Specialist / Project Officer

Colbern Limited; Colchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investigation support firm is seeking an experienced Investigation Support Officer in Colchester. This role involves assisting in investigations, conducting interviews, and managing evidence collection. Candidates must hold a valid UK driving licence and be ABE trained, with strong communication and organisational skills. This position may require flexibility in hours and travel to different locations.

Qualifications

• Must have a full clean UK driving licence.
• ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) trained.
• Training may be provided for specific systems.

Responsibilities

• Assist in investigations and safeguard duties.
• Interview witnesses and victims.
• Coordinate and manage evidence collection.

Skills

Flexibility

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT proficiency (Microsoft Office)

Tools

Force intelligence systems (Athena, PNC)

Job description

Overview

Investigation Support Officer — Colchester. Contract. £15.08 per hour. Our client is seeking an experienced Investigation Support Officer to undertake and assist in investigations and safeguard duties within the department.

Main responsibilities

• Undertake and assist in investigations, taking on key roles within each investigation such as researching; gathering and obtaining evidence; gathering and recording intelligence; liaising with Children Social Care; undertaking joint investigative actions with statutory partners; and attending child protection case conferences by a variety of means.
• Conduct a range of investigative and safeguarding duties to secure best evidence and increase the efficiency and effectiveness of investigations.
• Interview witnesses and victims of crime; assist in regard to suspect interviews; take high-quality, accurate statements for case files; assess the veracity and potential reliability of statements and witnesses for court proceedings.
• Coordinate and manage seizure and viewing of CCTV, viewing material, analyze information, and record elements in comprehensive evidential reports; coordinate house-to-house enquiries; provide evidence in person at court as required.
• Undertake investigative research using relevant systems, maintain accurate records, analyse information, and produce reports to support investigations.
• Support and liaise with victims and witnesses, providing information and updates on case progress and signposting to appropriate support; assist in progressing investigations.
• Assist in searches and act as exhibits officer when appointed, ensuring integrity of evidence; record receipt of exhibits; organise storage and security of exhibits including hazardous materials; return items when authorised to do so.
• Submit complete and correct paperwork within set time limits, ensuring evidential integrity through collection of all relevant documentation to form the overall picture of the case.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and force policy (e.g., criminal law, PACE, CPIA, RIPA) to ensure investigations and documentation are compliant and of high standard.
• Ensure good communication and information sharing with Children's Social Care to attend child protection case conferences, complete joint investigative and safeguarding actions, and obtain/view 3rd party material.
• Conduct safeguarding actions as required as part of the investigative process to mitigate risks to victims, witnesses and suspects.

Vetting level

Recruitment vetting required.

Necessary experience

• Must be able to travel as part of duty; a full clean UK driving licence is essential.
• ABE (Achieving Best Evidence) trained.

Desirable qualifications and experience

• PIP2 and SOTO (Sexual Offence Trained Officer) qualifications.
• Recent experience safeguarding vulnerable persons during investigative processes.
• Recent experience in criminal investigations, conducting interviews and taking statements with adults and children.

Skills and attributes

• High degree of flexibility to accommodate operational needs; highly motivated, proactive with excellent communication skills to engage with officers, the public and other organisations.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues and statutory partners.
• Good prioritisation and the ability to work without close supervision, work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage multiple cases concurrently; proficient organisational skills.
• Good working knowledge of IT (Microsoft Office). Ideally familiar with force intelligence systems such as Athena and PNC; training can be provided.
• High level of integrity due to confidential material; may be required to complete a pre-employment health surveillance questionnaire.
• Role may require extended hours at short notice and starting at different locations as required to support urgent operational needs.

Additional information

Role is designated; start locations may vary to support operational needs.

Colbern Limited and our clients are an equal opportunities employer.