Vacancy Information
Division / Department - Public Protection
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Permanent
Rank - Detective Constable
Location - Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford
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
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 Category 1 Stranger Rape.
At SOIT you will work alongside Sexual Offence Liaison Officers (SOLOs) in support of survivors of serious sexual offending to deliver an exceptional level of victim care. You will seek to identify, minimise and mitigate risk working collaboratively with partners to safeguard survivors
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.
SOIT has implemented Operation Soteria, a national academically supported programme to improve sexual offence investigations across the criminal justice system. This is an exciting time to make SOIT the next step in your career, providing excellent opportunities to gather evidence in support of promotion or other career aspirations in a unique environment.
You will be posted to one of three investigation teams, reporting to a detective sergeant.
We take immense pride in our reputation for being a supportive and flexible department which supports and encourages a diverse workforce. Applications will be considered from officers who work full time hours but we will also consider all flexible working applications.
Key Responsibilities
1. Perform the role of OIC for rape and serious sexual offence investigations using a ‘whole story’ approach in line with the Surrey Police Rape and Serious Sexual Assault Investigation Policy and the RASSO National Operating Model (Op Soteria).
2. Effectively manage a RASSO caseload.
3. Work alongside a SOIT DI SIO and DS Deputy SIO on Stranger 1 Rape investigations.
4. Interview witnesses of rape and serious sexual assault and obtain best evidence via statement or video in line with the Achieving Best Evidence in Criminal Proceedings Guidance 2022 together with The Victim’s Code of Practice 2021 and Special Measures (Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999).
5. To interview suspects of rape and serious sexual assault and obtain best evidence.
6. To work with medical, forensic and digital specialists in order to create and maximise evidential opportunities where appropriate.
7. To deliver exceptional victim care ensuring victims are dealt with ethically and with empathy in line with the Victims Code of Practice.
8. To build strong evidential case files presenting all available evidence and information in a clear, concise and methodical manner.
9. To ensure the practical application of disclosure in accordance with the CPIA and the Attorney General’s Guidelines.
10. 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.
11. Prepare cases for court trials and attend as OIC.
To protect the public by identifying and managing risk:
12. Bringing offenders to justice through suspect focused prosecutions and proactively targeting and managing those responsible for committing serious sexual offences.
13. Work alongside support services and partner agencies in support of multi-agency safeguarding assessments and delivery of safeguarding measures
14. To work with partner agencies to identify strategies to reduce repeat incidents.
15. To conduct operational risk assessments and build safeguarding strategies to reduce or mitigate identified risks to victims, offender and the wider public.
Skills & Experience
Essential Qualifications
16. Accredited PIP Level 2.
17. Accredited Tier Level 2 Witness and Suspect Interviewer.
Desirable Qualifications
Knowledge of specialist skills such as specialist witness and suspect interviewer, interview manager, FLO, DMI and Intel processes are all desirable.
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.
Successful completion of the RISDP training course. Training will be provided one in post if you haven’t already completed this course.
Successful completion of the SSAIDP training course and portfolio. Training will be provided once in post if you don’t already have this accreditation.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
A passionate interest in serious crime investigation and the motivation and commitment to develop and advance your skills are essential.
18. Demonstrate investigative competence through the formulation of investigation strategies, prioritising lines of enquiry, problem solving and decision making.
19. Ability to interpret, assimilate information, challenge assumptions and myths whilst checking accuracy and relevance of information.
20. To be innovative, creative and flexible.
21. Strong problem solving and decision making ability.
22. Demonstrate time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
23. Excellent communication skills being able to demonstrate tact and understanding whilst being able to discuss sensitive and often embarrassing matters openly.
24. Must be able to display a sufficient depth of character and sensitivity in order to be able to deal professionally with traumatic incidents.
25. Must have the ability to recognise and manage one’s own welfare and levels of resilience.
26. 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.
27. 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.