Researcher - NEROCU

Salary – Band 5, £24,360 - £25,353 (Increasing to £24,558 - £25,560 from September 2023, following a transitional pay award period)

Location - Sunderland

Hours - Full time

Ever considered a career in the Police? The North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU) is one of the largest Organised Crime Units in the country and we are committed to delivering an outstanding service to our communities. We fight crime, prevent crime, and improve lives – a statement very few occupations can make. Every role at NEROCU contributes to making the North East a better place to live, work and visit.

You will undertake research as an integral part of the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit (NEROCU). You will assist in and contribute to the production of intelligence and analytical products to support tactical and strategic tasking and coordination process, as well as supporting the operational activity of regional investigation teams, in the tackling of Serious and Organised Crime. You will index all incoming intelligence onto appropriate databases, and conduct initial research and prioritise time critical intelligence.

You will have experience of undertaking research to support the National Intelligence Model, demonstrating a mature practical understanding of research techniques, with the ability to make judgements on the most appropriate approach to research and the data sources required.

Principal Duties & Responsibilities:

Utilise and identify intelligence and information sources and to illustrate the results to assist in the production of analytical intelligence products; to inform operational planning or Regional Tactical and Strategic Tasking and Coordination Processes.

Conduct research around priority thematic threat areas, organised crime groups and subjects of investigation to improve the regional understanding and make an accurate assessment of the associated risk, threat and harm and to inform the allocation of organisational resources in response.

Assist Intelligence Analyst(s) in all aspects of research including undertaking individual research projects as directed.

Where required operationally, to assist with the production of evidential products to support prosecutions.

Work closely with partner agencies and local authorities, and to attend / present at briefings, conferences etc on behalf of NEROCU to gather and exchange information and build effective working partnerships.

Ensure that information and intelligence are handled, used and disseminated ethically and securely and in accordance with relevant legislation, policy, protocols and codes of practice; such as the Data Protection Act 1984 and using the Government Protective Marking Scheme (GPMS). This may also include the handling of sensitive materials subject to Public Interest Immunity (PII).

Prepare reports and briefings using Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint; along with other analytical and visualisation tools such as i2 Analyst Notebook.

All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to the principles of equality of opportunity and fairness of treatment for all within the North East Regional Organised Crime Unit

The above list is not exhaustive and other duties commensurate with the grade and general nature of the post may, from time to time, be required. In addition, there may be some variation and/or development of the above duties and responsibilities without changing the general nature of the post.

Criteria:

Essential:

• Ability to gather information from various sources and data types, and to assess this information and identify key findings

• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in both written and verbal formats

• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office; PowerPoint, Excel etc

• Willingness to work towards IPP accreditation within 12 months

Desirable:

• Previous experience in a research or intelligence capacity

For further information please see role definition: Researcher.pdf

Vetting level:

Management Vetting (MV), Security Cleared (SC).

Applicants must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 5 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed.

Vacancy Contact:

To discuss the position in more detail please contact –

Senior Analysts: Dawn O’Brien: 0191 3752638 or Sarah Black: 07977296730

What do we offer?

• 25 days’ leave (increasing to 30 days for 5 years+ service) plus 8 bank holidays

• Enhanced Maternity, Shared Parental and Adoption leave

• Flexi Time Scheme - allowing you to fit your working hours around your individual needs

• Fantastic market leading public sector pension scheme

• Corporate Travel schemes – local rail, bus services and metro

• Access to Private Healthcare and Eye Test Vouchers

• Discounts on shopping and eating out thanks to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Tickets

• To take care of your physical and mental well-being, we’ve invested in extensive paid sick leave, trained mental health first aiders on-site, an employee advice service and access to gyms in some stations

• Sports & Social Club – join our thriving sports scene at Team NP and enjoy further exclusive discounts on days out and travel

• Cycle to work scheme

Things to note

All staff including those appointed on fixed term contracts must successfully complete their probationary period before they are eligible to apply for a Northumbria Police vacancy.

Northumbria Police fully supports a policy of equal opportunities, and we welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Appointments are based on merits alone.