Investigation Support Officer (Blue Light – Qualified)Temporary | 20 Weeks | Inside IR35
Location: Colchester, Essex (North PPIU)
Start Date: 1 April 2026
Hours: 37 per week
Rates:
*PAYE: £15.08 per hour
*Umbrella/Ltd: £19.47 per hour
Ribble Recruitment is supporting the hiring organisation with the sourcing, screening, and initial stages of this recruitment process.
The RoleWe are recruiting 2 x Investigation Support Officers to support specialist Public Protection investigations within a North Essex policing team.
This is a frontline investigative support role focused on safeguarding, evidential integrity, and multi-agency working. You will undertake and assist in criminal investigations, supporting officers in securing best evidence while ensuring victims and witnesses receive appropriate safeguarding support.
You will operate within a structured investigative framework, applying legislation including PACE, CPIA, RIPA, and relevant criminal law, while maintaining strict evidential continuity and professional standards.
Key Responsibilities*Interview victims and witnesses, producing high-quality evidential statements
*Assist with suspect interview preparation and investigative case building
*Assess statement veracity and evidential reliability
*Manage CCTV seizure, review, analysis, and evidential reporting
*Conduct house-to-house enquiries and attend court to give evidence when required
*Undertake investigative research across internal and national systems
*Liaise with Children’s Social Care and statutory safeguarding partners
*Attend and contribute to child protection case conferences
*Support safeguarding actions to mitigate risks to vulnerable persons
*Act as Exhibits Officer when appointed, maintaining evidential integrity
*Maintain accurate case documentation within strict timescales
Essential Criteria*Recent experience within criminal investigations or safeguarding environments
*Experience interviewing adults and/or children and taking formal statements
*Strong understanding of investigative processes and evidential standards
*Ability to manage multiple cases and prioritise under pressure
*Excellent communication skills across statutory partners and the public
*High integrity and professionalism when handling sensitive material
*Strong IT capability including Microsoft Office
*Full clean UK driving licence (essential due to operational travel requirements)
*Eligible to work in the UK
*5 years’ employment history/references
Desirable*Experience safeguarding vulnerable persons
*Working knowledge of police systems such as Athena and PNC
*Experience supporting Public Protection or Child Protection investigations
Additional Requirements*Completion of a Personal Development Portfolio aligned to ISO competency framework
*Willingness to work flexibly, including extended hours at short notice if operationally required
*Pre-employment health surveillance questionnaire
*Confidentiality Agreement and Criminal Convictions Declaration upon offer