Effective Detective

APPENDIX A●●●●●both an understanding of the roles and tasks required within a serious crimeinvestigation, and where possible, the knowledge of what skills the teammembers possess.Awareness of future developmentsChanges in areas such as legislation, forensics and technology are common. Itwas considered essential that an SIO remains up-to-date with currentdevelopments in the fields.Optimising the knowledge of the team through appropriate consultationAn ‘effective’ SIO was seen as one who creates a more open atmosphere,encouraging all within the investigation team, regardless of rank and role, tocontribute their ideas and opinions. Staff should be made to feel at easeexpressing their views. More importantly, the SIO should not be seen to bepaying ‘lip service’ to ideas offered, but should listen and commentconstructively upon the value of their contributions. This applies not only to themembers of the investigative team, but also to those offering other forms ofinvestigative support (The Forensic Science Service, National Crime Faculty,specialist advisers etc.).Decision-makingSeveral officers highlighted the ability to make carefully considered and timelydecisions. This process is arguably best achieved in consultation with teammembers. The decisions should be based upon objective and rigorous assessmentof available information, coupled with an appreciation of the risks associatedwith any decision. It was felt that SIOs should be clear as to the rationaleunderpinning any decisions, and to be able to document them clearly.Handling expert adviceIncreasingly, a wide range of outside experts are being called upon to offerspecialist advice within serious crime investigations. Consequently, an SIOshould be able to engage these advisers appropriately and to manage theiroutput. The SIO should, however, retain overall control of the enquiry andmaintain critical objectivity when assimilating expert advice into the enquiry.Innovative investigative styleDevelopments in the support offered to the investigative process have meantthat SIOs have more potential sources of information open to them. SIOs62