PIP2 Police Staff Investigator - Serious Collision Investigation Unit

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Vacancy Information

This role is within a unit where Surrey Police and Sussex Police work in collaboration, whilst remaining two separate legal entities/employers with different terms and conditions.

Both Surrey Police staff and Sussex Police staff are employed in this unit on their own force terms and conditions.

Successful candidates may be appointed on the terms and conditions of employment of either Surrey Police or Sussex Police, depending on organisational requirements. A discussion will be held with the successful candidate to confirm the details of location, salary, allowances and hours.

Division / Department - Operations Command

Grade - Surrey Police Grade G / Sussex Police Grade 10

Status - Full Time or Happy to Talk Flexible Working

Contract Type - Fixed Term Contract

Salary Grade Range - Surrey Police £34,060 - £39,149 / Sussex Police £35,772 - £39,276

Working Hours - 37.0 Hours per Week

Shift Allowance - Yes

Politically Restricted - No

Location - Haywards Heath

The starting salary for this role will usually be at the bottom of the salary range and will be pro-rata if the working hours are less than full time.

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.

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.

We wish you all the very best with your application.

Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner

The Role & Key Responsibilities

The Serious Collision Investigation Unit (SCIU) is a specialist collaborated unit within Operations Command, responsible for investigating all fatal road traffic collisions, as well as some life-changing injury collisions.

This is a challenging and rewarding role, offering the opportunity to bring offenders to justice while providing support, reassurance and a sense of closure to bereaved families and victims during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

We are seeking a highly motivated Police Staff Investigator to investigate serious and complex cases from initial handover through to conclusion. Many of the offences investigated by the unit carry sentences of up to life imprisonment.

The role operates a four-week shift pattern (Monday - Sunday), with weekend working on a one-in-four basis.

Week 1: 07x16 / 07x16 / 07x16 / 07x16 / 07x16 / RD / RD

Week 2: 07x16 / 07x16 / 07x16 / RD / RD / 08x16 / 08x16

Week 3: 07x16 / RD / RD / 07x16 / 07x16 / RD / RD

Week 4: 13x22 / 13x22 / 13x22 / 13x22 / 11x20 / RD / RD

We support some agile and flexible working where operational requirements permit. Requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered in accordance with operational need.
Key Responsibilities

As a Police Staff Investigator with SCIU, you will:

• Perform the role of Officer in the Case (OIC), managing a caseload of serious and complex investigations.
• Attend collision scenes to provide investigative support when required.
• Progress lines of enquiry under the direction of the lead investigator (DS) or SIO.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and auditable records of actions and inquiries.
• Manage contact with victims and bereaved families where a FLO is not deployed.
• Interview witnesses and obtain detailed evidential statements.
• Interview suspects, manage disclosure, and deal with legal representatives.
• Attend forensic post-mortem examinations, and brief forensic pathologists.
• Liaise effectively with other departments, such as Coroners Officers, Forensic Collision Investigators, Forensic Hub, DFT, Media, Intel, DVLA, HSE, NCA and Expert Witnesses.
• Meet with bereaved families and victims to update them on the progress of investigations.
• Prepare high-quality case files and evidential summaries for submission to the CPS, responding promptly to action plans where required.
• Liaise with CPS Lawyers and counsel to ensure cases are trial ready.
• Submit case material and summaries to HM Coroner and attend Inquests and give evidence if required.
• Attend Crown Court and other court hearings, providing professional evidence throughout criminal proceedings.

Skills & Experience

This is a demanding but highly rewarding role. Applicants should recognise the post involves regular exposure to traumatic incidents and close engagement with bereaved families and victims during life-changing events.

Successful applicants will demonstrate:

• A high degree of resilience, professionalism, and emotional intelligence. Welfare support is provided through line management and Occupational health screening.
• Proven investigative ability, and a strong investigative mindset, with the potential to develop these skills further within a specialist environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail and the ability to analyse complex evidence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, prioritise competing demands and manage a complex workload with minimal supervision.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal working hours where operational requirements dictate.
• The ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, recognising and valuing the contribution of colleagues and partners.
• Good IT skills, with experience of Police systems including Niche, NICE Investigate, SharePoint, STORM, MS Word and MS Excel.
• A sound working knowledge of the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act (CPIA) and disclosure obligations.
• A full UK driving licence and at least a current Basic Driving Authority (BDA) - or the ability to pass a basic driving assessment.

Why Work With Us?

Policing is an exciting 24/7 business and we all have commitments outside work. We're invested in supporting people to balance their life with work and we encourage flexible working. We are open to conversations about job shares and part time working. We encourage agile working, giving you the opportunity to manage your own diary and work wherever you give the best service to the public. This may include flexi-time and home working.

We take pride in looking after our people and offer a variety of benefits;

• career progression
• contributory pension scheme (LGPS)
• generous annual leave allowance
• discounts for everyday spend
• on-site gyms and a range of sports clubs...