Domestic Abuse Investigator
Role Purpose
A specially trained PIP1 or PIP2 investigator, responsible for undertaking investigation duties to identify the perpetrators of Domestic Abuse and any associated offences, supporting victims and achieving the best outcomes for victims and their families.
The role will ensure that victims are safeguarded and that any evidence obtained is recorded, secured and preserved in a timely and appropriate manner.
Key Accountabilities
Collect and gather evidence, record and retain material from a range of sources in a format that is evidentially admissible, to support the investigative process.
Engage victims of domestic abuse so that evidence is collected adequately and appropriately to support the victim and families and proportionately achieve the investigation’s objectives.
Interview witnesses, victim and suspects and gather all required evidence in relation to domestic abuse investigations in accordance with PIP1 standards, generating further lines of enquiry to bring offenders to justice.
Complete risk assessments and provide appropriate support for victims during an investigation, such as through formulation of a victim safety plan, to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
Provide information regarding additional services available to victims and their families, including signposting to support agencies, and explain Criminal Justice and Coronial procedures, so that they can access all available services and support.
Work in partnership with agencies such as social workers and health professionals, to develop networks, enable best use of resources, enable joined up approaches to services, and drive safeguarding of victims.
Ensure all materials, including exhibits generated, are seized, examined and retained in accordance with legislation and policy.
Prepare reports on the outcome of investigations and manage case files within best practice procedures to ensure there is an accurate audit trail.
Use designated powers to arrest, apprehend and issue special warnings where necessary, to safeguard victims and potential victims in accordance with legislation and policy.
Contribute to the Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA), providing updates on offenders, and update records to support and enable joined up public agency management of offenders.
Behaviours
All roles are expected to know, understand and act within the ethics and values of the Police Service.
The Competency and Values Framework (CVF) has six competencies that are clustered into three groups. Under each competency are three levels that show what behaviours will look like in practice.
It is suggested that this role should be operating or working towards the following levels of the CVF:
Resolute, compassionate and committed
Inclusive, enabling and visionary leadership
Intelligent, creative and informed policing
Education, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Prior Education and Experience:
Successfully complete initial training and further training to achieve Professional Investigation Programme (PIP) 1 or (PIP) 2 accreditation.
Successfully completed Level 1 or Level 2 of the Public Protection Learning Programme (PPLP).
Experience in conducting volume and priority crime investigations.
Experience in interviewing to PIP 1 or PIP 2 standards.
Successful completion of domestic abuse investigation training.
Knowledge and understanding of Authorised Police Practice (APP) in relation to the investigation of domestic abuse.
A detailed understanding of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge and understanding of key indicators of domestic abuse.
Good working knowledge of child protection procedures.
Good working knowledge of protection of adults at risk.
Experience in conducting serious and complex investigations.
Experience of working in a multi-agency environment.
Skills:
Good communication skills with the ability to listen to others.
Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.
Able to appropriately prioritise and plan own work.
Able to produce concise reports or other documents.
Skilled in the use of use standard IT packages, systems and/or databases to fulfil role requirements.
Able to use resources efficiently in own role and to comply with financial rules and procedures.
Good team working skills demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.
Able to review own performance objectively and to develop and follow an appropriate improvement plan.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Undertake training courses in Domestic Abuse Matters and/or Coercive Control.
Keep up-to-date with changing legislation and current national priorities relating to all key areas within Public Protection and how these might affect domestic abuse cases.
Keep up-to-date with all technological advances that might facilitate offenders in committing crimes.
Analyse the impact of the Independent Police Complaints Commission’s (IPCC) Learning the Lessons reports relating to domestic abuse cases.
Familiarise yourself with National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reports on child protection issues and associated inspections.
Read the Crown Prosecutions Service’s (CPS) guidance relating to cases of domestic abuse and identify how this can be applied to working practices.
Ensure that regular conversations with line manager take place regarding the emotional and psychological welfare of the officer.
Maintain a working knowledge of local, regional and national specialist support agencies for referrals.
Develop a working knowledge of multi-agency responsibilities.
Professional Registration/Licenses
PIP Accreditation
Assessed competence against relevant professional standards for this role is required to achieve PIP accreditation. Maintenance of this accreditation requires the demonstration of continued competence against professional standards as well as evidence of CPD, in line with the College’s Model.
Links to other Profiles
Domestic Abuse Investigator
Missing Persons Coordinator
Rape and Specialist Sexual Assault Investigator
Sexual Offences Investigation Trained Officer
Sexual or Violent Offender Manager
Victim Identification CAID
Modern Slavery Investigator