Professional Standards Researcher

The Professional Standards Researcher carries out methodical and structured research, and interprets, evaluates and presents information, intelligence, and evidence. These activities support decision making in the resourcing and delivery of the strategies and plans of the professional standards department or unit.

• Scan and evaluate intelligence and information from open and closed sources and research various databases, identifying gaps in intelligence where possible, to enable the production of an accurate intelligence assessment relating to professional standards investigations.

• Produce research summaries utilising all available intelligence, in compliance with relevant legislation and force policies, to provide direction and focus for specific Professional Standards objectives.

• Present research findings in relation to Professional Standard at meetings as required, individually or in support of others, to ensure that research outcomes are appropriately communicated and discussed.

• Record data relating to Professional Standards onto Force systems in line with relevant policies and practices to ensure appropriate tracking of information.

• Review and investigate intelligence sources, where appropriate, to prove or disprove the information contained within to inform Professional Standards investigative decision making.

• Communicate and work with other force areas and with other agencies, exchanging relevant information to achieve shared Professional Standards objectives.

• Identify trends, threats, and opportunities to convert intelligence into evidence, collating information for further analysis where required, to support the Professional Standards investigative process.

• Give testimony and provide evidence by attending court or misconduct proceedings to contribute to the work of Professional Standards department and criminal justice proceedings.

Prior education and experience:
• Experience in the use of computer databases and other large computerised systems to research, collate, and analyse information.

• Knowledge and practical understanding of relevant legislation, including the Data Protection Act 1988, Human Rights Act 1998, section 22 of the Police Reform Act 2002, the Police (Conduct) Regulations 2012, and the Police (Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2012.

• Knowledge and practical understanding of local force Professional Standards policies and procedures.

• Experience in preparing detailed reports and presenting information in a variety of formats.

Skills:
• Good communication skills with the ability to listen to others, to provide intelligence and information and ensure understanding.

• Good time management skills and ability to meet set deadlines by appropriately prioritising and planning own work.

• Research and analysis skills to assimilate and make sense of information and break down problems into their component parts.

• Skilled in using specialised software related to own area of work to extract, analyse and report on data.

• Able to produce concise reports or other documents.

• Able to interpret and apply guidance to a specific activity.

• Good team working skills demonstrating awareness of individual differences and providing support as required.

• Able to identify potential opportunities to enhance efficiency and/or effectiveness within own area of work.

• Able to review own performance objectively and to take steps to maintain and enhance competence and professional standards appropriate to the role.

• Able to proactively develop effective working relationships with colleagues, partners and other stakeholders.

• Maintain and enhance knowledge and understanding of research techniques and skills by participating in CPD events and / or through personal research. Test new ideas and incorporate these into your working practice.

• Maintain an up to date understanding of the legislation, policies and procedures relevant to the role.

• Maintain an up to date awareness of relevant computer databases and systems.

• Maintain an up to date understanding of the software applications used in the role.

• Participate in networking opportunities, reflecting on your practice and sharing learning with peers in order to identify opportunities to improve your practice.

• Not applicable.

• Head of Professional Standards
• Professional Standards/Counter Corruption Manager
• Professional Standards/Counter Corruption Supervisor
• Professional Standards Investigator
• Professional Standards Analyst
• Professional Standards Hearings Officer
• Professional Standards Complaints Administrator