Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Public Protection
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Permanent
Rank - Detective Constable
Location - Surrey
In line with the published Posting and Tenure guidance, operational requirements will always be considered prior to confirming posting dates to successful applicants.
The Role
As a Detective Constable within the Sexual Offence Investigation Team you will be responsible for the management of investigations into allegations of rape and serious sexual offences made by those aged 18 or over.
From setting the initial Primary Investigation Strategy through to the completion of a timely and proportionate investigation, you will aim to achieve clear investigative objectives including the establishment and identification of criminal offences, pursuit of all reasonable lines of enquiry, identifying, arresting and charging offenders and presentation of case files to the Crown Prosecution Service in support of a prosecution
All this will be achieved whilst working with our Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs) and Investigating Officers (IOs) to deliver an exceptional level of victim care and safeguarding support to identify, minimise and mitigate risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Perform the role of Investigating Officer for rape and serious sexual offence investigations.
- Effectively manage a RASSO caseload.
- To conduct operational risk assessments and build safeguarding strategies to reduce or mitigate identified risks.
- To interview witnesses of rape and serious sexual assault & obtain best evidence via statement or video.
- To interview suspects of rape and serious sexual assault & obtain best evidence.
- Work alongside support services and partner agencies in support of multi-agency safeguarding assessments and delivery of safeguarding measures
- To work with medical, forensic and digital specialists in order to create and maximise evidential opportunities where appropriate.
- To deliver exceptional victim care ensuring victims are dealt with ethically and with empathy.
- To build strong evidential case files presenting all available evidence and information in a clear, concise and methodical manner.
- To ensure the practical application of disclosure in accordance with the CPIA and the Attorney General’s Guidelines.
- To be involved in and/or attend case conferences between the OIC and CPS (including Early Advice conferences). This will ensure that best practises and procedures or deficiencies are identified and progressed.
Skills & Experience
A comprehensive training pathway exists in relation to building technical skills and knowledge. Successful candidates will be required to attend a variety of specialist courses focusing on the investigation of rape and serious sexual offences.
A passionate interest in serious crime investigation and the motivation and commitment to develop and advance you skills are essential.
Essential skills:
- Demonstrate investigative competence through the formulation of investigation strategies, prioritising lines of enquiry, problem solving and decision making.
- Ability to interpret, assimilate information, challenge assumptions and myths whilst checking accuracy and relevance of information.
- To be innovative, creative and flexible.
- Strong problem solving and decision making ability.
- Demonstrate time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
- Excellent communication skills being able to demonstrate tact and understanding whilst being able to discuss sensitive and often embarrassing matters openly.
- Must be able to display a sufficient depth of character and sensitivity in order to be able to deal professionally with traumatic incidents.
- Must have the ability to recognise and manage one’s own welfare and levels of resilience.
- The post holder is expected to be aware of current legislation and procedures in respect of rape and other serious sexual offences investigations and should continue to keep themselves and relevant staff updated with any policy or legislation changes.
- The post holder will be required to work anywhere within Surrey Police areas as necessary and on occasions out of force areas as well. They must be prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours.
Desirable but not essential Skills:
- An understanding and awareness of the Op Soteria National Operating Model
- PIP 2 - Specialist Witness Interviewer
- PIP 2 - Specialist Suspect Interviewer
- Experience in the analysis and presentation of evidence obtained from digital sources
Contact Details
If you would like to discuss the role or your personal circumstances, or arrange a visit to the team, please contact:
T/DCI Andy Jenkins - andy.jenkins@surrey.police.uk
DI Jonathan Bradshaw - jonathan.bradshaw@surrey.police.uk
Additional Information
It is really important that you inform and seek support from your line manager of your intention to submit an application for this role as this allows for sufficient resource planning. Failure to inform your line manager may result in a delay in a release dates being agreed.
Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.
Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;
- vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
- vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
- if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's really 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 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 the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index and Disability Confident, a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
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.
Please use the following links to find out more on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at Surrey Police and Sussex Police