Modern Slavery Specialist Investigator
Role Purpose
This profile has recently been updated to include the CVF 2024 and core skills, and the new version can be found on College Learn by entering the Profile title in the search function. Please note this profile is out of date and is in the process of being reviewed.
A specially trained PIP Level 2 Officer responsible for identifying and supporting victims of, and undertaking investigation duties to identify perpetrators of, modern slavery and any associated offences.
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
Take appropriate action to ensure the immediate and continued safeguarding of the victim or victims, taking account of their needs and engaging partner agencies as necessary; to protect them from further harm.
Define the scope of the investigation and plan the investigative actions needed, clarifying priority and key lines of enquiry, taking resource availability into account, and ensuring proportionality with the investigation’s objectives.
Tailor engagement with modern slavery victims so that evidence is collected adequately and appropriately; to support them and achieve the investigation’s objectives.
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.
Use designated powers to arrest, apprehend and issue special warnings where necessary, to safeguard victims and potential victims in accordance with legislation and policy.
Gather and record evidence in a format that is evidentially admissible; interview witnesses, victim(s) and suspects in accordance with PIP2 standards; and ensure that all materials, including exhibits, are seized, examined and retained in accordance with legislation and force policy.
Form effective working relationships with partner agencies locally, nationally and internationally; to develop networks, to share intelligence, to understand their priorities and to agree resource allocations.
Analyse intelligence, assess evidence and evaluate material generated by the investigation of modern slavery so that intelligence generates evidence to identify and charge offenders.
Prepare reports on the outcome of investigations and manage case files within best practice procedures to ensure there is an accurate audit trail.
Provide advice and guidance at all levels within the force; on best practices at initial response and during investigations; to raise awareness of modern slavery; and to foster appropriate behaviours in relation to victims or potential victims.
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 undertake further training to achieve Professional Investigation Programme (PIP) level 1 and 2 accreditations.
Successfully completed Level 2 of the Public Protection Learning Programme (PPLP).
Successful completion of modern slavery investigation training.
Knowledge and understanding of key indicators of modern slavery.
A detailed understanding of the criminal justice system.
Knowledge and understanding of Authorised Police Practice (APP) in relation to the investigation of modern slavery.
Knowledge and understanding of the powers and legislation governing the investigation and prevention of modern slavery and the safeguarding of victims.
Experience in conducting serious and complex investigations.
Experience in interviewing to PIP2 standards.
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 write 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)
Keep up-to-date with changing legislation and current national priorities relating to all key areas within Public Protection and how these might affect modern slavery cases.
Keep up-to-date with all technological advances that might facilitate offenders in committing crimes.
Analyse the impact of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) Learning the Lessons reports relating to child 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 modern slavery 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 2 Accreditation
Assessed competence against relevant professional standards for this role is required to achieve PIP 2 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
Child Abuse Investigator
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