Effective Detective

For example, an SIO from a predominantly non-CID background will have littleexperience within an investigative context. Hence there is an increased risk that aninvestigation will fail due to sub-optimal investigative decisions being made.Similarly, an SIO from a predominantly CID background may have less generalmanagement experience. Hence there may be an increased risk of failure fromsub-optimal management decisions.The research suggested that some - but not all - deficiencies in an SIO’s skill‘portfolio’ can be compensated for by drawing on the skills and abilities of morejunior officers within his/her investigative team. However, it was recognised thatthis was still a high-risk and short-term strategy.Acknowledging the breadth and complexity of an ‘effective’ SIO’s skills hasimportant implications for the future training and selection of investigators. Anumber of potential avenues exist for SIOs to acquire the necessary skills. Thesewere identified as follows:●●●●Selecting the right individuals to become SIOs at the correct point in their career.The early identification of individuals with the potential to perform well as SIOswould allow a more structured and considered approach to the careerdevelopment of ‘effective’ SIOs. There are, however, currently no formalprocesses in place to identify future SIOs early in their careers.The ‘nuturing’ of future SIOs.Many interviewees highlighted the importance of nurturing potentialinvestigators of the future. This could be accomplished through a formal systemof mentoring and shadowing.Ensuring a correct balance between training and appropriate experience.There is a range of evidence that emphasises the need for training and ‘on-thejob’investigative experience to go hand-in-hand; training on its own is notenough.The research identified a gap in current training provision for seniorinvestigators (although this is being addressed through the introduction of theNational SIO Development Programme).Encouraging the self-development of investigators.SIOs have a professional responsibility to ensure that they remain up-to-datewith current developments in the field.(vi)