Initial Investigations Team Investigator

We have an exciting opportunity for you to join the new Initial Investigation Team (IIT) based out of HQ, Lewes. This team is part of the Local Policing Service Improvement & Engagement Department, dedicated to using modern technology to engage and support victims of crime during the initial stages of their reports via remote applications. Our focus is to ensure we deliver on our priorities of protecting communities and victims, catching criminals, and providing outstanding service.

As an IIT Investigator, you will leverage your extensive experience to service virtual appointments with victims within 48 hours of their initial contact. Your role will be vital in identifying lines of enquiry, capturing evidence, providing safeguarding, and ensuring timely handover of investigations to appropriate secondary teams. We manage our demand through a series of regular diary appointments, ensuring structured days with appropriate breaks and time allocated for progressing initial investigations. Our aim is to address today's demand today, minimising the duration investigations remain open. You will work within a large team on a 6-on-3-off, early and late shift pattern. You will be provided with the necessary technology to fulfil your role and supported by dedicated supervision across three sections. While based out of HQ, we support agile working with a 60/40 split between HQ and remote work. From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference. It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe. This role is perfect for those looking to continue or begin their investigative career in a flexible and supportive environment. Join us in making a real impact on our community.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and service initial reports of crimes which are assessed as Category D ‘non-emergency crime demand.
• Be victim focused, assessing threat, risk, harm and vulnerability of victims.
• Investigate recorded crimes by gathering initial evidence with victims and identifying further enquiries and supportive evidence.
• Make early assessments as to whether a crime investigation is solvable based on reasonable lines of enquiry, including victim support / proportionality.
• Communicate with the public effectively throughout the entire process, manage expectations and adhere to the Victim Code.
• Manage a workload, complete initial investigations, initial investigation action plans, capture and log information and intelligence appropriately using Force systems.
• Identify children and other vulnerable persons who may be at risk and ensure that these risks are recorded and assessed; and, where appropriate, escalated for further investigation and deployment of mitigation measures.
• Comply with National Crime Recording Standards and Crime Data Integrity requirements especially where new crimes are disclosed during victim engagement.
• Make referrals to partners and support agencies, where appropriate.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the grade and character of work as may be reasonably required.

Skills & Experience

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to prioritise and manage a workload.
• The ability to act autonomously in the workplace without direction from supervisors.
• Be able to communicate difficult messages to the public effectively and sensitively.
• Knowledge of Police Systems and use of NICHE and STORM.
• The writing of evidential statements and gathering initial evidence packages.
• Applicants will need the confidence to make decisions and communicate difficult messages.
• Proven ability in problem solving and working under time limits/to deadlines.
• Be able to pass work on to colleagues and sometimes more senior officers/staff members through engagement.
• IT literate with the ability to pick up systems quickly.
• The role involves the use of a number of systems including STORM, Niche and Microsoft Office and other remote engagement technology (training to be provided).
• Emotional resilience in dealing with investigations involving vulnerable people (both children and adults).
• Ability to be open to changing ideas, perceptions and ways of working.
• Adapt to change and be flexible as the need arises while encouraging others to do the same.
• Identifying and dealing with competing priorities in the workplace.
• To undertake all such other duties to the grade and character of work as may be required, including the specific duties of similar posts sensitively.

Please note, Professional Investigation Qualifications are not necessary for this application as training will be provided to successful applicants.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working. We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits; career progression contributory pension scheme (LGPS) generous annual leave allowance on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs generous and supportive parental leave financial and mental wellbeing guidance and support.

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.