Job Description

Division / Department - Specialist Crime

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Rank - Detective Constable

Location - Lewes


Chief Constables' Message


We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe.


We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you.


We wish you all the very best with your application.


Chief Constable Tim De Meyer & Chief Constable Jo Shiner


The Role and Key Responsibilities


An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Sussex's Serious & Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). Specialist Crime Command are looking to recruit a highly motivated and experienced Detective Constable within the SOCU based at Lewes Police Headquarters.


We investigate serious and organised crime in Sussex and are part of the collaborated Surrey and Sussex Specialist Crime Command. SOCU are responsible for progressing covert investigations against top tier organised crime groups and providing strategic and tactical management of covert tactics across the force.


As a member of the SOCU team you will mentored and trained to a standard whereby you're able to provide covert advice across the force and support crimes in action (e.g. kidnap.) You will also join a cadre of 'on call' advisors to provide the force with a covert capability 24hrs a day. As a team member you will be responsible for managing your own investigations through to conclusion, and also working in other roles as part of a team under the direction of a Senior Investigating Officer.


The hours are typically Mon - Fri 0800-1600 but all team members flex their working hours equally around operational demands whilst maintaining a work/life balance.


Subject to operational commitments there is an opportunity for agile and flexible working. The selection process will be by way of an expression of interest demonstrating the skills you will bring to the role, your suitability and relevant experience.


Candidates will be considered against this and short listed for a competency-based interview around the Competency and Values Framework.


One vacancy is available immediately. Further vacancies may become available in the future for which we will retain a pool of any successful applicants.

Key Responsibilities

Working alongside colleagues, the post holder will be required to:


Perform the role of Case Officer for serious crime complex investigations throughout the development until their conclusion at Crown Court. Perform a different role on several complex, policy and action driven investigations at any one time. Identify further lines of enquiry. Liaise with other agencies and departments across the South East and Nationally. There may on occasion be a requirement to deploy to other force areas. Interview and process suspects. Assist the case officer in roles including operational development, telecoms, exhibits, and disclosure. When suitably trained, to provide an on-call supporting role to the on-call Covert Advisor for Sussex. Attend out of force training courses to become an effective SOCU specialist investigator which will include static surveillance and log-book training.
Team members are encouraged and supported to find their own areas of expertise to pursue self-development in technical skills necessary to tackle a modern serious organised crime threat.


Skills & Experience


This post is open to PIP Level 2 accredited Detectives only.


A proven and enthusiastic approach to investigations and willingness to develop. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Experience of complex case management through to Crown Court trials. A proven ability to manage a varied workload and have a close attention to detail. Comprehensive IT skills and a good knowledge of Police systems. A sound knowledge of, legislation and guidance, particularly with regard to CPIA, RIPA & IPA. A flexible approach to working hours and ability to work in a team environment as well as independently.
Successful applicants will need to have proven experience in complex investigations through to court. They will be experienced in case building complex investigations and have a very good knowledge and demonstrable practical experience of applying CPIA.


It is essential that they are able to manage large amounts of information, multi-task, and have excellent organisation and time management skills.


The successful applicants will need to have a desire to work as a Detective in the team for a number of years which reflects the length of some of our investigations.


Why Work With Us?


What Sussex Police can offer you...:


National Salary plus 2,000 per annum South East allowance 22 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 days (based on full time) a year depending on your length of service Opportunity to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you most Highly competitive pension scheme An Employee Assistance Programme for advice and counselling covering a range of health, well-being and lifestyle topics Access to discounts, savings and cash back rewards including travel subsidiaries, an eye care scheme and more Flexible benefits Progressive approach to flexible working, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and potential for a career break (after two years' service) Opportunities to join various support networks, staff associations and sports clubs Access to subsidised gym (depending on location)
Further Information


For further information please email recruitment@sussex.police.uk


Diversity Statement


We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all.


We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement.


We are committed to being an anti-racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti-racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. For more information, you can read our full anti-racism statement here.


We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.




Additional Information


Following submission of your application you will receive a confirmation email with a copy of your application attached. Occasionally emails from this address can fall into spam/junk folders so please ensure this is checked regularly. You may wish to consider adding noreply@surreysussexpolice.as.recruitmail.com to your address/contact list to ensure you receive all communications.




A - T&R TNA Form Final Part 2 v.1.0.docx Job Detail


Reference number


SYSX UNFM00468
Date posted


30/09/2025
Closing date


05/10/2025
Location


Lewes