Transferee Detective Constable - Serious Collision Investigation Unit in Guildford

Division / Department - Operations Command

Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Contract Type - Permanent

Rank - Detective Constable

Location - Guildford

In line with the published Posting and Tenure guidance, operational requirements will always be considered prior to confirming posting dates to successful applicants.

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is a specialist collaborated unit within Operations Command, responsible for investigating all fatal road traffic collisions, as well as some life-changing injury collisions. This is a challenging and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to bring offenders to justice while providing support, reassurance and a sense of closure to bereaved families and victims during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Detective Constable to investigate serious and complex cases from initial handover through to conclusion. Many of the offences investigated by the unit carry sentences of up to life imprisonment. The opportunity is open to substantive Detective Constables who have successfully completed their initial PIP2 tenure.

The unit offers a range of specialist development opportunities, including:

• Tier 3 Specialist Witness Interviewer

This post is based at the Burpham Operations Command Base, Guildford. The role operates a four-week shift pattern (Monday – Sunday), with weekend working on a one-in-four basis.

Key Responsibilities

As a Detective Constable within SCIU, you will:

• Perform the role of Officer in the Case (OIC), managing a caseload of serious and complex investigations.
• Attend collision scenes to provide investigative support when required.
• Progress lines of enquiry under the direction of the lead investigator (DS) or SIO.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and auditable records of actions and inquiries.
• Manage contact with victims and bereaved families where a FLO is not deployed.
• Interview witnesses and obtain detailed evidential statements.
• Interview suspects, manage disclosure, and deal with legal representatives.
• Attend forensic post-mortem examinations, and brief forensic pathologists.
• Liaise effectively with other departments and agencies, such as Coroners Officers, Forensic Collision Investigators, Forensic Hub, DFT, Media, Intel, DVLA, HSE, NCA and Expert Witnesses.
• Meet with bereaved families and victims to update them on the progress of investigations.
• Prepare high-quality case files and evidential summaries for submission to the CPS, responding promptly to action plans where required.
• Liaise with CPS Lawyers and counsel to ensure cases are trial ready.
• Submit case material and summaries to HM Coroner and attend Inquests and give evidence if required.
• Attend Crown Court and other court hearings, providing professional evidence throughout criminal proceedings.

Skills & Experience

This is a demanding but highly rewarding role. Applicants should recognise the post involves regular exposure to traumatic incidents and close engagement with bereaved families and victims during life-changing events. Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• A high degree of resilience, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. Welfare support is provided through line management and Occupational health screening.
• Proven investigative ability, and a strong investigative mindset, with the potential to develop these skills further within a specialist environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to analyse complex evidence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands and manage a complex workload with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal working hours where operational requirements dictate.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, recognising and valuing the contribution of colleagues and partners.
• Good IT skills, with experience of Police systems including Niche, NICE Investigate, SharePoint, STORM, MS Word and MS Excel.
• A sound working knowledge of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and disclosure obligations.
• A full UK driving licence and at least a current Basic Driving Authority (BDA).

Applicants are required to submit a reasoned supporting statement demonstrating how their knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities meet the requirements of this role. Following short-listing, successful candidates will be invited to attend a competency-based interview.

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.