Vacancy Information
Applications are invited for the post of Detective Constable on the Sexual Offence Investigation Team (SOIT) based at Surrey Police Headquarters.
The role is open to substantive Detective Constables and those due to complete the ICIDP programme within the next three months.
This role presents an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of rape and serious sexual offence investigation across the County. SOIT is a specialist investigation department aligned to the Central Public Protection Command and is responsible for the management and investigation of a range of serious sexual offences including allegations of historic sexual child abuse and Category 1 Stranger Rape.
In addition, SOIT is working with partners and key stakeholders to identify innovative and creative ways to lead in the reduction of Rape and serious sexual offences across the County. Proactive events have been held across the Surrey to highlight and educate those most vulnerable within our communities.
The Central Public Protection Command is committed to providing staff with professional development opportunities and offers specialist training and continued professional education to help our staff realise their full potential. For those interested in progressing their career through promotional channels, we offer a sponsored development programme to focus on key skills and experience in support of an individual’s future.
The Role
As a Detective Constable within the Sexual Offence Investigation Team you will be responsible for management of investigations into allegations of rape and serious sexual abuse 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 class leading 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) 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. This will ensure that best practises and procedures or deficiencies are identified and progressed.
Skills & Experience
Technical knowledge and skills:
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:
• PIP 2 - Specialist Witness Interviewer
• PIP 2 - Specialist Suspect Interviewer
• SCAIDP Portfolio Holder
• Experience in the extraction of evidence and information and its latter presentation from digital sources.
Contact Details
If you would like to discuss the role or your personal circumstances, please contact:
DI Vicki Preston Vicki.Preston@surrey.pnn.police.uk; 07967986148 or extension 37606
DI Debbie Birch debbie.birch@surrey.pnn.police.uk 07967 987697 or extension 39395
Diversity Statement
We are only as good as our people. It's really important to us that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we believe that as an organisation we'll benefit from the variety of thinking, approach and skills that diversity can bring; all of which helps us to deliver a better policing service.
We have worked really hard to create a safe, open and inclusive culture. We have a range of staff networking groups to provide specific support and advice and we are proud to be members of Stonewall and Disability Confident, and to be aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.
We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities so, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status or religious beliefs, we would love to hear from you.
Additional Information
To apply, outline and evidence in no more than 500 words your suitability for the role.
Candidates must not be subject to any formal Unsatisfactory Performance/Attendance Procedure (UPP).
Candidates must have a full UK driving licence.
Candidates must have a valid passport.