The Scottish SPCA, Scotland’s only all animal rescue service, is seeking to recruit a Special Investigations Officer. 

A Special Investigations Officer operates as one of a small specialist team covering Scotland and out with Scotland in accordance with standard procedures, investigating serious and protracted issues involving animal welfare. This will involve regular communication and collaboration and joint working internally and with external agencies; gathering evidence and intelligence; reporting and preparing criminal cases to the crown and giving evidence at court.

Key Responsibilities:

• Model the Society’s values, Committed, Compassionate, Professional, Expert, Collaborative and Adaptable in the workplace at all times.

To Fully Investigate Complaints or Intelligence of Animal Cruelty.

• Determine the degree of animal neglect or cruelty if any.
• Gather evidence and disseminate intelligence as appropriate.

• Where an offence is identified take appropriate action using appropriate legislation AHW(S)Act 2006 and other appropriate legislation.

(i.e. give advice, report to Procurator Fiscal, pass to media or other organisation)

• Identify and work with experts or other agencies
• Record fully and accurately all actions taken.
• Prepare and present reports to Chief Inspector.
• Prepare and present reports to the Procurator Fiscal.
• Submit and share intelligence.

Use specialist knowledge and skills to investigate and identify offences and new trends

• Examine animals and identify specific injuries, and breed type.
• Crime scene management and recovery of evidence
• Use conventional, and non-conventional, technical methods to recover evidence and intelligence.
• Take appropriate action, including preparing large scale operations, obtaining search warrants, recruiting experts and other agencies.
• Analysis of large amounts of data from documents and mobile devices. (including graphic images and video of animal and human)  

Educational and Media                                

• Liaise with media including giving interviews.
• Give specialist talks to expert organisations

To carry out these duties effectively a Special Investigations Officer shall:-

• Work in accordance with the Operation Instructions provided and be fully conversant in Animal Welfare and supporting legislation.
• Develop and maintain a good working relationship with colleagues, the general public, other Society Departments and Branches and the following agencies:  Police, Veterinary Surgeons, State Veterinary Surgeons, Procurator Fiscal, Local Authorities i.e. Animal Health Inspectors, Housing Officers, Dog Wardens, Consultants, NGO,s  
• Have and good understanding of obtaining and handling intelligence.
• Have a good knowledge of wildlife and the countryside.
• Be physically fit and able to conduct searches in remote and isolated locations.
• Have a good general bearing in terms of manner and appearance in accordance with the Operations Instructions.
• Should have excellent customer care skills when communicating with all people from all different backgrounds.
• You will be expected to carry out any other general duties as directed by your line manager and to co-operate with other members of staff as required.
• Be able to work in a high pressure and rapidly changing environment. Be able to meet deadlines. Travel sometimes at short notice and periods of staying away from home. 

Please note that this position is subject to a Standard Disclosure Scotland check.

The position will be working 37.5 hours per week within a group rota, to include weekends therefore flexibility is essential.   

For further information relating to this position, please click on the job description.

CVs and covering letters will not be accepted.

Please note that applicants who do not meet the above criteria or provide the required information will not be considered.

Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equal Opportunities Employer.  Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is an Equine Welfare Member of the National Equine Welfare Council

Scottish Charity No SC 006467