailored for the public sector. These events are gold mines for entry-level roles, and you can chat directly with recruiters from local councils or governmental agencies. It’s an excellent chance to show off your enthusiasm and maybe even score an informal interview!
✨Engage with Your Local Representatives
Reach out to your local MPs or representatives for informational interviews or to volunteer. This can give you insights into the working of government roles, and they might even inform you about upcoming vacancies that aren’t widely advertised yet. Networking within these circles can sometimes open unexpected doors!
✨Check Out Internship Programmes
Entry-level positions in the public sector are often tied to internship programmes. Keep an eye on internships offered by local government bodies or agencies, as they can serve as a perfect stepping stone into a full-time role. Applying through our website can help you stay updated on these opportunities, so keep your eyes peeled!
We think you need these skills to ace Investigation Officer (Entry Level)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Motivation:In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you're passionate about working in the government and public sector. Employers love to see candidates who are not just looking for a job, but who genuinely want to contribute to their community and make a difference. Let us know what drives you to apply to South Yorkshire Police!
Emphasise Relevant Skills:This is the time to flaunt those transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking! Make sure your CV reflects any experience you have in volunteering or community service, as these are super relevant in the public sector. We want to see how your background can contribute to South Yorkshire Police's mission!
Tailor Your CV for Entry-Level:For an entry-level role, let’s keep the focus on your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any internships or part-time roles that highlight your skills. Make it easy for us to see your potential – remove any unrelated jobs that might clutter your CV. Highlight how your background aligns with the work done at South Yorkshire Police.
Follow Application Guidelines:Government roles often come with specific application requirements, such as forms or additional documentation. Make sure to tick all the boxes when applying through our website. Double-check that you’ve included everything requested – we wouldn’t want you to miss out on opportunities at South Yorkshire Police because of a missing document!
How to prepare for a job interview at South Yorkshire Police
✨Know Your Public Sector Values
Understand the core values and mission of public service, especially as they relate to South Yorkshire Police. Be ready to explain why you want to work in the government-public sector and how your motivations align with serving the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face situational questions that gauge your decision-making and problem-solving skills. For example, they might ask how you would handle a situation where a policy you support is met with public criticism, so think about your responses ahead of time!
✨Research the Specific Role You'll Play
As an entry-level candidate, demonstrate your understanding of the specific department or area you'll be involved with. Familiarise yourself with current projects or challenges South Yorkshire Police is facing, as this will show your enthusiasm and preparedness.
✨Prepare to Discuss Public Accountability
Working in the public sector means being accountable to the populace. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure transparency and build trust as a representative of South Yorkshire Police. Reflect on how you would communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders.
