Protective services

Serious and complex crime investigator

Conduct serious and complex investigation.

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

Knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs)

K1:

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

K2:

The relevance and purpose of developing hypothesis in a serious and complex crime investigation

K3:

How to task intelligence analysts

K4:

The breadth of covert capabilities available to support investigations including surveillance

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

K6:

Conflict resolution and the lawful use of force

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

K8:

The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) 1996 and its purpose within a serious and complex crime investigation

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

K10:

Crime scene management, forensics and exhibit handling within a serious and complex crime context

K11:

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

K12:

Health and Safety legislation applicable to the investigator's organisation

K13:

How to effectively manage risk and decision making models

K14:

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

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

Technical Educational Products

Reference:
OCC0512
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£39,425 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3319 Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3319/03 Fraud investigators (excludes benefit fraud)
    • 1163/05 Senior officers in revenue and customs
S1:

Effectively apply relevant legislation to a variety of serious and complex crime investigations

S2:

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

S3:

Evaluate information gathered and develop and test hypothesis to support the investigation of serious and complex crimes

S4:

Use Intelligence Analysts to support complex investigations through focused tasking

S5:

Prepare and submit applications to undertake covert operations

S6:

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

S7:

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

S8:

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

S9:

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

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

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

S12:

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

S13:

Utilise advanced technologies effectively so that material and evidence gathering opportunities are maximised

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

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

S16:

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

Technical Educational Products

Reference:
OCC0512
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£39,425 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3319 Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3319/03 Fraud investigators (excludes benefit fraud)
    • 1163/05 Senior officers in revenue and customs
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

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

B3:

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

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

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

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

Technical Educational Products

Reference:
OCC0512
Status:
Approved occupation imageApproved occupation
Average (median) salary:
£39,425 per year
SOC 2020 code:
3319 Protective service associate professionals n.e.c.
  • SOC 2020 sub unit groups:
    • 3319/03 Fraud investigators (excludes benefit fraud)
    • 1163/05 Senior officers in revenue and customs