Job Description

The Major Crime Unit (MCU) is an inclusive department which seeks to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities.

MCU is a challenging and rewarding place to work and we are now excited to be able to offer permanent Police Staff Investigator (PSI) opportunities to contribute to a long running Homicide investigation on an eighteen-month fixed term contract.

The role of the Homicide Investigation teams is the effective investigation of all homicide and manslaughter offences including child homicide and homicide offences occurring within a care setting.

Prospective staff/officers must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

The Role

Your investigative actions will include conducting house to house enquires, taking statements from witnesses and locating, securing and preserving evidence, for example CCTV. You will also be responsible for assisting with the preparation of files for court. You will report to the team Supervisor (Detective Sergeant).

You will face many challenges as no two days are the same. You need to be dynamic and be confident in making the right decisions.

Applicants should be prepared to travel to any area of the force.

The Person

Police Staff Investigators continue to be an integral part of MCU. You do not need to be a Police Officer to be an investigator - full training will be given but any prior investigation skills would be an advantage. We are looking for people who are flexible, organised, self-motivated and most of all approachable, to join us. You will be required to offer support to victims of crime and be prepared to handle and diffuse situations of conflict. You will need a full manual UK driving licence, good IT skills and be able to work on your own and as part of a team. You should be prepared to drive to various locations across the West Midlands to complete enquiries and may be required to support other departments across the force.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Take written statements from victims and witnesses as directed by the Supervisor or Investigating Officer following the guidelines to achieve best evidence in criminal proceedings
• Ensure enquiries are carried out expeditiously as directed by the Supervisor or Investigating Officer in accordance with investigation policy
• As directed by the Supervisor or investigating officer, secure and preserve the best evidence through thorough investigation in order to detect crime and prosecute offenders, to include:
  • Retrieval, retention and viewing of CCTV
  • Conducting house-to-house enquires and completing relevant actions
• Comply with all relevant legislation, for example Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, The Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996, Data Protection Act 2018 and all rules and guidance including the Major Incident Room Standardised Administrative Procedures where applicable
• Utilise all appropriate ICT systems to research, produce and submit statements, reports and intelligence logs
• Obtain and secure evidence and exhibits maintaining their integrity, continuity and preventing contamination
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current enquiries by attending and contributing to briefings
• Complete all documentation including actions and reports in a timely and professional manner
• Assist with the preparation of file evidence and to give evidence at court as and when required
• Any other duties commensurate with the role and band/grade

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Ability to write clear, concise and accurate reports
• Experience of working in an environment dealing with the public
• Working knowledge of confidentiality and data protection issues
• Be willing to successfully undertake any training requirements in respect of the role, which will include: - Personal Safety Training (conflict resolution level) - West Midlands Police IT Systems training - Investigation module
• Experience of working effectively in a team
• Competent IT skills
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
• Self-motivation skills and able to contribute to problem solving activity
• Experience of effectively managing workloads
• Hold a full manual UK driving license and be willing to undertake any training or assessment required in relation to this. There will be a requirement to drive unmarked police vehicles across the force in order to conduct enquiries.

Desirable

• Investigation and evidence gathering experience
• Previous experience in criminal law and criminal justice system
• Working knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act
• Knowledge of police policy and procedures in relation to the role
• Experience of dealing with conflict
• Experience of working in a multi-agency environment, working with partner agencies

Selection Process:

The selection process for this role will consist of the following elements:
• Initial application
• Shortlisting
• In-person interview

Benefit Statement:

• By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:
• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
• A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs
• Comprehensive benefits including pension, Blue Light Card, and employee assistance programme.

Additional Information:

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon you successfully passing medical checks, which may include a drug and hearing test.

Interviews Interview dates to be confirmed.

Closing Date: Sunday 14th June 2026

Contact: If you have any questions about the role please contact Jenny Birch (jenny.birch@westmidlands.police.uk)

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions.As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision:Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in the country, serving the three major cities of Birmingham, Coventry, and Wolverhampton, alongside the districts of Sandwell, Walsall, Solihull, and Dudley.

Against this backdrop, the force handles more than 2,000 emergency calls every day, while patrolling the streets and responding to incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We have made significant improvements in reducing overall crime, improving call response times, and increasing arrest rates. This work can only continue with the right people, therefore as an employer of choice, we are looking for the right people who can serve and protect our communities.