Nine new investigators join Gwent Police

The second intake of police staff investigators (PSIs) – a role introduced at Gwent Police in January 2020 – have started their training in Cwmbran.

The group of nine now embark on a 15-week initial training course, which represents the beginning of a two-year development programme with the aim of becoming fully accredited police staff investigators by 2022.

Chief Constable Pam Kelly welcomed the new recruits to the force at Vantage Point on 24 August, saying: “I'm thrilled to welcome our new colleagues to the force, all of whom, I'm sure, will prove a fantastic asset to Gwent Police.

“Following their training, they’ll go on to support investigations linked to all types of crime and will support victims, including some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“I very much look forward to seeing how their careers develop over the coming years.”

PSIs work alongside detectives in the force’s CID teams, dealing with offenders, witnesses and victims and are accredited investigators under the National Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP).

Trained and qualified to the same level as a detective constable, PSIs have designated powers from the chief constable to carry out searches, interviews and other duties – with the exception of making an arrest – and are responsible for criminal investigations from the initial report, through to trial.

The group faced a competitive recruitment process and, in addition to their training, are required to pass an exam and a National Investigators Development programme.

They follow the first intake of 15, who, in January, became the first PSIs in Gwent Police’s ranks.

Head of Crime, Detective Chief Superintendent Nicky Brain, said: “I’d like to offer a very warm welcome our new colleagues.

"They have all passed a rigorous recruitment process to be where they are and bring with them a wealth of experience and knowledge that I am confident will contribute to the excellent work already being done by our CID teams in Gwent.

“I am really pleased to say that the first cohort of PSIs are now fully embedded within our reactive CID teams, working alongside our detectives. They continue to develop and work with their tutors, and all are proving to be an invaluable asset for Gwent Police.”