Information about the role of a communications data investigations (CDI) single point of contact (SPoC), including the role purpose, key responsibilities and the skills required.
About the role
A communications data investigations (CDI) single point of contact (SPoC) is a digital and cybercrime position within the investigation sector of policing. It's a service deliverer role in the policing professional profiles.
Role purpose
The CDI SPoC is responsible for the lawful acquisition of communications data, in accordance with the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), and for providing specialist advice to:
- risk to life situations
- proactive and reactive investigations
- crimes in action
- intelligence operations
Key responsibilities
Key responsibility statements show the accountabilities for someone in this role. They focus on what is done, not how it is done.
- Providing specialist advice and complying with relevant legislation, associated codes of practice and policies when handling communications data in support of Life at Risk, proactive and reactive investigations and crimes in action. To ensure that investigations are conducted with due consideration of expertise and good practice in this area and achieve best outcomes.
- Reviewing and quality-assuring communications data applications. Supporting and engaging with applicants to ensure necessity, proportionality and collateral intrusion comply with relevant legislation and associated codes of practice.
- Assessing risk to identify operational threats in respect of digital media and ensure dynamic risks assessments are effectively managed.
- Advising and giving timely, responsive, and effective recommendations to authorising individuals before and during their considerations for authorising applications, to support the effective operation of the applications process.
- Identifying, acquiring and interpreting communications data from telecom operators (TO), to support investigations and crime prevention activity. Evaluating acquired data to ensure compliance with the notice or authorisation issued and compliance with legal frameworks and operational policies.
- Building and managing case files and conducting disclosure within good practice procedures to ensure there is an accurate audit trail.
- Identifying reportable and recordable errors and taking appropriate action under codes of practice to maintain data integrity, accuracy, and ensure compliance with operational and legal requirements.
- Engaging proactively with the senior investigating officer (SIO), investigator, or analyst, to support them in developing the digital and communication strategy within the overall operational strategy.
- Preparing, delivering and presenting communications data for use in court proceedings, as required, to support criminal justice processes.
- Engaging and maintaining relationships with telecom operators (TO) to continue and develop professional working practices, and to allow more efficient and effective transfer of data between organisations.
Competencies, values and core skills
The competency and values framework (CVF) provides clear expectations for everyone working in policing. It describes the behaviours required by police officers and staff to be effective in their roles and uphold the Code of Ethics for policing.
Competencies
The CVF has six competencies, which are split into levels. These levels can be used flexibly to allow for a better fit with frontline and non-frontline policing roles, and at different levels of seniority.
This role should be operating at or working towards the following competencies.
- We are emotionally aware – Level 1: practitioner
- We take ownership – Level 1: practitioner
- We collaborate – Level 1: practitioner
- We support and inspire – Level 1: practitioner
- We analyse critically – Level 1: practitioner
- We are innovative and open-minded – Level 1: practitioner
Values
The CVF has three values. These values apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority.
Core skills
All roles in policing have nine core skills in common. Skills are split into levels that represent the different levels of policing.
This role should be operating at or working towards the following core skills.
- Communicating and influencing – Level 1
- Problem solving – Level 1
- Performance management – Level 1
- Relationship management – Level 1
- Change management – Level 1
- Managing people – Level 1
- Managing resources – Level 1
- Planning – Level 1
- Use of IT – Level 1
Education, qualifications and experience
- Successful completion of CDI SPoC national policing curriculum.
- SPoC accreditation in line with national standards.
- Up-to-date knowledge of communications data acquisition processes, ensuring compliance with legal and operational requirements.
- Awareness of relevant current legislation, national guidance (including guidance on disclosure, and retention and disclosure), national policing priorities, and new approaches to evidence-based policing and how they apply to working practice.
- Working knowledge of emerging technologies and relevant updates from service providers.
- Understanding of legal parameters to exploit new methodologies of gaining communications data.
- Understanding of Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) codes of practice on acquisition of communications data.
- Understand and implement the national error reduction strategy (ERS).
Continuing professional development
Continuing professional development (CPD) enables everyone in policing to develop and gain recognition for their professional skills, knowledge and competence.
CPD ensures that we continue to provide high-quality policing to keep the public safe and help to drive career aspirations. Discussion of CPD is usually included as part of a professional development review (PDR) conversation.
Learning and accreditation
- Home Office and College of Policing register for SPoC accreditation.
- Complete all annual and mandatory training.
- Any exemptions to learning and accreditation requirements are at chief constable discretion, in line with the local force policy.
- Share knowledge, advice and guidance with the wider organisation, where relevant to improve understanding so that others can benefit, learn, and develop.
Professional development
This role should consider the following CPD:
- staying up to date with the changing landscape of communications data acquisition
- keeping up to date with changing legislation and current national policing priorities
- keeping up to date with new approaches to evidence-based policing
- being aware of any changes to legislation that may affect communications data work
- developing a working knowledge of emerging technologies and stay apprised of any updates from service providers
- researching new methodologies for gaining communications data within the parameters of the law
- understand the changing concepts of necessity, proportionality and collateral intrusion as technology emerges
- understanding and implementing IPA communications data codes of practice
- engaging with oversight body when reporting IPA errors
Related roles
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