An opportunity is available for a Detective leader to take up a significant role in South East Policing’s response to Serious Organised Crime (SOC).  We welcome applications from substantive Detective Chief Inspectors and Detective Inspectors interested in the role of Detective Chief Inspector as Head of Investigations for the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU).

The Role

The Investigations DCI role within SEROCU is pivotal in directing the ROCU’s own investigation teams and strengthening the relationship across the four forces Serious Organised Crime Units, helping the region in aspiring to work closer as one team and improve consistency and CPD.  The role holder will liaise regularly with the NCA leadership in the region and other ROCUs to further the collaboration on operational opportunities and bring benefits to the South East forces.  The role holder will lead on the regions SOC problem solving team which involves offender management, serious crime prevention orders and disruption co-ordination.

Whilst the majority ROCU led investigations will involve a Detective Inspector performing the role of SIO, there will be occasions where DCI leadership of these is required, especially where wider regional co-ordination is required. The successful candidate will first be a member of the SEROCU’s Senior Leadership Team and as part of the team will work to address organisational issues, growing and improving the organisation.  They will also work with the Head of SEROCU on ROCU network issues, specifically the ROCU’s relationship and access to specialist CPS lawyers.

This is a really exciting time to join the ROCU network. The Police Uplift Programme is set to grow the SEROCU by a significant proportion over the next two years; the national landscape continues to see SOC being a focus of the national security agenda and ROCUs are central to the plan.  SEROCU will begin to occupy its first dedicated site at the end of 2021 and this will put the South East in an excellent position to be innovative and leading in the SOC environment.  We are therefore looking for leaders who embody our values and can help us deliver on our mission.

The South East is a large area and this is recognised in the culture and working practices within the SEROCU.  Agile working is a core part of the role and no assumptions should be made around postings, hours or travelling involved. 

The regional units have innovation at the core of their development and we recognise the value of true diversity within our teams.  This includes protected characteristics as we are committed to becoming the most diverse team in the South East, but we also value diversity in skills, general backgrounds, thoughts and approaches to situations.  We challenge the perception that there is such a person as a typical ‘SOC Practitioner’.  We recognise that there are many myths that surround this area of work, we are keen to make sure that we do not miss out on great people because of myths.  If you are interested or curious, we encourage you to talk more to us about the role. 

Further Information

You can download our SEROCU recruitment brochure to find out more about what we do, however can also hear more from us directly about what it is like to work in our unit; feel free to speak to any member of our current SEROCU SLT. You can also reach out to our HR team

In the afternoon of 6th January 2021 you can also attend a virtual briefing with Detective Superintendent Ben Chivers (Head of SEROCU), where you can hear a little more about the role and also ask any questions you may have.

If you would like to attend the briefing please contact RecruitmentSE@ThamesValley.pnn.police.uk to request further information.

The interview date is currently to be confirmed, however will take place w/c 25th January 2021 or w/c 1st February 2021.

How to Apply

Please note that there are different application requirements for Substantive Officers and those Officers applying for Promotion.

If you wish to apply you need to have support from Head of Command / Department. Hampshire officers need to complete an AD277 alongside their application.

Substantive officers will be shortlisted against the Essential Criteria and should submit an online application form. You will be required to upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record) and a copy of your Training Record. You will be also required to upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’.

In addition to this information, officers applying on promotion should also submit a ‘Why Me, Why Now’ letter which outlines your motivation and suitability for the role at this time. Your evidence should also demonstrate the relevant behaviours, skills, knowledge and experience in relation to your capability at this rank in accordance with the core competencies (CVF). The letter must be no more than two (2) sides of A4. The margins must not be modified from 2.54cm. All evidence outside the margins should be removed. You will also be required to upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent CPD record) and the Police Officer Promotion Reference Form.

Applications must be submitted by the closing date of 17/01/2021.

For further information please email RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk or telephone 01865 555839 quoting the job reference number 17529.