The Forensic Opportunities Trawl (FOT) project will review closed CCRC applications where the applicant was convicted of rape or murder before 1 January 2016 and the identity of the offender is in issue. The objective of the FOT is to identify those cases where there are forensic opportunities and to pursue relevant lines of investigation. The project will also identify lessons and opportunities for improvement in the CCRC’s regular casework. Cases are assessed at phase 2 and detailed investigations carried out at phase 3. The purpose of the Investigations Adviser role is to conduct phase 2 assessments, recommend which cases progress to phase 3, and provide advice on potential lines of investigation at phase 3.
Role Purpose
The Forensic Opportunities Trawl (FOT) project will review closed CCRC applications where the applicant was convicted of rape or murder before 1 January 2016 and the identity of the offender is in issue. The objective of the FOT is to identify those cases where there are forensic opportunities and to pursue relevant lines of investigation. The project will also identify lessons and opportunities for improvement in the CCRC’s regular casework.
Cases are assessed at phase 2 and detailed investigations carried out at phase 3.
The purpose of the Investigations Adviser role is to conduct phase 2 assessments, recommend which cases progress to phase 3, and provide advice on potential lines of investigation at phase 3.
Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities
Key Responsibilities:
Investigations Advisers are responsible for carrying out the thorough and timely analysis, evaluation and assessment of cases at phase 2 of the CCRC’s forensic opportunities trawl, identifying those which present forensic opportunities and advising on investigative steps.
Key Tasks:
- Managing a high volume of case analysis, evaluations and assessment, ensuring prompt progress of all cases.
- Retrieving and reviewing all relevant case material from the CCRC’s records, including internal documents and material obtained from public and private bodies including investigation, prosecution, court, defence and forensic files.
- Preparing an accurate, clear and concise summary of the case, identifying the case background, prosecution and defence cases, key prosecution and defence evidence, and the forensic issues at trial, appeal and previous CCRC applications.
- Identifying any potential forensic opportunities which might affect the safety of the conviction.
- Identifying cases where further information is required to complete the phase 2 assessment and tasking investigators or support staff to obtain that information.
- Tasking investigators or support staff to undertake further research as the case requires, including where appropriate, identifying whether exhibits which could yield forensic material are retained and where they are stored and located.
- Applying the assessment criteria, making objective, evidence-based and well-reasoned recommendations as to whether cases should pass to phase 3, or not, and the degree of priority to be afforded to the case.
- Where cases pass to phase 3, providing advice on potential lines of investigation.
- Presenting accurate data, findings and recommendations to oversight panels in writing and orally.
- Providing advice to Case Review Managers on re-application cases which, but for the re-application, would have been within the parameters of the FOT.
- Communicating effectively with stakeholders and colleagues in a remote-working environment.
- Liaising with the regular casework team as required eg. to share lessons, seek advice, obtain information.
- Maintaining accurate records of cases assessed, under assessment and yet to be assessed, including Word documents, Excel spreadsheets and the Dynamics case management system.
- Identifying and sharing opportunities for organisational improvement within the project and regular casework
- Ensuring compliance with the CCRC’s obligations on disclosure, security and confidentiality of information and under the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime.
- Keeping up to date with developing law, practice and policy, taking responsibility for their own learning and development, seeking advice where appropriate, and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
- Any other tasks identified commensurate with the role
Person Specification
Essential Criteria:
- Lead criteria: Successfully completed PIP 3 SIO Development Programme (College of Policing Core and Major Crime) or equivalent investigative qualification.
- Comprehensive experience of leading and managing complex major & serious crime investigations including Homicide and/or RASSO offences.
- Experience of identifying forensic issues including scientific developments such as DNA within Homicide and/or RASSO cases (including rape cases where identity is an issue).
- Experience of identifying and implementing investigative strategies including forensics
- Experience of managing multiple lines of enquiry within a high-volume caseload with competing deadlines and conflicting priorities
- Strong analytical and reasoning skills and experience of researching and analysing complex forensic evidential issues and data.
- Experience of identifying learning /best practice and implementation at organisational level.
- Experience of police case management systems, forensic management systems and case file submission.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills. Able to present information and views clearly, accurately and concisely, both face to face and in writing.
- The ability to build strong working relationships and operate in a remote working environment
- Enthusiasm for new technology, ability and willingness to use up-to-date IT equipment and packages including MS Word, Outlook and Excel.
- Understands the CCRC’s role in the criminal justice system, the legal framework of the CCRC and the restrictions and powers granted to it
Personal Qualities
- An open mind, resilience, integrity and reliability
- Demonstrates CCRC values
- An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
The following Success Profiles Behaviours have been identified at Level 4. For further details, please see the Civil Service Behaviours framework.
- Making Effective Decisions (Lead behaviour)
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
