Police Sergeant, Trevor

Can you tell us about your role?

I am a Police Sergeant responsible for a team of both police officers, staff investigators and temp staff within The Custody Investigation Team at The Basingstoke Police Investigation Centre. The role is primarily to oversee the early investigation and interviews of arrested persons in custody for a multitude of offences. Where required complete out of custody disposals and court files for those charged. To be decision maker, for investigations where the team, either own a domestic abuse investigation or acquire one through a custody arrest. To continue the evidence gathering, securing an outcome for the victim by way of either an out of court disposal, remand to court following CPS charges or bail for further investigation with later charges following the building of a case file and court processes and attendance where required. I link in and work closely with many departments from the arresting officers own department with initial golden hour enquiries, to the custody procedures working closely with the custody officers, utilising the PACE time effectively as possible to get the best outcome.

Are there any particular skills you require to do the role?

The role does significantly benefit from my own previous experience, ten years of being a custody officer. Many years as a sergeant on both neighbourhood policing and response policing. In particular I would say that an excellent grasp of how the RMS system works in and around case files. A sound and practical knowledge and application of both The Threshold and Full Code Test for presentation of files to CPS. Effective identification of risk vs demand within what can be an extremely time sensitive demanding environment. Understanding in detail all aspects of Domestic Abuse Policies and standards.

What is the best part of your job?

I absolutely love working within a team, the joint approaches of differing opinions and skills, abilities and views lead to a great balance and a variation of ideas. To identify those who have genuinely caused the most harm and bringing them to justice while safeguarding the most vulnerable of victims. This is the very reason I joined the police – to make a difference. Within the CIT I do have the gift to identify and drive such matters. When a new staff member arrives who has little or no experience joins the department, there is no better and satisfying result seeing them grow and develop into amazing investigators.

What would a standard day look like for you?

My initial focus would be to gain an overview of current cases within my area of responsibility and ensure responsibilities are clearly agreed with relevant teams. I would review each matter to assess risk and determine the most appropriate course of action, seeking support from other areas where required. I would actively oversee and progress investigations to achieve the best possible outcomes, ensuring risks are effectively managed. This would include contributing to regular discussions around workload, priorities and resourcing. I would ensure timely and well‑recorded decisions are made on each case and provide ongoing supervision and direction to my team on more complex or higher‑risk investigations.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a Police Officer?

In the late-nineties and before I became a police officer myself in January 2000, I joined the Special Constabulary. The main reason was I really wanted to see for myself – at a distance so-to-speak, what it was actually like. The commitment of giving my – then, pretty good job up seemed scary, hence joining first. This for me gave a real honest view of what was to come, not the glossy soap opera or fantasy film based picture. I would seriously consider this route, not only do you see the role in person and in the raw – but you also get a chance to give something to society and have a sense of achievement whilst learning and developing real skills. You can at any time just leave, without any impact on your current job. There are few roles or jobs where you can do this! If the job is for you – it won’t take long to realise! I did in just a few years.  

There is no doubt, the 24 hour role of policing will have an effect on your home and social life. Knowing and experiencing this beforehand, understanding and adapting will prepare you and ultimately have a relatively low impact later. It is also a very challenging role, emotions, experiences and pressure are countless. The rewards though are immeasurable, the personal satisfaction and pride of helping others and as I mentioned bringing those who deserve it to justice and protecting those who need it. Distance yourself from the negative and biased views and concentrate on what you can do. When I joined there was almost no support in place for police officers, now there are many support mechanisms as well as knowledge and openness to identify where support and help is required. You can still make a big difference. support people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives — then this role could be an incredibly rewarding fit for you.

What do you do to unwind when not at work?

I am a keen runner, I get out many times a week and prefer the trails. Having an event goal is great, having done many crazy distance and endurance challenges over the years for various charities. The gym is another place you may find me regularly, normally before work to set me up and trick my brain before it has a chance to realise. Having self-converted my own van to a camper van, I try, whenever possible, to get out, sit by my fire pit and cook up a dinner somewhere in the countryside. I also like to go camping in the wild after a hike or with my hot tent and stove when the weather is less than summery. Regular holidays with the family, Disney being a great favourite, or any place in the USA. Theme parks are high on my list of priorities. I also love a bit of YouTube, both digesting and creating content.

For our current vacancies visit our vacancy page All Hampshire Constabulary Jobs, or if you have any questions, please contact police.recruitment@hampshire.police.uk and we would be happy to help. Alternatively, please call us on 023 8045 1611.