Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Specialist Crime
Status - Full Time
Contract Type - Permanent
Rank - Detective Constable
Location - Woking
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
A Detective Constable position has become available within the Economic Crime Unit. The post is based at Woking Police Station.
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of a small team of dedicated detectives who undertake a wide range of investigations. We have 3 teams in which ECU Detectives work and you will initially work with the investigation team, all our teams work collaboratively to support each other as required, and there may be further opportunities to move across these teams in the future.
1. The investigation team deal with commercial, and serious and organised crime fraud investigations, bribery and corruption cases and election fraud offences. The disruption of organised crime groups across Sussex and Surrey is a key priority for the team. We aim to secure convictions, recover assets and compensate victims. We actively seek serious crime prevention orders on those we investigate to maximise our prevention opportunities.
2. The Recovery of Asset and Investigation Disruption team (RAID) uses financial intelligence and POCA powers to maximise opportunities for asset recovery, ensuring that individuals or groups do not financially benefit from their criminality.
3. The High Harm team concentrates on dealing with romance and courier frauds, with the aim of disrupting offenders who target the most vulnerable within our communicates.
All roles will involve managing a caseload as Officer in the Case, preparing files, giving evidence at Court, and undertaking proactive organised crime enquiries.
Within SCC we are always happy to consider applicants who are part time or want to consider job sharing. Our key working hours are 0800 – 1600 Monday to Friday. There are options of agile working, following an initial 6 month training period.
Key Responsibilities
1 - Undertake complex criminal fraud, money laundering bribery, corruption and election fraud investigations and case-building as Officer in the Case (OIC), ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and Surrey & Sussex Police policies and procedures.
2 - Prepare and submit prosecution case files as the investigator for presentation to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) or appropriate Court, ensuring compliance with the Manual of Guidance standards and timeliness.
3 - Research and develop Suspicious Activity Reports (SAR’s) and other financial intelligence to assist with criminal investigations.
4 - Complete suspect and financial interviews and witness or victim statements. Ensure these actions meet the required evidential and quality standards and comply with the guidelines laid down by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
5 - Conduct and assist with carrying out searches, seize and retain evidential property, seize, and remove bulk property to later review and supervise the examination of property documentation by appropriate interested parties in accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984, with particular attention to dealing with legally privileged material in consultation with CPS and independent Counsel.
6 - Ensure that all evidence is gathered in accordance with legislative requirements and Force policies and procedures and ensure the continuity and integrity of exhibits.
7 - Ensure that all relevant unused material is identified and recorded in accordance with the provisions of the Criminal Procedures Investigation Act (CPIA) 1996 and disclosure is given and managed appropriately, with particular attention to dealing with legally privileged material in consultation with CPS and independent Counsel.
8 - Actively seek intelligence through interview technique and personal observation in support of operational proactive work. Make accurate and timely submissions of actionable intelligence via the Force intelligence systems, ensuring that National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) are included in any dissemination, where appropriate.
9 - Liaise and work with other Police Forces, professional bodies, and partner agencies such as Trading Standards, Financial Services Authority, HM Revenue and Customs, Action Fraud and NFIB. This will include working alongside agencies and colleagues providing advice and guidance to their investigators.
10 - To assist divisional investigations staff with their fraud investigations on an adhoc basis and when tasked to do so by supervisors or during ‘fraud clinics’. Provide reviews and guidance with lines of enquiry to progress these cases.
11 - Use financial investigation to progress the fraud investigations and be aware of asset recovery opportunities utilising powers through the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) 2002 within their own fraud cases and those that they review for division.
12- Work alongside colleagues in other SCC teams including Major Crime, Serious and Organised Crime and Cyber Crime at times of demand and as directed by supervisors and to liaise effectively with other police forces and partner agencies as necessary and required.
13 - Undertake other duties appropriate to the rank and character of work as may be reasonably required, including specific duties of a similar rank.
Skills & Experience
Applications are welcomed by suitably qualified detectives from Surrey and Sussex Police.
4. Accredited PIP Level 2 Detective Constable
5. Accredited Tier Level 2 Witness and Suspect Interviewer
6. Substantial, proven and well evidenced experience in criminal investigation, conducting interviews and case building
7. Experience in customer care with an empathetic approach to others.
8. A good working knowledge of criminal law, supporting law enforcement legislation and the criminal justice system. In particular PACE, Fraud legislation, Money Laundering and POCA.
9. A high level of interpersonal, communication and presentation skills particularly in delivering briefings and cases to large audiences.
10. Have an investigative mind set, with an ability to adopt a methodical approach to complex investigations.
11. Experience in the production of clear, concise and accurate records, letters and reports.
12. Excellent organisational, planning and prioritising abilities; Ability to independently exercise own judgement in a consistent manner, within confines of legislation and agreed procedures.
13. Demonstrates confidence, credibility and resilience together with the ability to work under pressure, take a methodical approach and meet competing deadlines
14. A good standard of computer literacy and a willingness to undertake training to become proficient in the use of Surrey and Sussex Police systems.
15. Good Working knowledge of Excel
16. Ability to assimilate large quantities of data, prioritise tasks and organise large case investigations.
17. Provide assistance to other officers & staff on fraud investigations.
18. Provide support to the online cadre for out of hours financial investigative enquiries.
19. It is desirable to have knowledge on POCA related matters.
20. Comply with the policies in relation to Equal Opportunities and diversity, promoting professional standards and Force values, intervening when necessary.
21. Must hold a full UK Drivers License.
The successful applicant will be required to complete further training on appointment to develop additional skills. Financial Intelligence Officers exam and completion of portfolio to obtain accreditation. Specialist Fraud Investigators course and portfolio and other suitably elected courses may require attendance.
The post holder’s duties will primarily be business hours Monday to Friday based preferably at Woking Police Station, however this role is part of a collaborative team with Sussex Police and as such Lewes Police Station could be an agreed base station; flexibility with duty times and location is required.
The post holder will be subject to and must maintain Force vetting procedures and must evidence high standards of honesty and integrity.
The post holder should note that some or all of the duties and responsibilities detailed in this Job Profile require compliance with nationally agreed operating rules for accessing PNC and other information systems.
22. PNC Code of Connections Volume 1 (version 2.1)
23. Data Protection Act 1998
24. Computer Misuse Act 1990
25. Official Secrets Act 1989