Information about the role of a sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO), including the role purpose, key responsibilities and the skills required.
About the role
A sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO) is a public protection position within the investigation sector of policing. It's a service deliverer role in the policing professional profiles.
Role purpose
The sexual offences liaison officer (SOLO) is responsible for acting as a first responder to allegations of a sexual offence, to gather evidence and information from the victim in a manner that supports investigations that are victim-centred, suspect-focused and context-led, preserves its integrity, and secures their confidence and trust. They provide support and information, in a sensitive and compassionate manner, to victims of sexual crime, ensuring they are given timely information about other police departments and support agencies, where available.
Key responsibilities
Key responsibility statements show the accountabilities for someone in this role. They focus on what is done, not how it is done.
- Collecting and gathering evidence and recording and retaining material from a range of sources, during initial investigation stages, in a format that is evidentially admissible to support the investigative process.
- Supporting or undertaking the interviewing of victims obtaining a detailed account taking a whole story approach. Identifying and challenging evidence of sexual offending behaviours to incorporate all linked offences in interviews and to consider the principal crime rule.
- Supporting the management of crime scenes taking appropriate action to ensure the initial preservation of the scene is complete to progress the investigation.
- Using designated powers to arrest and apprehend where necessary and issue special warnings, as well as carrying out associated custody procedures to protect and safeguard the public in accordance with legislation and policy.
- Completing and recording risk assessments for the victim, taking account of their views and providing appropriate support and information during an investigation to ensure their safety and wellbeing.
- Supporting the delivery of a victim-centred investigation and procedural justice for the victim by liaising and working with other investigators and managers to support victims through the criminal justice system processes.
- Carrying out analysis, assessing evidence, and evaluating material generated by the investigation of volume and priority crimes to identify offenders.
- Working alongside the investigating officer, acting as a liaison between them and the victim, to keep the victim engaged and committed to the investigation process, where appropriate.
- Providing information regarding additional services available for families and victims, including signposting to support agencies, and explaining criminal justice and coronial procedures, so that they can access all available services and support.
- Contributing to the multi-agency public protection arrangements (MAPPA), providing updates on offenders, and updating records to support and enable joined up public agency management of offenders.
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 ensures that there is consistency throughout all the policing professional profiles. Some roles may contain different CVF levels due to the specialist nature of the role. Those working at higher levels should also fulfil the requirements of the lower levels.
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 that apply to everyone in policing, regardless of their role or seniority.
Core skills
All roles in policing have nine core skills in common. These 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
To achieve effective performance in the role, the following standards, registration, training and qualifications should be met.
Previous education, qualifications and experience
Successful completion of:
- PIP 1 registration by undertaking relevant learning, development and portfolio submission to evidence competence against relevant assessment criteria
- the College of Policing rape and serious offences (RASSO) for first responders programme
- the College of Policing non-contact sexual offences e-learning module
- the SOLO course aligned to College of Policing standards
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 professional development review (PDR)conversations.
To achieve effective performance in the role, the following standards, training, registration, accreditation and qualifications should be met.
Learning and accreditation
- Assessed competence against relevant professional standards for this role is required to achieve PIP registration. Maintenance of this registration requires the demonstration of continued competence against professional standards as well as evidence of CPD, in line with the College’s requirements.
- Complete all core training and learning as required by the force.
- Any exemptions to learning and accreditation requirements are at chief constable discretion, in line with the local force policy.
Professional development
This role should consider the following CPD:
- maintaining PIP registration by keeping a record of recent experience of conducting investigations to evidence knowledge and skills gained
- keeping up to date with changing legislation and current national priorities relating to all key areas within public protection and how these might affect child abuse cases
- keeping up to date with all technological advances that might facilitate offenders in committing crimes against children
- maintaining a working knowledge of how other agencies, such as the National Crime Agency (NCA) can assist in investigating child abuse cases
- analysing the impact of the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) 'learning the lessons' reports relating to child abuse cases
- familiarising self with National Police Chief's Council (NPCC) and His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) reports on child protection issues and associated inspections
- reading the Crown Prosecutions Service’s (CPS) guidance relating to cases of child abuse and identify how this can be applied to working practices
- participating in regular conversations with line manager regarding own emotional and psychological welfare
- maintaining a working knowledge of local, regional and national specialist support agencies for referrals
- developing a working knowledge of multi-agency responsibilities
Related roles
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