Diploma in Conducting Serious and Complex Investigations launched

Policing qualifications specialists SFJ Awards has launched a new Level 6 Diploma in Conducting Serious and Complex Investigations.

The qualification, which is aimed at police officers, police staff and civilian fraud investigators, has been updated to align with the College of Policing’s Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) Level 2 (Standalone) and the Government Counter Fraud Professions (GCFP) Counter Fraud Investigator Standard.

Developed in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, Police Federation, NATIS and the Public Sector Fraud Authority, the Level 6 Diploma in Conducting Serious and Complex Investigations will equip learners with the knowledge and skills to carry out serious and complex investigations involving the use of weapons and firearms, sexual assaults, large-scale fraud or death and serious injury on the roads for example.

Paul Matthews is the Police Federation’s Professional Development Lead. He comments:

“In a rapidly changing threat landscape, the skills that policing needs to stay one step ahead of the criminals are vast and ever-changing.

“Serious and complex investigations can happen in a range of contexts, and this new standard will help learners to carry out investigations much more effectively.

“Learners will receive a grounding in theory, policy, legislation and process for conducting serious and complex investigations, how to conduct suspect, victim and witness interviews, managing investigations in the digital environment and much more.

“Whilst it is primarily aimed at those who wish to become a Professionalising Investigation Programme (PIP) accredited investigator, the qualification is also open to existing detectives who wish to formalise their knowledge and competence; or individuals who carry out serious investigations in government agencies (such as DWP, HMRC, Trading Standards, or National crime Agency) as well as private sector organisations such as banks.”

Candace Miller, Managing Director at SFJ Awards, adds:

“This is a major boost to learners across policing and law enforcement, by continuing to provide an industry-leading and dedicated route to enhancing the skills and understanding needed to undertake serious and complex investigations.

“By updating in line with policing and governmental standards, we can ensure a consistent level of core knowledge across the country. Activities like this play into better outcomes for the public, as well as making it easier and more transferable for police and law enforcement employees to move to where they are needed the most and progress in their careers.”

Equinox Training have worked with several police forces, including Warwickshire and Staffordshire, to deliver investigations training, and played a leading role in developing the qualification with SFJ Awards.

Managing Director Gerrard Amadeo comments:

“Professionalising the role of the investigator has long been an objective of policing and organisations involved in civil investigations.

“To carry out serious and complex investigations requires skill, hard work and dedication, and the launch of this level 6 qualification will provide formal recognition of the fact for existing investigators.

“The level 6 qualification also provides the foundation for high-quality learning and ongoing professionalisation of the workforce into the future. That being so, we are delighted to have been able to collaborate with SFJ Awards and sector partners to develop this award.”