GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE:
Investigative Support Officer
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION/BRANCH:
Crime, Serious Crime Division
SECTION/UNIT:
Passive Data Unit
GRADE:
G
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Detective Sergeant, Investigative Support
Serious Crime Division
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
N/A
AIM OF JOB:
To provide expert advice and support to Serious
Crime Division on Passive Data policy & procedures,
including evidence recovery, investigation, case and
court presentation, viewing & storage.
To provide investigative support to the Serious Crime
Division and Force by taking lead responsibility for
best practice, management & control of CCTV
recovery and presentation to deliver quality service in
support of all serious crime investigations.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Provide expert advice and support to the serious crime division on policies and procedures in
relation to location and mapping of CCTV, correct procedures to be followed when recovering,
handling, copying, logging and viewing for evidential purposes.

Provide expert advice and support to the force on policies and procedures in relation to
seizure, recording, management and retention of exhibits required for evidential purposes, to
include best practice and administration on HOLMES2 and KIM system.

The examination of all seized articles including the viewing of CCTV, DVD, videos and where
appropriate material held in computer format e.g. floppy discs, CD ROM. Preparing viewing
logs and evidencing including taking of witness statements to prove provenance and
continuity of exhibits.

Have a sound knowledge and understanding of current legislation and case law relevant to
CCTV and Exhibits in general, including compliance with CPIA 1996.

Liaise with divisions and departments within GMP and ensure they are aware of the role of
the Passive Data Unit and CCTV cadre and the guidance available.

Use a variety of equipment within the unit, both computerised and hardware based, to extract
pertinent evidence from and CCTV mediums.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009

Compile edited compilation and presentation of CCTV and other images into a computerised
digital format to aid briefing and delivery of evidential presentation of such material for the
SIO, investigation team and Crown Prosecution Service.

Advise on robust and effective CCTV strategies in support of SIO managing serious crime
investigations.

Maintain links and regular communication with GMP Imaging Unit, High Technical Crime Unit,
and Forensic Scientific Services to develop and promote good working practices, share
information and advancements in information technology.

Using the Best Value principles liaise with other prosecuting agencies, and crime & disorder
partners to ensure that information and technology is shared.

To prepare paperwork in relation to obtaining search warrants from the courts.

In conjunction with police officers, execute search warrants and undertake searches.

The correct seizure of suspect material including the appropriate labelling, recording and safe
handling of all exhibits including passive data generators i.e. CCTV & other images, Personal
computer information, voice-recording systems, etc (see Murder Manual for full list of Passive
Data Generators)

Ensure that statements are obtained from witnesses including police officers, professional
and expert witnesses, ensuring that statements are accurate in detail and submitted into the
MIR where appropriate.

Provide advice, training and support to Police Officers and Police staff deployed in role of
CCTV and telecommunication methods.

Investigate allocated ‘actions’, completing research and telephone enquiries where
appropriate and submitting action results to ‘Receiver’ within the Major Incident Room (MIR)

Conduct research on persons of interest with internal police departments and external
agencies e.g. GMPICs, OIS, VIS, Crime Recording, PNC, HOLMES2.

Assisting with the recording, inputting of exhibits onto the HOLMES2 database and entering
property and exhibits into the GMP property system when items are transferred to divisional
property stores.

To prepare statements of evidence, attend court and give evidence when required.

Possess an understanding of the Criminal Justice system initiatives and procedures and be
prepared to offer guidance and support.

Monitor all images placed on GMP Intranet or outside media for identification purposes.

Assist the enquiry team with management of Investigation records, including CCTV and other
images plus relevant documentation including filing and storing of disclosure material for
transfer to murder library.

To ensure compliance with statutory requirements in relation to information management
including the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of
Practice on Management of Police Information 2005, as appropriate

To comply with the requirements of GMP's policies on Drug and Alcohol testing –
requirements in respect of specific posts/ roles are described in the policies which are
available on the Force Intranet

To promote and comply with GMP's policies on equal opportunities and health and safety
both in the delivery of services and the treatment of others.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009

To be responsible for improving your performance by participating in the Performance
Appraisal process with your manager.

To carry out such other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities and
grading of the post.
NOTES
This job description records the principal responsibilities of the job at the date shown. The job
description will be updated from time to time in conjunction with the post holders to reflect
changes.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009
POST TITLE:
Investigative Support Officer
LOCATION:
Serious Crime Division, Passive Data Unit,
Manchester area based
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES TO UNDERTAKE THE ROLE
Community and customer focus (C)
Provides a high level of service to customers. Maintains contact with customers, works out
what they need and responds to them. Is aware of issues of diversity, understands and is
sensitive to cultural and racial differences.
Effective communication (B)
Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of
communication to meet the needs of the audience. Asks probing questions to check
understanding.
Personal responsibility (B)
Takes personal responsibility for own actions and for sorting out issues or problems that
arise. Is focused on achieving results to required standards and developing skills and
knowledge.
Planning and organising (C)
Plans and carries out activities in an orderly and well-structured way. Prioritises tasks,
uses time in the best possible way, and works within appropriate policy and procedures.
Problem solving (B)
Gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making sure it is
reliable and accurate. Analyses information to identify important issues and problems.
Identifies risks and considers alternative courses of action to make good decisions.
Respect for race and diversity (A)
Understands other people’s views and takes them into account. Is tactful and diplomatic
when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect at all times. Understands
and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences
Team working (C)
Works effectively as a team member and helps build relationships within it. Actively helps
and supports others to achieve team goals.
Openness to change (C)
Understands the need for change and is willing to adapt to it. Is flexible and prepared to try
out new ideas.
Explanation of competency levels:
(A), (B), (C) indicates the level of competency taken from the National Competency Framework.
All behavioural competencies will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009
SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE/ SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
Desirable
Displays the capability to produce written
work to the required standard including
accurately and concisely i.e. memos, letters,
reports relevant to the job.
Typed complex reports, produced graphics,
tables etc.
Ability to liaise and communicate with
different levels of staff and deal with queries
on own initiative.
Can demonstrate a sound knowledge of
Multiplex CCTV Systems in general use
whilst maintaining an excellent
understanding of developing systems and
their practical application
Knowledge and experience of the police
service*. In particular working on major
crime investigations
Knowledge in preparation of criminal
prosecution files, comprehensive statement
taking and management of CCTV/Exhibits.
Willingness to develop knowledge of
criminal law and procedures relating to the
role, particularly understanding of PACE
and CPIA and Police procedures.
Excellent inter-personal skills and ability to
liaise, consult and advise across all levels of
the force and with other bodies/agencies
TRAINING/EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Essential
Good general standard of education.
Keyboard experience and knowledge of
computer applications especially word
processing applications.
Conversant with video and computer
technology, including image manipulation
software packages.
Previous experience demonstrating
research and/or analytical skills.
Be prepared to undertake officer safety
training, wear protective clothing if required
and maintains the force dress code
standard.
Attended or willing to attend court
presentation skills training course.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009
Desirable
Experience of working on major crime
investigations in the roles of CCTV and
Exhibits Manager.
Evidence of attending and giving evidence
in criminal court proceedings.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Desirable
Capable of achieving a good attendance
record.
Holds a full driving licence/vehicle owner
Prepared to work outside normal working
hours, including weekends may be required
due to operational demands.
This is a designated post under the Force
Vetting Strategy and the post will therefore
attract an enhanced level of vetting.
Always be smart in appearance; present the
right image as a representative of the force.
All essential criteria above will also be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
The desirable criteria marked with an asterisk * will be desirable at selection stage but will
become essential once in post and will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
Please note that we will consider making reasonable adjustments to the above, in line
with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Investigative Support Officer, Passive Data Unit
January 2009