Police staff investigator roles explained: Civilian careers supporting crime investigations

Police staff investigator roles explained: Civilian careers supporting crime investigations

If you’d like a job helping investigate crime, there are options available other than becoming a police officer. One potential route that’s increasingly in demand is police staff investigators. These are civilian members of UK police forces who work alongside officers to support crime investigations, without the powers of arrest or a warrant card.

A growing number of forces are now recruiting these professionals to increase their investigative capacity. Such positions offer a compelling entry point into investigator roles for people with an interest in law, justice and public service.

Police staff investigators typically work in areas such as fraud, safeguarding or cybercrime. Their responsibilities can include gathering statements, managing evidence and supporting the preparation of cases for prosecution. These roles are well-suited to those who want to contribute meaningfully to public safety without becoming a sworn officer.

What is a police staff investigator?

Police staff investigators – also known as detective staff investigators in some forces – are civilian employees embedded within investigative teams across UK police forces. They focus specifically on supporting criminal investigations, rather than carrying out frontline policing or enforcement duties.

These roles are commonly found in departments such as CID, safeguarding units, cybercrime teams and fraud squads. They play a vital role in progressing investigations, handling evidence and building case files to support prosecutions. While they don’t carry arrest powers, they work closely with detectives and other specialists to help solve a wide range of offences, from volume crime to serious and complex cases.

Key responsibilities and duties of a police or detective staff investigator include:

• Taking witness and victim statements
• Reviewing CCTV, bodycam and digital evidence
• Interviewing suspects (in some forces, under caution)
• Conducting open-source and desktop investigations
• Preparing case files for the Crown Prosecution Service
• Liaising with detectives, analysts and external agencies
• Managing case paperwork and evidence logs
• Supporting victim care and safeguarding procedures

How the role differs from a warranted officer

Police staff investigators do not hold a warrant card and have no arrest powers. Unlike police officers or detectives, they cannot use force, conduct stop-and-searches or make arrests. Their work is focused on evidence gathering, case management and investigation support. These investigators are civilian professionals who contribute to policing teams through their expertise rather than their legal authority.

Training, vetting and skills required

To succeed as a police staff investigator, applicants need a combination of practical skills and personal qualities. Forces typically look for individuals who can demonstrate the following:

• Strong written and verbal communication: This is required for taking statements, writing reports and liaising with multiple agencies.
• Attention to detail: A sharp eye is essential when reviewing evidence or preparing case files.
• Analytical thinking: The ability to interpret information and identify investigative leads is a key skill for these professionals.
• Empathy and professionalism: This is particularly important when supporting victims and vulnerable individuals.
• Teamwork and collaboration: Investigators work closely with officers, legal teams and external partners, so need to work as a coherent unit.
  

Applicants for these posts are typically required to be Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP) 1 or 2 accredited. This is a structured framework developed by the College of Policing that provides national standards for police investigators and can usually be obtained as part of your in-house training. 

For investigators, this framework will cover various aspects including evidence handling, case management systems, relevant legislation and safeguarding protocols. 

Because these professionals have access to sensitive information, applicants must undergo police vetting. This will typically be at NPPV Level 2 or 3, depending on the role and data access, alongside standard integrity and background checks.

Why consider a police staff investigator role?

Police staff investigator roles offer a meaningful, varied career path for individuals who want to support criminal investigations without becoming a sworn officer. These positions allow you to make a real contribution to the justice system, working on cases that directly impact victims, communities and public safety.

They also provide valuable opportunities for professional development, with options to specialise, progress or move into more advanced investigative roles. For those with a strong sense of purpose, attention to detail and a commitment to public service, this can be a rewarding and impactful career choice.