Questions & Answers:

Q, Do I need any prior law enforcement or investigation experience?

A. No. Full training will be given but prior experience would be of benefit.

Q. What is the difference between a Police Staff Investigator and Police Staff Investigating Officer?

A. Police Staff Investigating Officers have additional powers allowing them to seize evidence, interview suspects, make arrests under certain proscribed circumstances and other powers in respect of            detained persons.  Police Staff Investigators do not have these powers but are able to carry out a range of different investigation activities.

Q. Where are the roles based?

A. The roles are mainly based in central Birmingham but there are some roles based across the Black Country and Coventry.

Q. Do I need to have a full driving licence?

A. Yes, you may be required to travel to a range of locations across the West Midlands

Q. Can the fixed term contract be extended?

A. There may be an opportunity to extend the contract or make the employment permanent but there is no guarantee as funding for these roles has only been agreed for 12 months.

Q. Will undertaking this role help my application to be a police officer?

A. This role will provide a real insight into policing and the role of an investigator. You don’t have to be a police officer to investigate crime. We have investigators at all levels and we are developing a            professional career pathway for non-police officer investigators.

Q. Do I have to wear a uniform?

A. No. We expect our investigators to wear smart business attire.

Q. Is there someone I can speak to if I have any questions about this role?

A. We will be running a number of discovery evenings to provide insight into the role. There will an opportunity to speak with investigators and supervisors working on these teams.

Q.  I am currently on a PSI fixed term contract (12 months), can I apply for PSIO roles currently advertised? 

A.  During your probationary period you will not be permitted to apply for alternative police staff roles within the Force unless there are exceptional circumstances. In such cases, you would require the support of your line manager prior to applying for alternative roles, and if successful, your probationary period will start over. 

Q.  I am currently in the PSI recruitment process, can my current application be considered for the PSIO role advertised currently? 

A.  If you are currently being interviewed for a PSI role or offered a PSI fixed term contract role (12 months) but not started yet at the Force, your current application will not be considered for PSIO roles currently advertised. If you wish to be considered for a PSIO role, you will be required to withdraw from the PSI recruitment process and submit a fresh application for a PSIO role. 

However, due to the operational demand and short term nature of the project Guardian, it is our hope and expectation that individuals will continue with the recruitment process initially applied for.