Placement Overview

This placement is a Major Crime Investigator with the Surrey Police force. The Major Crime Team is the force's centre of excellent in dealing with major crimes occurring within the county. This unit also provides mutual aid to surrounding forces. In addition to this role, the post has specific responsibility for missing person enquiries, domestic violence, and serious sexual offences, working closely with geographic areas, to ensure a high quality service.

Generic Job Description for a Major Crime Investigator 

Major Crime Investigators typically work for the Police Force and Ministry of Defence. It is their job to respond to and investigate serious crimes such as homicide, arson, sexual assault and theft. They typically work with other departments on the early stages of an enquiry.

The main responsibilities of a Major Crime Investigator are;

• Establish whether particular sudden deaths are suspicious
• Investigate homicide and other major crime
• Develop and train key investigative staff
• Mentor and advise staff about crime investigation
• Pass on good practice to the National Crime Faculty
• Chair crime related working parties
• Review homicide and other major crime investigations. 

Skills:

• Physical fitness
• High concentration levels
• Attention to detail
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work well alone or as part of a team
• The ability to remain calm under pressure

Pay:

• Entry £17,000
• £20,000 to £27,000 with experience
• £35,000 or more for a Senior Major Crime Investigator

Please note that salary figures are only a guide. Actual salary figures will vary depending on organisation and geographical location

Hours:

• Working hours typically include evenings and weekends
• Many Major Crime Investigators are on call 24-hours, ready to respond to a serious crime when it happens
• Shift patterns are common 

Environment:

• It is common to have an office base at the Police Headquarters
• Travel is required to visit crime scenes. These may be in all conditions
• Some crime scenes can be dangerous environments.
• Protective clothing is sometimes required

Qualifications:

• No set academic entry requirements
• GCSE passes grades A-C in English, Maths and Technology related subjects are often expected
• Degree courses are available in forensic sciences, law, police studies and criminology
• Most degree courses require five GCSE passes grades A-C and two A-Levels 

Training:

• Training is done with the Police Force when sufficient experience has been gained
• It is necessary to refresh training every few years for professional development

Opportunities:

• Opportunities exist across the UK with regional Police Forces, the Ministry of Defence Police and the British Transport Police
• The UK’s biggest employer is the Metropolitan Police Service in London
• Vacancies are advertised internally by individual police forces 

Links:

www.policecouldyou.co.uk - Police Service Recruitment