Local Crime Investigator October 2026 in Swindon

Are you naturally curious? Do you enjoy solving problems, piecing together information and helping people? We are recruiting for our next cohort of Local Crime Investigators (LCIs), with training commencing in October 2026. This is a unique opportunity to develop a rewarding career where your work directly impacts victims, communities and the wider criminal justice system.

At Wiltshire Police, we are dedicated to making our community a safer place for everyone. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every member can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, Wiltshire Police offers a range of opportunities to grow and develop. Join us and be part of a team that values courage, compassion, and dedication to public service. Help us to keep Wiltshire safe.

We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer, and we’re committed to building an inclusive, diverse community that celebrates and welcomes everyone. If there are any adjustments we could make to the recruitment and selection process to support you, please let us know.

We are looking for people who share our values of impartiality, integrity, public service and transparency, and who demonstrate the highest standards of professionalism and behaviour. As a Local Crime Investigator, you will play a key role in bringing offenders to justice and supporting victims through the criminal justice process. You will be part of a team providing a service investigating volume crime while working alongside Constables and others within the investigation and evidence gathering chain. You will work closely with the Community Policing and Neighbourhood teams, Crime Investigation Teams and Criminal Investigations Department.

Whether you're interviewing a suspect in custody, attending a warrant, reviewing CCTV footage or gathering evidence for a prosecution, you'll play a key role in the investigation. Being an LCI offers a rewarding and varied career, providing the opportunity to see the impact of your work through successful investigations, court proceedings and bringing offenders to justice.

Training

Successful applicants will take part in a comprehensive 13-week classroom-based training programme at Gablecross Station, Swindon, starting on 26 October 2026. Designed for individuals joining from a range of backgrounds, the programme will equip you with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to begin your career as a Local Crime Investigator. You will learn about criminal investigations, interviewing techniques, evidence gathering, case file preparation and the criminal justice process, supported by experienced trainers and colleagues throughout your learning journey.

Following successful completion of the training programme, you will continue to develop your skills in the workplace while working towards PIP Level 1 Investigator Accreditation, providing a strong foundation for a rewarding and long-term investigative career with Wiltshire Police.

What you will be doing

• Question suspects, requiring an enquiring mind to ask questions and get to the truth.
• Interview victims and witnesses, showing strong empathy, professionalism and first-class customer service.
• Examine CCTV and review statements to piece together what happened, requiring patience and thoroughness.
• Handle evidence and prepare reports with a meticulous and transparent mindset.
• Deal with any enquiry allocated to the post holder in an accurate and timely manner to ensure it is properly submitted for review or to the Crown Prosecution Service when appropriate.
• Present evidence as required at Crown Court, Magistrate Court or other courts.
• Liaise with other forces and outside agencies in relation to the gathering and preparation of evidence.

About you and your experience

• Have an enquiring mindset to be able to ask the right questions.
• Take a methodical approach to your work.
• Ability to work under pressure and to very tight deadlines usually set by the court.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills – contacts will include CPS, solicitors, doctors, judges, forensic scientists, local hospitals, witnesses, armed forces, DVLA etc.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Flexible and creative approach to problem solving.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence to give evidence at court when required.
• Remain calm and confident in potential conflict situations.

Desired but not essential skills

• Previous experience of the judicial systems (work within a police, solicitors or criminal courts environment).
• Experience investigating matters and carrying out interviews.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Willingness to attend and complete Institute of Legal Executives Course if required.
• Interviewing skills – ability to conduct an interview to the point of reporting a person for an offence.

Working arrangements

Based at either our Swindon or Melksham locations. Shift pattern covering days, evenings and weekends. 14% shift allowance in addition to salary. The LCI role provides an excellent pathway into a long-term investigative career within Wiltshire Police.

Development opportunities

• Local Crime Investigator Supervisor
• Criminal Investigation Department (CID)
• Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU)
• Public Protection Department
• Complex Fraud and other specialist investigative teams

What we offer

Excellent career development opportunities, 25 days annual leave plus...