Research Support Officer NABIS

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional police authority in Birmingham is seeking a Research Support Officer to join the National Ballistics Intelligence Service. The successful candidate will manage data requests, develop knowledge of crime trends, and assist in data quality assurance. Essential qualifications include GCSEs in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above. Candidates must have strong communication skills and the ability to work within a team. This role is pivotal in supporting law enforcement efforts against gun crime.

Benefits

Disability Confident Interview Scheme

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Responsibilities

• Manage all data requests from forces and national agencies.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of current crime trends and patterns.
• Support Research Officers in maintaining the NABIS website.
• Manage database admin and ensure data quality.
• Assist Research Officers in identifying emerging threats.

Skills

Research techniques

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft PowerPoint

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Effective communication

Teamwork

Education

GCSE English (Grade C/4 or above)

GCSE Maths (Grade C/4 or above)

Job description

Prospective staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

The Role & Key Responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the National Ballistics Intelligence Service based in Birmingham as a Research Support Officer.

The National Ballistics Intelligence Service (NABIS) is a National agency hosted by West Midlands Police and based at Ridgepoint House in Birmingham.

NABIS operates as a National Policing Capability supporting every police force across the UK. Through its national network, fast‑time intelligence capabilities, and proactive partnerships, NABIS provides the UK with an integrated, evidence‑based approach to tackling gun crime, protecting communities, supporting investigations, and informing policy.

As a key member of the team, you will provide a research and administration support function for NABIS.

Responsible for the collection and collation of information and data relating to the Criminal Use of Firearms to provide support to the Research Officers in the preparation of appropriate reports, briefings, and presentations for Law Enforcement Colleagues.

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

The Key Responsibilities involve

• To manage all data requests from forces and national agencies, managing email and telephone
• To develop and maintain knowledge of current crime trends and patterns nationally and internationally
• To support the Research Officers to maintain the content of the NABIS Single online Home (website) to ensure relevance
• To manage database admin including password resets
• To support quality assurance assessments, monitor and report on anomalies within the data.
• To assist Research Officers to identify and monitor emerging threats from the Criminal Use of Firearms

Skills & Experience

Knowledge of Research techniques.

Proficient in all Microsoft applications including Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel, and Word to fulfil role requirements.

Effective written and verbal communication skills.

Experience of working within a team and on own initiative.

Ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, internal and external partners.

Qualifications Required

GCSE or equivalent English (Grade C/4 or above) essential.

GCSE or equivalent Maths (Grade C/4 or above) essential.

Vetting

Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Interviews

TBC.

Hours and location

8-4 (36.5 hours), Ridgepoint House B8 2RU.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ’Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Diversity and Inclusion Vision

Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.