“It’s such a good job and so interesting but most people don’t know what’s involved. When I first started, it really surprised me how operational the role was. I have a history of working in a support function in an administrative role processing purchase orders and making bookings, but being an Indexer at the SWROCU means I’m in the middle of it all; it’s a unique position where you have such breadth of understanding of an investigation. Other than the SIO or the OIC, you’re the only other person that has an entire overview of a case.”
Indexers play a crucial role within many capabilities in the ROCU. Whether you’re working in Economic Crime and Fraud, the Regional Disruption Team or Operations, your organisational skills and attention to detail are vital to building a database of evidence, exhibits and information. The role has a big part to play on how a case is presented to the CPS.
“We’re the ones that build the case on the system, so every piece of evidence, every piece of research, intelligence, packet, briefing document, log, I will have seen and read. My job is to link everything together using a case management system called Altia.”
Altia has been designed specifically for large-scale long-term investigations – cases that may go on for years. It contains vast amounts of information that is all linked and catalogued.
“I’m in the middle of it all; it’s a unique position where you have such breadth of understanding of an investigation.”
Being part of the action
Whilst the job may look like a data input role, it is so much more than that.
“I get involved in intervention days where arrests are made, and warrants are carried out. I attend case meetings with my team which is led by the SIO, and CPS conferences – so I’ve come to understand the process leading up to court. I also have a close working relationship with the OIC for each investigation who I speak to daily about what is happening with their case. The role is fast paced at times which is exciting, but you are always given the time and support by colleagues that is needed.”
Chris says that seeing how an operation starts, what goes on in between and how the capabilities at the ROCU work together as one collaborative team to get a conviction, is both fascinating and rewarding.
“When a case goes to court and we get the result that we hope for, it is a real sense of satisfaction because we’ve been a part of that. You really are in the centre of it all and you see so much of the fascinating work happening in the ROCU. If you enjoy being organised, methodical and working with a great team then this is the role for you.”
*Name has been changed