Investigation - Quality Assurance

Level 1

• Understanding of this technical skill needs updating to give the post holder a sound basis to perform the requirements of the role.
• Needs further time in the role to gain experience under tuition and guidance to successfully apply this technical skill to the required level.
• Support and development in this area necessary for successful application of these standards in practical situations.

Level 2

• Understanding of this technical skill needs updating to give the post holder a sound basis to perform the requirements of the role.
• Needs further time in the role to gain experience under tuition and guidance to successfully apply this technical skill to the required level.
• Support and development in this area is necessary for successful application of these standards in practical situations

Investigation - Quality Assurance - Level 3

• Manage the closure of the investigation to ensure that the judicial processes and continuity needs are met in accordance with the relevant legislation and policy.

Example: Where criminal prosecution has been instigated or is considered, liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service, other agencies and counsel at case conferences and discuss disclosure, public interest immunity issues and possible defence arguments as necessary.

• Where appropriate monitor the preparation of the case files ensuring that they are presented in the required format and submitted promptly within statutory time limits.
• Ensure family liaison is maintained and that appropriate support is provided to family and witnesses in preparation for judicial proceedings where applicable.
• Attend court as required.
• Continue to liaise with legal representatives and ensure sufficient resources are available for judicial and welfare requirements.
• Ensure all contact with the media is in line with the investigation and media strategies and does not undermine the integrity of the case or future hearings that may be instigated.
• When completing current situation report, identify actions taken, lessons learned and good practice.
• Share learnings and best practice with appropriate personnel.

Investigation - Quality Assurance - Level 4

• Quality control initial crime, screen them and allocate them in accordance with organisational and local investigation policy.

Example: Check the quality of crime incident reports and take appropriate action to ensure compliance with policy.

• Screen all crimes in accordance with policy and priorities and in accordance with policing objectives.
• Allocate screened crimes for further investigation in accordance with investigation policy.
• Update and maintain crime incident reporting records in accordance with policy.
• Instigate victim charter procedures in accordance with policy.

Investigation - Quality Assurance - Level 5

• Undertake regular and comprehensive quality control checks in order to ensure crime / critical incident reports contain all relevant information and comply with Home Office Counting rules.

Example: Monitor the quality of initial crime / incident reports and check that appropriate action has been taken to comply with Force policy.

• Ensure that all crimes are classified and where appropriate shown as cleared up, in accordance with Home Office Counting rules.
• Monitor the progress of crime / incident reports and take appropriate action to ensure compliance with Force policy.
• Ensure instructions are carried out and provide appropriate guidance and advice to ensure crime reports are completed in accordance with Force policy.
• Ensure the victims charter requirements are met.
• Ensure that the crime incident reporting system and corresponding management information is maintained in accordance with Force policy and legislation.

Investigation - Quality Assurance - Level 6

• Ensure a proactive audit of a range of major crime investigations, to establish whether Force policy is being consistently applied and if problems are identified, ensure appropriate remedial measures are taken.

Example: Ensure processes exist to analyse results of reviews of major investigation policy conducted by own or other police forces and ACPO, to identify good practice and improve professional standards of investigation.

• Oversee processes to regularly review changes to Force major crime investigation policy, to ensure delivery of the desired results and modify policy where appropriate.
• Ensure Force adopts and promotes identified good practice, by selling the benefits to stakeholders, partners and colleagues as appropriate.
• Ensure processes exist to effectively communicate and implement identified good practice, including sharing at national level through ACPO.
• Ensure that personnel possess the necessary knowledge, skills, and resources to effectively implement policy.
• Ensure measures are implemented to overcome identified gaps.