Avon and Somerset Police is seeking two Police Staff Investigators to join a dedicated team supporting Operation Beaconport.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the review and reinvestigation of non-recent child sexual abuse and exploitation cases. Working alongside specialist investigators and safeguarding professionals, you will play a critical role in identifying investigative opportunities, engaging with and supporting victim survivors, and ensuring that previous investigations are reviewed thoroughly and professionally.
Successful applicants will undertake case reviews, assess evidential opportunities, support ongoing investigations, and act as a key point of contact for victims, helping to build trust, provide information, and support engagement with the investigative and criminal justice process.
We are looking for individuals who can integrate into an established team, work independently, and demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and a victim-centred approach to all aspects of their work. This may include collaborating with support services, safeguarding teams, and other professionals.
This is a fixed-term contract for 18 months, established to meet anticipated short-term increases in Operation Beaconport demand.
About the role
Operation Beaconport was established following Baroness Casey’s 2025 review into group‑based child sexual exploitation which identified long‑standing issues in how these cases were understood, prioritised and investigated nationally. The aim of the operation is to improve how policing responds now and, in the future, and reflects a shared determination to learn, support victims more effectively, and continue strengthening public confidence in policing.
Within Avon and Somerset a Beaconport team will review cases where the decision was made to take no further action against suspects investigated between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2025. (These cases will be identified under the direction of the national operation led by the NCA and Hydrant Programme).
Victims and survivors are at the heart of the operation, which aims to:
- restore public trust and confidence in policing responses to child sexual abuse and exploitation.
- ensure victims and survivors have choice, control, safety and access to support
- learn from past failures and reduce future harm
- treat group-based child sexual abuse as serious and organised crime, where appropriate
Skills and Experience Required
- Previous experience conducting or reviewing criminal investigations.
- Experience working with vulnerable victims and witnesses.
- Experience of managing complex case files and evidential material.
- Ability to analyse large volumes of information and identify investigative opportunities.
- Strong report writing and case review skills.
- Understanding of criminal justice processes and evidential standards.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to handle sensitive and distressing material professionally.
- Ability to prioritise workload, work independently, and meet deadlines.
- Competent use of police information systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Additional Information
Due to current operational requirements, candidates who already hold and can demonstrate competence in PIP1 will be at an advantage. Where candidates meet the essential requirements of the role, possession of this skill may be taken into account when determining suitability and deployment against current service needs.
