Intelligence Researcher

The Role

Are you interested in evaluating information in order to provide a high quality research service, helping to solve crime and tackle organised criminality? We are currently recruiting for intelligence researchers within Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Research is a key element of the intelligence cycle and you will be part of a team working to identify data sources, lines of enquiry and opportunities to develop intelligence. You will play a vital role in the handling and dissemination of intelligence and intelligence products and help us build a greater understanding of our subjects, problems and operations. We are looking for people with a focus on attention to detail and a tenacity to progress our ongoing investigations.

We have roles within the below departments and other units across the organisation.

Intelligence Department

The High Harm Intelligence Team conduct a myriad of intelligence functions 16 hours a day, 7 days a week, supporting the highest risk matters facing the public and force. The small but invaluable team use their specialist knowledge and understanding of multiple intelligence sources, to be at the forefront of delivering the forces strategic imperatives, particularly being perpetrator focussed, trauma informed and innovative.

Whether providing support to firearms incidents, knife crime, kidnaps, high risk missing people, to mention only a few, you will walk out of the door at the end of your shift knowing that you have made a positive impact for victims, responding officers and the public.

You will be largely office-based, however there may be a need to meet with other departments, Police Services and external agencies. Flexibility in relation to working location and hours may be needed to perform the role effectively.

The Force Intelligence Bureau (FIB Team) is responsible for providing analytical products for Serious and Organised Crime and Force Level crime issues in order to drive decision making at a strategic and tactical level. You will be responsible for managing one of the analytical teams within the department and providing professional advice and guidance to analysts in other specialist areas.

You will also be responsible for directing and quality assuring analytical work including operational and evidential products in support of pro-active investigations. There is an emphasis on exploiting data driven approaches, working in collaboration with our Data Developer/Data Science Team and evaluating/providing evidence based approaches, experience in these areas will be advantageous. Working Monday-Friday 8am-4pm.

Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) – Intelligence Role

The Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT) is a collaborative unit comprising Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire Police Forces. As part of this tri-force team, you will play a vital role in supporting homicide investigations across all three force areas.

You will be assigned to individual homicide investigations and will remain with each case through to its conclusion at trial. The Intelligence Team is an integral part of the investigative process, working closely with investigators and prosecutors to develop intelligence and build strong evidential cases.

As a member of the MCIT Intelligence Team, you will:

Be embedded within investigations from the outset through to trial.
Work collaboratively to identify data sources, develop lines of enquiry, and uncover opportunities to enhance our understanding of each case.
Contribute to the development of intelligence products that support investigative and evidential outcomes.

The team is made up of Intelligence Researchers, Analysts, Senior Analysts, and is led by a Principal Analyst.

Working Environment and Expectations:

The role can be dynamic and fast-paced, particularly when new investigations begin. Flexibility is essential, and there may be a need to work additional hours, which are claimable as paid overtime.
This is a blended role, allowing for a mix of home and office-based working. However, during the early stages of new investigations, you may be required to work from the office full-time for a period.
The position follows a four-week shift pattern, including one weekend in four. Shifts include a mix of:

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU)

SWROCU have Intelligence Researchers working as part of various specialist teams across the unit. You will be part of a team working with our Intelligence Officers and Intelligence Analysts to identify data sources, lines of enquiry and opportunities to develop our understanding of Serious Organised Crime threats. These posts are subject to a higher security clearance at MV and SC – Management Vetting and Security Clearance Level. In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references. Roles are based at Almondsbury - SWROCU Northern Hub, within the vicinity of junction 16 of M5 - BS34 6PY and Exeter – SWROCU Southern Hub, within the vicinity of junction 29 of M5 – EX2 7HQ.

Key responsibilities:

The role of Intelligence Researcher is exciting and varied and you will help to inform and influence decision making at all levels of policing.
Working as part of a team, you will be responsible for developing and maintaining the intelligence picture in support of policing investigations and intelligence development. You will gather, collate and interpret information from multiple sources to provide detailed packages in order to support operational and strategic priorities.
You will develop effective working relationships with other departments, law enforcement partners and statutory bodies in order to maximise the opportunities for intelligence development, identification of offenders and supporting those offenders being brought to justice.
Research and use a variety of intelligence databases as well as engaging with partners to identify additional intelligence. You will be required to produce intelligence packages.
Assisting with sharing key information effectively within an Operations Room environment may be required.

Skills, experience and qualifications:

You will hold an IPP (Intelligence Professional Programme) accreditation or be willing to achieve it within 2 years. Full funding and support to attain this qualification is provided.
Excellent IT skills with experience of using office applications and databases including Excel.
Excellent communicator both verbally and written with experience of effectively sharing information.
Experience of undertaking and presenting qualitative and quantitative research as well as excellent attention to detail.
Knowledge of the European Convention on Human Rights and the Investigatory Powers Act would be advantageous.

Additional Information:

We are currently recruiting for vacancies in the High Harm Team and South West Regional Organised Crime Unit.

If you are interested in these opportunities and want to know more about the role please contact talentpolicestaff@avonandsomerset.police.uk

The recruitment process includes a work-based assessment for shortlisted candidates and if successful at the assessment, candidates will be invited to attend a face to face interview.

If you are successful in the recruitment process, depending on availability we will offer you a role within one of the departments in which we have vacancies, or you may be placed on a bank for up to 6 months awaiting appointment. Vacancies may also be filled from this bank from other Departments or teams.