Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Public Protection
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Permanent
Rank - Detective Sergeant
Location - Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford
The Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and skilled Detective Sergeant to join Surrey Police’s Sexual Offence Investigation Team (SOIT) based at Surrey Police HQ. SOIT is responsible for investigating serious sexual offences against adult victims across the county of Surrey.
As a Detective Sergeant within SOIT you will play a crucial leadership role by guiding and supporting a team of dedicated investigators and Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs).
Your efforts will directly contribute to securing justice for survivors, taking complex cases through to prosecution, and working in close partnership with other agencies to ensure robust safeguarding and harm prevention.
This is a particularly exciting time to join SOIT as we implement Operation Soteria, a national, research-led initiative designed to improve the quality of sexual offence investigations across the criminal justice system. This role offers a unique opportunity to enhance your investigative experience, develop leadership skills, and build a strong foundation for promotion or broader career progression.
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) is strongly encouraged, and you'll be actively involved in shaping our CPD programme by identifying key themes and development areas. Training opportunities include access to internal courses such as SSAIDP and RISDP, along with the chance to collaborate closely with partner organisations and CPS RASSO prosecutors.
You’ll be one of three Detective Sergeants leading an investigative team, reporting directly to a Detective Inspector.
We’re proud of our reputation as a supportive and inclusive department that values flexibility and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds. While full-time applicants are welcome, we are also open to considering flexible working arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
You will:
1. Lead, support, and develop a team consisting of PIP2-qualified investigators and police staff Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs).
2. Oversee and manage staff performance in alignment with force-wide objectives and Public Protection priorities, using data-driven insights (CIP) to guide your focus.
3. Collaborate effectively with internal teams and external partners across and beyond Surrey Police.
4. Ensure staffing levels meet departmental and organisational policies and requirements.
5. Identify and pursue relevant lines of enquiry from various evidence or intelligence sources.
6. Review and oversee investigations conducted by your team, providing clear guidance, support, and direction, including identifying key lines of enquiry.
7. Perform additional duties commensurate with the rank and nature of the role as reasonably required.
Skills & Experience
Essential qualifications
8. Accredited PIP Level 2 Detective Sergeant (or Temporary Detective Sergeant underdoing your Work Based Assessment).
9. Accredited Tier Level 2 Witness and Suspect Interviewer.
Knowledge, skills and experience
10. Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
11. Proven capability to lead, motivate, support, and develop a team.
12. Demonstrated experience in criminal investigations, including interviewing, case building, and managing complex investigations to a high standard.
13. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and work independently with minimal supervision.
14. Confident and sound investigative decision-maker, capable of exercising professional judgement and clearly justifying decisions.
15. Ability to collaborate effectively with internal colleagues and external partners beyond Surrey Police.
16. Solid working knowledge of criminal law and the wider criminal justice system.
17. Proven track record of meeting deadlines and performing well under pressure.
18. Experience managing teams while adapting to shifting priorities and demands.
19. Good understanding of the Police & Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) and the Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act (CPIA).
Desirable
20. Knowledge of specialist skills such as specialist witness and suspect interviewer, interview manager, DMI and Intel processes are all desirable.
21. Successful completion of the RISDP training course. Training will be provided one in post if you haven’t already completed this course.
22. Successful completion of the SSAIDP training course and portfolio. Training will be provided once in post if you don’t already have this accreditation.