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Overview of the role

Conduct serious and complex investigation.

Details of standard

Occupation summary

This occupation is found in law enforcement.  A Serious and Complex Crime Investigator (S&CCI) could typically be employed by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, The National Crime Agency, Police Forces, The Ministry of Defence or the Financial Conduct Authority. The broad purpose of the occupation is to conduct serious and complex investigations.  They will dynamically conduct investigations through research, analysis and planning to carry out operational activity.  Typically this is a non-emergency response function.  Some of these roles may require a S&CCI to have relevant designated powers where necessary.  They could carry out investigations locally, nationally, and internationally which many involve the use of covert investigative techniques and using advanced technologies to target high level organised crime groups. In their daily work, an employee in this occupation interacts with diverse communities relevant to their organisations in order to, for example, obtain witness statements, gather evidence, conduct lawful searches of physical and virtual spaces and where relevant powers are designated, arrest and interview suspects.  An employee in this occupation also interacts with other law enforcement agencies in order to support their work.  The environment in which a S&CCI works will typically be office based, although there will be a requirement to deploy operationally outside of the office environment. An employee in this occupation will be responsible for investigating serious and organised criminality as part of a dedicated case team.  There will be a Senior Investigating Officer who will allocate tasks and oversee the investigation, however the employee will be expected to undertake tasks independently, with limited supervision, as well as with other members of the case team or with other specialists.

Typical job titles include:

Detective constable Investigator Operations officer

Entry requirements

Whilst any entry requirements will be a matter for individual agencies and forces, typically an apprentice will be required to meet security vetting requirements

Occupation duties

Duty Criteria for measuring performance KSBs

Duty 1 Prepare victim and/or witness strategies, assessing their needs, providing support and a point of contact. Categorise the victim and/or witness, and use appropriate methods of interviewing. Re-evaluate information gathered throughout the investigation to formulate further actions to progress the case

In accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, Human Rights Act, Victim Codes of Practice, the Witness Charter and relevant internal policy.

K7 K9 K14 K15

S11

B2 B3

Duty 2 Prepare suspect strategies and arrest strategies. Conduct the apprehension of individuals and/or prepare arrest submissions for law enforcement partners in accordance with relevant legislation and codes of practice

In accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, Human Rights Act, Victim Codes of Practice, the Witness Charter and relevant internal policy

K6 K7 K9 K12 K13 K15

S8 S14

B2 B3

Duty 3 Carry out systematic searches of vehicles, premises and open areas in accordance with relevant legislation

In accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, Human Rights Act, Victim Codes of Practice, the Witness Charter and relevant internal policy

K5 K7 K10 K11 K12

S8 S12 S14

B3 B5

Duty 4 Exploit forensic opportunities both digitally and traditionally. This will include reviewing physical exhibits and downloads of digital exhibits in order to determine their evidential value and identifying opportunities to use such material to progress the investigation

In accordance with the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA), Data Protection Act (DPA) and relevant internal policy

K1 K5 K7 K10 K11

S3 S12 S13

B4

Duty 5 Conduct intelligence driven briefings, taskings and debriefings

In accordance with internal policy

K2 K3 K4 K13 K15

S14 S15 S16

B4 B5 B6

Duty 6 Gather relevant information to enable internal and external communications officers to formulate briefings to the media and third parties and have an awareness of how to use the media to progress investigations

In accordance with internal policy

K13 K15

S15 S16

B4 B5

Duty 7 Maintain an awareness of the capabilities of internal and external specialists and law enforcement partners. Liaise with and task such teams in order to progress serious and complex investigations

In accordance with internal policy

K1 K3 K11

S4 S15

B5

Duty 8 Work with Financial Investigators to formulate a financial strategy and use powers and appropriate legislation to disrupt criminal activity and recover proceeds of crime

In accordance with the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and relevant internal policy

K1 K3

S1 S2 S3 S15 S16

B4

Duty 9 Create and use intelligence to progress serious and complex investigations. This will include undertaking in depth research, conducting high level data analysis, searching intelligence databases, evaluating large volumes of data to assess its intelligence potential and disseminating intelligence

In accordance with the Human Rights Act, the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act and DPA

K2 K3 K8

S1 S2 S3 S15 S16

B4

Duty 10 Use covert tactics lawfully and effectively to gather intelligence and evidence to progress the investigation. Make applications for covert information using the required authorities and regulatory powers and identify and mitigate operational risk where necessary

In accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, Human Rights Act and relevant internal policy. To College of Policing Tier 2 Suspect Interviewing standard

K1 K2 K4 K11 K13

S1 S2 S3 S5 S13 S15 S16

B2 B4

Duty 11 Prepare interview briefings and strategies. Undertake complex suspect interviews, using a range of interview methods and techniques and addressing complex circumstances when conducting interviews

In accordance with the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) Codes of Practice, Human Rights Act and relevant internal policy. To College of Policing Tier 2 Suspect Interviewing standard

K1 K7 K15

S1 S2 S3 S9

B3 B4

Duty 12 Formulate investigative strategies to maximise evidence gathering opportunities and support serious and complex investigations

In accordance with the Investigative Professional Practice Manual and relevant internal policy

K1 K2

S1 S2 S3 S15 S16

B4

Duty 13 Manage and prepare a case file throughout a serious and complex investigation. This will include formulating a disclosure strategy and reviewing and managing large volumes of sensitive and non-sensitive material. Work with The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and other relevant prosecuting bodies to deliver a successful prosecution

To PIP2 standard. In accordance with CPIA. To achieve successful criminal justice outcomes

K5 K7 K8

S1 S2 S6 S10

B1

Duty 14 Present evidence in court and at other hearings in an effective manner, complying with the relevant rules of evidence, procedure and professional standards

To PIP2 standard. In accordance with CPIA. To achieve successful criminal justice outcomes.

K5 K8

S1 S2 S7

B1 B2


KSBs

Knowledge

K1: U.K law and other legislation relevant to the organisation and how it supports a serious and complex crime investigation Back to Duty

K2: The relevance and purpose of developing hypothesis in a serious and complex crime investigation Back to Duty

K3: How to task intelligence analysts Back to Duty

K4: The breadth of covert capabilities available to support investigations including surveillance Back to Duty

K5: The evidential standards required to prepare and submit serious and complex crime prosecution files to the Crown Prosecution Service and other relevant prosecuting bodies Back to Duty

K6: Conflict resolution and the lawful use of force Back to Duty

K7: The Police and Criminal Evidence Act in relation to the lawful arrest and interviewing of suspects and witnesses including searching individuals, vehicles, premises and virtual spaces Back to Duty

K8: The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996 and its purpose within a serious and complex crime investigation Back to Duty

K9: The diverse nature of the communities within which investigations are conducted. Methods for engaging with a range of communities and managing the impact of law enforcement activity on such communities Back to Duty

K10: Crime scene management, forensics and exhibit handling within a serious and complex crime context Back to Duty

K11: How advanced technologies can be utilised to progress investigations such as cell site analysis and digital forensic techniques Back to Duty

K12: Health and Safety legislation applicable to the investigator's organisation Back to Duty

K13: How to effectively manage risk and decision making models Back to Duty

K14: How to develop a Victim/Witness strategy including identifying, interviewing and working with differing categories of victims and witnesses Back to Duty

K15: The ability to communicate information and ideas appropriately using a variety of methods available. Uses language and style of communication appropriate to the situation and audience. Displays listening, comprehension and understanding skills. Knowledge of how to interpret non-verbal communication cues displayed by suspects and witnesses Back to Duty

Skills

S1: Effectively apply relevant legislation to a variety of serious and complex crime investigations Back to Duty

S2: Carry out serious and complex crime investigations in line with Authorised Professional Practice (APP) or other policies or guidance relevant to their organisation Back to Duty

S3: Evaluate information gathered and develop and test hypothesis to support the investigation of serious and complex crimes Back to Duty

S4: Use Intelligence Analysts to support complex investigations through focused tasking Back to Duty

S5: Prepare and submit applications to undertake covert operations Back to Duty

S6: Prepare and submit crime prosecution files to the Crown Prosecution Service and other legal bodies to ensure successful judicial outcomes Back to Duty

S7: Attend at the Magistrate, Youth, Crown or Coroners courts to provide evidence in support of the Crown Prosecution Service or other prosecuting bodies Back to Duty

S8: Undertake thorough research to ensure that any arrests and subsequent searches are carried out effectively and lawfully maximising evidence recovery Back to Duty

S9: Conduct interviews of suspects in line with approved interviewing techniques to obtain evidence and create fresh lines of enquiry to support investigations Back to Duty

S10: Effectively carry out the role of Disclosure Officer within a serious and complex crime investigation to ensure the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) is lawfully complied with Back to Duty

S11: Safeguard vulnerable victims and witnesses, and when carrying out interviews apply Achieving Best Evidence principles to gather best evidence. Ensure that special measures are used appropriately to protect vulnerable people Back to Duty

S12: Preserve and manage crime scenes whilst also developing forensic strategies to exploit evidential opportunities from available material Back to Duty

S13: Utilise advanced technologies effectively so that material and evidence gathering opportunities are maximised Back to Duty

S14: Identify operational risks to public, self and colleagues applying health and safety legislation and any other policies and procedures relevant to their organisation to mitigate those risks to enable investigations to continue in a variety of challenging environments. Have an awareness of the importance of prioritising investigative actions in the context of vulnerable victims or dangerous suspects in order to minimise risk and harm Back to Duty

S15: Use and apply problem solving techniques to identify issues and propose appropriate solutions in order to ensure that investigations maintain their momentum and progress. Persuade and influence key stakeholders and negotiate to find acceptable solutions Back to Duty

S16: Apply investigative decision making to serious and complex crime investigations so that actions are focused and all key decisions are rational and considered Back to Duty

Behaviours

B1: Personal Accountability - Demonstrates accountability for overall service delivery, displays commitment and perseverance. Accountable for their own workload and performance, making recommendations and decisions where appropriate. An awareness of methods for managing high volumes of work in order to limit impact on personal health and prevent risk to the investigation and to the public Back to Duty

B2: Integrity - Act with a high degree of integrity, common sense and sound judgement following the appropriate Code of Conduct and taking responsibility for maintaining relevant security clearance applicable to their organisation. Their professional behaviour and personal/private profile on, for example, social media must demonstrate the integrity, reliability and trustworthiness expected of staff working in a law enforcement agency. Treat everyone with fairness and respect and adhere to the principles of Inclusion, Diversity and Equality Back to Duty

B3: Emotion - Maintains a balance that recognises the concerns of all parties involved in the investigative process. Remains calm, rational and professional under pressure Back to Duty

B4: Investigative Mind-set – Using investigative evaluation and developing and testing case theory to understand the material generated throughout the course of the investigation and to assess whether additional material is required to progress the investigation. Encourage creativity and actively seek the ideas and input of others Back to Duty

B5: Teamwork and Partnership - Work collaboratively with the public, partners and colleagues. Develop strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve common goals. Adopt a flexible approach to working with others and promote mutual respect Back to Duty

B6: Leadership - Act professionally when carrying out daily work, actively encourage and support colleagues. Set goals and high performance standards for self and others. Inspire others by acting as a role model Back to Duty


Qualifications

English and Maths

Apprentices without level 2 English and maths will need to achieve this level prior to taking the End-Point Assessment. For those with an education, health and care plan or a legacy statement, the apprenticeship’s English and maths minimum requirement is Entry Level 3. A British Sign Language (BSL) qualification is an alternative to the English qualification for those whose primary language is BSL.

Other mandatory qualifications

High Level Qualification

Serious and complex crime investigator degree

Level: 6 (integrated degree)


Additional details

Occupational Level:

6

Duration (months):

30

Review

this apprenticeship will be reviewed in accordance with our change request policy.

Status: Retired
Level: 6
Degree: integrated degree
Reference: ST0512
Version: 1.0
Date updated: 17/03/2023
Route: Protective services
Typical duration to gateway: 30 months (this does not include EPA period)
Maximum funding: £19000
LARS Code: 570
EQA Provider: Office for Students
Employers involved in creating the standard: NCA, FSA, Devon and Cornwall Police, Herts Police, Merseyside Police, Met Police, Thames Valley Police, West Yorkshire Police, Hampshire Police, The Pensions Regulator, Cabinet Office, Manchester Fire Service, Higher Education Institute Consortium, Home Office, British Transport police, HMRC, IOPC, Humberside, TPR, NCOA, Derbyshire, Staffs, Cheshire

Version log

Version Change detail Earliest start date Latest start date
1.1 Funding band revised 17/03/2023 Not set
1.0 Approved for delivery 03/07/2020 16/03/2023

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