POLIT DS

Job title: POLIT DS
Grade: Sergeant
Role code: EPPPU409a
Status: Police
Limited Duties Category: B - full Policing nofullshfts

Main purpose of the role:

To supervise the POLIT team and have complete oversight into their workloads, to ensure that the investigations are of the highest standard and a high level of integrity is maintained. To ensure safeguarding for all known victims and preventing any further harm to others.

Main responsibilities:

• Supervise POLIT on a day to day basis, assign and coordinate workloads, manage and motivate staff by providing direction and leadership, completing staff appraisals, addressing welfare issues, advising on personal development, training and coaching, in order to build and sustain an effective team capable of achieving the POLIT objectives.
• Ensure effective planning and implementation of intervention and safeguarding strategies proportionate to the perceived level of risk, through utilisation of the National Decision Model (NDM), the THRIVE model, approved risk assessment toolkits and multi-agency liaison. Decision making and supporting rationale must be recorded on the appropriate auditable format and evidence sound knowledge, and ability, to balance the need to safeguard, the need to investigate and the need to adhere to human rights of the victim and suspect.
• Monitor performance, taking remedial action where necessary, to ensure tasks are completed to the required standard, adhere to legislation, force policy and procedure and achieve agreed service / compliance levels of service regarding quality and timeliness to ensure that local and global service level agreements are met.
• Undertake all such other reasonable duties as may be required by the Proactive Unit Detective Sergeant, in order to ensure the teams commitments are met and complete training to ensure and maintain proficiency in role requirements. Undertake intelligence research when required and assist team with arrests/house searches and interviews where necessary. There will be a requirement for the post holder to view and grade Indecent Images of Children and potentially submit evidential case files.
• Build and maintain professional relationships and trust with internal and external agencies including CEOP/other forces. Be visible and approachable to ensure that local LPAs are aware that POLIT is there to give expert advice and assistance where necessary. Participate in relevant meetings with other Police colleagues, external agencies. Liaise with Crown Prosecution Service for advice/charging decisions.
• Be able to have a proactive oversight to sex offenders on-line in order to identify, locate and protect children and young people from sexual exploitation and online abuse, have consideration and use of covert tactical options and the ability to construct and submit meaningful intelligence reports and identify sources of information that are able to provide suitable information and intelligence on people involved or suspected of being involved in paedophile offences and refer those individuals to the Dedicated Source Units where appropriate whereby further strategies can be developed and implemented.
• There will be a necessity for the Detective Sergeant to supervise the majority of POLIT investigations in a Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) capacity, however the Detective Inspector will have oversight of all investigations and should lead when the investigation has a sense of immediacy due to risk to life or is complex.
• The role holder should recognise that the area of work is psychological demanding and highly pressured and the impact on staff should not be underestimated. The Detective Sergeant should be able to identify any welfare issues amongst staff and be able to refer where necessary to occupational health/other agencies. The DS should be aware of the necessary six month counselling and be responsible for their staff attendance at these sessions.

Vetting level:

Management vetting req.

Necessary experience:

Mandatory skills

The Detective Sgt will require the below skills or be willing to undergo training; PIP 2 (NIE and ICIDP), SCAIDIP, CAID, Cybercrime, Open Source, XRY trained, Spektor training to enable the use of triage equipment.

The DS may also be required to undergo training in the Child Protection System (Peer to Peer), PND and COSMOS.

The DS will be required to travel as part of their duty and therefore a full UK driving licence is essential. The post holder requires good technical and practical knowledge of computers and the internet and a full understanding of the risk management of child sex offenders.

The role holder will have a mandatory counselling every six months due to the psychological demands of the post.

Essential skills

Recent experience in dealing with complex criminal investigations.

The role holder must be able to communicate and deal with adults and children at all levels. They should be confident and professional as they will be dealing with a wide range of situations some of which will be of a disturbing nature. The role holder must be highly motivated, proactive and be able to build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues.

The requirement to liaise with outside agencies in order to safeguard children and young people.

Person specification

The role holder must be able to demonstrate and evidence previous experience of managing and developing a team within a customer focused and office environment.

The role holder must be able to demonstrate managing and developing strong partnerships and stakeholder relationships.

A knowledge of and experience in risk assessment, vulnerabilities, Public Protection Crimes, hidden harm and exploitation would be beneficial.

The role holder must be able to demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, be able to analyse, interpret and risk assess qualitative and quantitative data, and have interpersonal skills that engender credibility and confidence.

The role holder must be able to work with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.

A high level of integrity is required due to the confidential and sensitive material deal with by the post holder.

Behaviours:

Analyse Critically (Level 2)

I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

Collaborative (Level 2)

I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.

Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 2)

I give clear direction and expectations, helping others to understand how their work operates in the wider context. I identify barriers that inhibit performance in my teams and take steps to resolve these, enabling others to perform. I lead the public and / or colleagues, where appropriate, during incidents or through the provision of advice and support. I ensure the efficient use of resources to create the most value and the right impact within my areas. I keep track of changes in the external environment, anticipating both the short and long term potential implications for the Police Service. I motivate and inspire others to achieve their best.

Emotionally Aware (Level 2)

I consider the perspectives of people from a wide range of backgrounds before taking action. I adapt my style and approach according to the needs of the people I am working with, using my own behaviour to achieve the best outcome. I promote a culture that values diversity and encourages challenge. I encourage reflective practice among others and take the time to support others to understand reactions and behaviours. I take responsibility for helping to ensuring the emotional well being of those in my teams. I take the responsibility to deal with any inappropriate behaviours.

Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)

I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.

Take Ownership (Level 2)

I proactively create a culture of ownership within my areas of work and support others to display personal responsibility. I take responsibility for making improvements to policies, processes and procedures, actively encouraging others to contribute their ideas. I am accountable for the decisions my team make and the activities within our teams. I take personal responsibility for seeing events through to a satisfactory conclusion and for correcting any problems both promptly and openly. I actively encourage and support learning within my teams and colleagues.

Values:

Impartiality (Accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (Accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public Service (Accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (Accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Crime Investigation (Level 5)

Supervises and co-ordinates the activities of other investigators providing advice and guidance on the whole range of investigation techniques, policies and procedures. Acts as a Case Review Officer. Pro-actively uses information gained form external agencies and the intelligence unit. Undertakes detailed and comprehensive case investigations.

Forensic - Crime Scene Management (Level 4)

Demonstrates a sound working knowledge of a broad range of forensic science services and of all relevant legislation, policies and procedures. Can identify and has practical experience of off-setting scene parameters, securing the scene, identifying, clearing and marking a common approach path. Is aware of the need to control access to the scene and is confident in enforcing this control. Understands the responsibilities of others within a scene and is able to advise colleagues as necessary.

Health and Safety (Level 4)

Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment/technology is introduced. Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.

Incident / Scene Management and Control (Level 5)

Takes control and maintains an oversight of the incident, reviews previous actions and initiates further action. Secures additional support for the incident, including determining the scale of support required from other services and agencies. Revises situation reports and instigates the creation of Silver command as appropriate. Gathers relevant information for assessment and onward transmission to Silver command as required. Quickly establishes an effective team and sets policy for dealing with the incident. Ensures the correct level of investigation is in place to deal with the incident and necessary personnel are in attendance. Ensures the effective debriefing of staff.

Information Management and Technology (Level 4)

Can conduct basic computer searches and can correctly interpret data generated. Can create and amend records, according to role requirement. Knows established rules and protocols. Understands impact of data quality, and is self-monitoring on data quality issues.

Intelligence Gathering and Analysis (Level 4)

Able to analyse basic intelligence submitted and/or make decisions about whether it should be followed up or not. If further research is necessary, be able to carry out that task or delegate to another officer. If required, be able to put together basic information packages for others based on the intelligence gained.

Interviewing - General (Level 4)

Has received some training in reliable interviewing techniques and is able to apply these techniques fairly, consistently and to good effect. Identifies the key issues for examination and tests these using open and probing questions. Identifies weaknesses and inconsistencies in the account and seeks clarification. Keeps good written records of the interview for future.

Interviewing - Witnesses (Level 4)

Able to interview vulnerable victims and child witnesses. Considers the best environment in which to interview and consults with outside agencies. Able to effectively conduct video interviews.

Knowledge of Legislation and Policy (Level 5)

Has a thorough understanding of the responsibilities of the police and all other participants in the legal process. Has overall responsibility for advising other officers on the application of all legislation, policy and procedure relevant to the current role. Confident in the application of the complaints procedure and policy, able to initiate an investigation, where this is warranted, and secure relevant evidence.

Management of Police Information (MOPI) (Level 5)

Has sufficient understanding of the NPCC records management policies be able to offer appropriate guidance and support to staff. Is able to identify the appropriate MOPI group for any record with a policing purpose and ensure that all policing records within the team are retained, reviewed or destroyed in line with the MOPI codes of practice. Quality assures staff to ensure a full understanding and compliance with the APP for Information Management (incorporating MOPI guidance), highlighting failings and taking appropriate action as required. Ensures training and / or refresher training is provided and completed. Ensures that systems are correctly linked together to ensure effective management and recording of information across systems. Appropriately reviews digital information held on system(s) and physical records in storage to ensure that they are retained only where there is a policing purpose. Complies with relevant policies and procedures in respect of prioritisation, sanitisation, dissemination, shari g, relevancy, accuracy, adequacy and timeliness.

Proactive Crime Investigation (Level 5)

Supervises and co-ordinates the activities of other investigators, providing advice and guidance on a range of proactive techniques available. Undertakes detailed and comprehensive proactive investigation. Gives consideration to the effective utilisation of resources and prioritisation of tasks.

Risk Management (Level 5)

Able to anticipate, accurately define and establish the relative level of risk likely to affect their specialist function, in terms of likelihood and impact, together with how the challenges facing the wider organisation might affect their role within the force. Assesses the risks of national initiatives providing feedback at the relevant level. Has an understanding of pathways to alert all appropriate senior managers to flawed or ineffective control strategies and provide continuity/recovery options. Has an appreciation that seizing opportunities also generates risks.

Search (Level 4)

Has a high level of search awareness and handling of exhibits seized. Is able to co-ordinate searches and collate associated items seized and ensure their integrity, security and continuity for any future court case.

Victim Support (Level 4)

Good working knowledge of victim support techniques both internal and external to the organisation. Able to support victims and other interested parties during an investigation which may lead to a court case. Able to act as an advisor for other staff on support services available.