Professional Standards Investigator

Sussex Police; Guildford; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Join Sussex Police as part of the Professional Standards Department, where you will play a key role in investigating misconduct and complaints. This full-time position requires strong investigative skills, analytical thinking, and effective communication. You will contribute to maintaining the integrity of policing in the region while enjoying supportive working conditions that value flexibility.

Qualifications

• Experience in an investigative role with evidence collection.
• Sound knowledge of criminal investigation techniques.
• Ability to organize information logically.

Responsibilities

• Investigate complaints and misconduct against police personnel.
• Provide advice on complaints and misconduct procedures.
• Review public complaints and decide on actions.

Skills

Investigative skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Integrity

Education

No specific educational requirement specified

Tools

Microsoft Products

Job description

Division / Department - Professional Standards Department
Grade - Grade H
Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working
Contract Type - Permanent
Salary Grade Range - £38,064 - £45,058
Working Hours - 40.0 Hours per Week
Shift Allowance - No
Politically Restricted - No
Location - Surrey Police Headquarters, Guildford

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

From your first day with us you will be part of a policing family making a real difference.

It is our mission to identify and protect vulnerable people, prevent and respond to harm and keep people safe.

• To work as part of the investigation team within the Professional Standards Department (PSD). To investigate complaints, internal misconduct enquiries and any related criminal investigations made against police officers, police staff, special constables and contractors
• To provide advice and guidance, as appropriate to members of Surrey Police and the public regarding complaints and misconduct investigations procedures.
• To review public complaints and make decisions as to how to progress.
• To act with integrity, honesty, loyalty and fairness at all times in line with the code of ethics and the standards of professional behaviour.

Skills & Experience

It is essential that the post holder:

• Has proven and well evidenced experience in an investigative role in a post that required collecting and collating evidence, including statement taking, and also organising large quantities of information into a logical well presented format.
• Possesses a sound knowledge of criminal investigation techniques and has demonstrated an ability to use them.
• A good working knowledge of, or the ability to gain a good working knowledge of, the designated powers.
• Possesses a sound knowledge of current criminal law, Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act, Human Rights Act, and Investigative procedures.
• Possesses excellent interpersonal skills and has the ability to work closely with and respect the needs of people at all levels in the organisation.
• Possesses excellent communication skills both oral and written in order to produce clear, concise, accurate and logical reports and presentations.
• Possesses an enquiring mind and is able to demonstrate the strength of character required to challenge inappropriate behaviour.
• Is computer literate, and has experience of Microsoft Products, and the ability to learn the use of the various systems in use throughout the force.
• Is able to analyse, assess and make decisions from large volumes of written and electronic information.
• Has responsibility for working unsupervised or as part of a team, work under pressure and to meet deadlines set for gross misconduct and Employment tribunals. Have a methodical approach to work.
• Holds a full and valid driving license for motor cars.
• Has a flexible positive attitude to changing priorities and deadlines with an ability to adapt and manage change at short notice and having the skill to deal with several issues at once. To manage a workload ensuring all investigations are progressed in an appropriate and timely manner.
• Possesses a high level of integrity, diplomacy, tact and confidentiality given the sensitive nature of the issues dealt with in the department.
• Has an excellent knowledge of equality and diversity issues in the working environment.
• Has an understanding of data protection issues in order to ensure that information is handled correctly.

It is desirable that the postholder:

• Possesses a sound knowledge of Police Regulations.
• Has achieved PIP Level One accreditation or is working towards accreditation at that level or equivalent.
• Has knowledge of the Police complaints process.
• Possesses a sound knowledge of Police Staff discipline, grievance procedure and associated employment law.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We’re invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. Professional standards is no different and operates 365 days a week 24/7 albeit on call.

We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working. Agile working will be subject to resourcing and operational requirements, satisfactory performance and completion of your PSD internal training accreditation.

PSD is a a busy environment but we support each other through excellent team working.

For any additional information regarding the role, please contact DS 3449 Matt Tate, DS 4882 Nina Stanley or DI 3553 Rodriguez.

This post is one that attracts designated powers under the Police Reform Act 2002 as amended by the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act. The post holder will have the following designated powers:-

• To apply and execute search warrants under section 8 PACE and to seize and retain things for which a search has been authorised. Including the seizure of computerised information.
• To apply and execute search warrants under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. (Sec 23) and to seize and retain things for which a search has been authorised
• To apply and execute search warrants under the Theft Act 1968 (sec 26) and to seize and retain things for which a search has been authorised.
• The application for access to confidential material under section 9 of PACE by making an application to a judge under Schedule 1.
• The execution of section 18 of PACE power. To enter and search any premises occupied or controlled by a person who is under arrest for an arrestable offence and to seize and retain items found on such a search.
• The general powers to seize and retain things under section 19 -22 of PACE.
• The power to undertake a bulk seizure of property in order to review at a more appropriate location.
• The supervision of any access to seized material to which a person is entitled.
• To supervise the taking of a photograph of seized material, or to photograph the items themselves.
• The taking custody of a detained person in the custody suite.
• The arrest of a detained person for a further offence whilst in interview.
• The issuance of special warnings in interview dealing with the consequences of failure to account for objects, marks or presence at a location.

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.

PNC Code of Connections Volume 1 (version 2.1)

• Data Protection Act 1998
• Computer Misuse Act 1990
• Official Secrets Act 1989

Diversity Statement

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.

We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.

We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here .

We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.

Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider [e-mail] your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.

This post is being advertised in parallel with Force redeployment processes. Any redeployees who are identified will be given preference. This may result in the post being withdrawn at any point during the recruitment process.

Please note that not all jobs are available for internal candidates across both Forces, the current agreed recruitment principles are;

• vacancies in collaborated units are available to all officers and staff across both Forces
• vacancies in non-collaborated units are only available to officers and staff within the Force with the vacancy unless it is advertised externally
• if the vacancy is advertised externally and an officer or member of staff from the other Force is successful it will result in a transfer of employment

Surrey Police and Sussex Police Special Constables, Volunteers and Agency Staff (excluding self employed workers) covered under the Agency Worker Regulations (AWR) are eligible to apply for internal advertised posts.