Transferee Detective Constable - Complex Abuse Unit (CAU)

Applications are invited from Detective Constables to join the Surrey Police Complex Abuse Unit (CAU), based at Surrey Police HQ in Guildford. The role is open to substantive Detective Constables only who have a proven track record in investigating large scale complex abuse and/or group based abuse cases. This role presents an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the most serious and complex cases investigated by Surrey Police. CAU is a specialist investigation department aligned to the Central Public Protection Command. CAU is a dedicated specialist unit of experienced DCs and police staff investigators who hold a wide range of skills, resilience, tenacity, and experience to progress the most technical and complex abuse cases. DCs in the unit are responsible for the management and investigation of a range of serious abuse-based cases involving large scale multiple perpetrator/victim cases, position of trust offences, and proactive investigations targeting the most serious abuse offenders. Cases can also often hold significant risk and/or national prominence, attracting interest from community leaders and national media organisations. In addition, CAU works with partners and key stakeholders to identify innovative and creative ways to lead in the reduction of abuse in Surrey. The Surrey Police Central Public Protection Command is committed to providing staff with professional development opportunities and offers specialist training and continued professional education to help our staff realise their full potential. For those interested in progressing their career through promotional channels, we offer a sponsored development programme to focus on key skills and experience in support of an individual's future., As a Detective Constable within the Complex Abuse Unit, you will be responsible for management of investigations regarding serious group-based abuse. These types of investigations include both recent and non-recent reporting, and can involve additional elevated elements of risk, complexity and sensitivity. Following Operation Soteria principles, you will be responsible for setting the initial Primary Investigation Strategy through to the completion of a timely and proportionate investigation, you will aim to achieve clear investigative objectives including the establishment and identification of criminal offences, pursuit of all reasonable lines of enquiry, identifying, arresting and charging offenders and presentation of case files to the Crown Prosecution Service in support of a prosecution.

• Perform the role of Investigating Officer for serious abuse cases.
• Effectively manage a RASSO caseload.
• To conduct operational risk assessments and build safeguarding strategies to reduce or mitigate identified risks.
• To interview complainants and witnesses of serious abuse, both adults and children, capturing evidence via statement or video recorded interview.
• To interview suspects of serious abuse.
• Work alongside support services and partner agencies in support of multi-agency safeguarding assessments and delivery of safeguarding measures.
• To work with medical, forensic and digital specialists in order to create and maximise evidential opportunities where appropriate.
• To deliver exceptional victim care ensuring victims are dealt with ethically and with empathy.
• To build strong evidential case files presenting all available evidence and information in a clear, concise and methodical manner.
• To ensure the practical application of disclosure in accordance with the CPIA and the Attorney General's Guidelines.
• To be involved in and/or attend case conferences between the OIC and CPS (including Early Advice conferences). This will ensure that best practises and procedures or deficiencies are identified and progressed.
  
  We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you., Technical knowledge and skills:
• A comprehensive training pathway exists in relation to building technical skills and knowledge. Successful candidates will be required to attend a variety of specialist courses to ensure they remain a highly trained specialist investigator.
• A passionate interest in serious crime investigation and the motivation and commitment to develop and advance you skills are essential.
Essential skills:
• Full UK driving licence.
• Valid passport.
• Successful completion of the PIP2 investigation development programme (substantive Detective) and have completed the Tier 2 specialist interview courses.
• Demonstrate investigative competence through the formulation of investigation strategies, prioritising lines of enquiry, problem solving and decision making.
• Hold experience as OIC for large scale complex abuse investigations.
• Hold experience as OIC at Crown Court trials, liaising closely with CPS and partner agencies.
• Ability to interpret, assimilate information, challenge assumptions and myths whilst checking accuracy and relevance of information.
• To be innovative, creative and flexible, holding the ability to be self-sufficient and work well in a team.
• Hold strong problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrate time management skills and ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
• Excellent communication skills being able to demonstrate tact and understanding whilst being able to discuss sensitive and often embarrassing matters openly.
• Able to always maintain a professional and discreet manner.
• Must be able to display a sufficient depth of character and sensitivity in order to be able to deal professionally with traumatic incidents.
• Must have the ability to recognise and manage one's own welfare and levels of resilience.
• The post holder is expected to be aware of current legislation and procedures in respect of child abuse, institutionalised abuse, rape and other serious sexual offences investigations and should continue to keep themselves and relevant staff updated with any policy or legislation changes.
• Hold a working knowledge of Operation Soteria and the NPCC Violence Against Women and Girls National Framework.
• The post holder will be required to work anywhere within Surrey Police areas as necessary and on occasions out of force areas as well. They must be prepared to work flexible and unsociable hours.