Applications are sought for a substantive Detective Sergeant to join the Child Exploitation and Missing Department based across the County.
About us
At Wiltshire Police, we are dedicated to making our community a safer place for everyone. Our team is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and service. We believe in creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every member can thrive and make a meaningful impact. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to advance, Wiltshire Police offers a range of opportunities to grow and develop. Join us, and be part of a team that values courage, compassion, and dedication to public service. Help us to keep Wiltshire safe.
Wiltshire has lots of layers - prehistoric stones, wartime bunkers, secret trails and hidden churches. But behind all of that, keeping our community safe across the years are generations of quiet police work. Some of it heroic, some of it worrying, but all of it real.
About the role
Are you ready to embark on a new career path? We are seeking a passionate and skilled Detective Sergeant to join our esteemed Child Exploitation and Missing Team and help us create a safer and brighter future for our children. If you are tenacious, compassionate, and driven, with a strong sense of justice, we want to hear from you!
You'll provide operational leadership and management of the Child Exploitation and Missing Team, ensuring effective investigation, prevention, and safeguarding of children and young people at risk of exploitation or going missing. The Sergeant will oversee multi-agency collaboration, case management, and the delivery of strategic objectives aligned with local and national safeguarding priorities.
Some of the key responsibilities will be:
- Lead, supervise, and support a team of investigators and support staff within the Child Exploitation and Missing Team.
- Manage team resources, workloads, and operational priorities in line with strategic objectives.
- Oversee investigations into child exploitation (sexual and criminal) and missing person cases, ensuring compliance with legal and procedural standards.
- Ensure timely and effective risk assessments, safeguarding interventions, and case reviews.
- Coordinate with partner agencies including social services, health professionals, education, and voluntary organisations to provide a multi-agency response.
- Contribute to the development and implementation of local and regional child exploitation and missing persons strategies.
- Monitor emerging trends and intelligence related to exploitation and missing children, adapting team responses accordingly.
- Participate in multi-agency safeguarding forums such as MACE (Multi-Agency Child Exploitation) meetings.
- Foster strong relationships with community groups, families, and external agencies to promote awareness and prevention of child exploitation and missing episodes.
What you will need:
- Proven experience in investigative policing, preferably within child protection, exploitation, or missing persons units.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop a team.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and national safeguarding frameworks (e.g., Children Act, CCE/CSE guidance).
- Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage complex, sensitive cases.
- Experience working in multi-agency environments and knowledge of partnership working principles.
It is anticipated applicants could be based across Swindon, Melksham and Salisbury. Applicants must have a flexible approach to working, with the knowledge and expectation that evening and weekend working will be required to meet operational demand.
Why Join Our Team?
- Make a Difference: Not all positive outcomes require a prosecution. The interactions you have can have a disproportionately positive impact on the lives and futures of those you meet.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a dedicated team of professionals who share a passion for child protection. Support and learn from each other to achieve common goals.
- Professional Growth: Gain valuable experience in complex investigations, specialized training, and access to partner agencies to enhance your skills
- Inspiring Leadership: Be part of an organization led by visionary leaders who are committed to making a positive impact in the lives of children.
Please note, all roles will be subject to a vetting procedure, some roles due to the nature of their work, will require additional security clearance.
Depending on the number of applications received, we reserve the right to close this role early.
We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation who provides fair and equal consideration to all of our applicants. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence.
