Closing date: 23 December 2022, 11:59pm

Salary: £27,690 - £31,434 Grade: 5

Today terrorism is a constant threat within the United Kingdom. By joining Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) West Midlands, you can directly contribute to keeping the UK safe and help us tackle the threat.

Our West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU) Investigations team includes Detective Investigators, Forensic Management, Digital and Financial Investigators and HOLMES staff working together to maximise opportunities to gather evidence and intelligence.

We are looking for a forward-thinking individual to take on this role, based within our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport. You’ll work a shift pattern including late shifts (until 8pm) and weekend working, however you’ll be required to be flexible with a willingness to adapt to ever-changing operational priorities. This may include working out of hours for extended periods and at short notice when necessary.

The role

As a Police Staff Investigator, you’ll gather and secure evidence to support ongoing investigations, taking written statements from witnesses as directed. You’ll follow the guidelines of “Achieving Best Evidence” in criminal proceedings.

You’ll identify and gather evidence from media devices and other digital media seized from those suspected of involvement in terrorism offences to support a prosecution. Many of the images viewed or conversations heard can be of a very disturbing nature. Regular de-briefing and contact with the force welfare/counselling is a necessity within this role.

You’ll demonstrate good communication and interpersonal skills, showing an aptitude for investigation work. The ability to use IT skills to analyse and evaluate information and produce concise and accurate reports is essential. You’ll be required to work alone as well as part of a team and have the ability to use your own initiative.

Responsibilities

• Completing the assessment of and categorising large volumes of seized material, ensuring that accurate viewing logs are completed.
• Identifying material that has the potential to undermine the prosecution or defence of those suspected of involvement in terrorism.
• Securing and preserving the best evidence, including; retrieval, retention and reviewing of CCTV; conducting house-to-house enquires and completing relevant actions; viewing of seized media material and communications data, and maintaining the integrity, continuity and preventing contamination of exhibits.
• Researching and maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current enquires, attending and contributing to briefings.
• General administration, including completion of relevant forms, compiling Operational Orders, scene logs & search records, time-lines, applying for warrants.
• Assisting the Investigating Officer by liaising with internal and external stakeholders, including the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS).
• Receiving information and preparing evidence for presentation in Court to support effective investigations and giving evidence at court as and when required.
• Supporting the prosecution case at court by assisting with case management during the trial.
• Assisting with opening and managing the Custody Suite, including observing interviews, utilising the Custody Tracker and taking 'live notes'.
• Complying with all relevant legislation, i.e. Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, Data Protection Act 1998 and all rules and guidance including the Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures where applicable.

Skills and competencies

Essential

Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, including the ability to write clear, concise and accurate reports.

Experience of working effectively in a team.

Competent IT skills.

Self-motivation skills and able to contribute to problem solving activity.

Experience of effectively managing workloads.

Hold a full UK driving licence.

Desirable

Investigation and evidence gathering experience.

Previous experience in criminal law and criminal justice system.

Experience of dealing with conflict.

Experience of working in an environment dealing with the public.

Additional information

** This role involves assessing disturbing and distressing imagery, videos and audio, in order to categorise the content to assist in the prosecution of those suspected of involvement in terrorism offences. This material could include indecent images of children, extreme violence, mutilation and death. **

i You’ll be required to undertake specific training requirements in respect of the role, which will include; Personal Safety Training (conflict resolution level); WMP IT systems training and Investigation modules.

• This role is subject to successful completion of Security Check vetting.

You must be a British citizen to work for the Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands (CTP WM). If you hold dual nationality, with the primary nationality British, you may also be considered. For the purposes of safeguarding national security, applicants will be required to hold or acquire the appropriate national security vetting clearances of Security Check (SC) or Developed Vetting (DV) in line with Cabinet Office Policy, supported by Section 82(2) to (4) of the Police Reform Act (2002). CTP WM will support preferred candidates through the appropriate vetting process.

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, whilst protecting them from harm”

We are 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.