Criminal Researcher (OCAIT)

Thames Valley Police; Kidlington; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A law enforcement agency is seeking a Criminal Researcher to provide research capabilities for investigations into online child abuse. This hybrid role requires collaboration with several units and agencies, focusing on intelligence analysis and crime pattern identification. Candidates should have strong numeric skills, IT literacy, and a passion for open-source research. Offers great benefits including flexible working, annual leave, and pension scheme.

Benefits

24 days annual leave

Flexible working conditions

Wide range of lifestyle discounts

Career development opportunities

Option to join local government pension scheme

Qualifications

• Good standard of education including excellent numeric and literacy skills or substantial role related experience.
• IT literate with the ability to assimilate and use new packages as technology develops.
• Ability to communicate at all levels and work well as part of a team.
• Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative and work with minimum supervision.
• Attention to detail is a must.

Responsibilities

• Provide NIM Level 2 research capability for OCAIT and other law enforcement bodies.
• Collate and disseminate intelligence in support of operations.
• Identify crime patterns, trends and offender profiles.

Skills

Strong numeric and literacy skills

IT literacy

Passion for Open-Source Research

Teamwork and communication

Self-motivated

Attention to detail

Education

Good standard of education

Job description

Overview

Full time vacancy

Applications are invited for the role of Criminal Researcher to work in the Online Child Abuse Investigation Unit (OCAIT). As a Researcher you will provide a National Intelligence Model (NIM) Level 2 research capability for the OCAIT to Local Command Units (LCUs), Crime Support, other agencies and law enforcement bodies; collate and disseminate intelligence in support of operations; identify LCU/Force crime patterns, trends and offender profiles.

Responsibilities

• Provide NIM Level 2 research capability for OCAIT, LCUs, Crime Support, other agencies and law enforcement bodies.
• Collate and disseminate intelligence in support of operations.
• Identify LCU/Force crime patterns, trends and offender profiles.

Qualifications and Skills

• Good standard of education including excellent numeric and literacy skills or substantial role related experience.
• IT literate with the ability to assimilate and use new packages as technology develops.
• Passion for Open-Source Research.
• Ability to communicate at all levels; works well as part of a team; displays the highest standards of integrity.
• Self-motivated with the ability to use own initiative and work with minimum supervision.
• No previous experience of working in intelligence required, although attention to detail is a must.

Working Arrangements

This is a hybrid role requiring 2 days in the office, 3 days working from home.

Benefits

As part of the Thames Valley Police family, you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.

Additional Information

If you are a TVP employee and have you been in your current post for less than 12 months, you need to seek approval from your line manager to be eligible to apply for this role.

If you are an ‘at risk’ member of staff, please apply directly to the At-Risk Recruitment Mailbox with your REI form and do not complete the online application.

If you have any queries, please contact the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] quoting reference 22867. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 5th October 2025.