Review Officer on the Specialist Crime Review Group providing the independent review function for the Metropolitan Police Service for Major and Specialist Crime Investigations. Our mission is to ‘ensure the reputation and brand image of the Metropolitan Police Service is enhanced through organisational learning and review’.I conduct reviews in order to comply with guidance and legislation. These include the non statutory review of unsolved live homicide cases, cold case homicide forensic reviews, bespoke reviews for serious or linked crimes and fast time reviews of missing persons found deceased.I also support Senior Investigation Officers through ‘Peer Meetings’ and provide Metropolitan Police Service representation and written responses for statutory reviews.

Having been approached to remain within the MPS as police staff following retirement as a Detective Inspector, I was one of only two Investigative Coach Supervisors in the organisation. I utilised my management, development and detective experience to drive and develop investigative skills across the MPS. I designed and introduced innovative programmes to develop the new concept of direct entry detectives within the Metropolitan Police and managed a team of Investigative Coaches to ensure consistent, high quality delivery.

I led a team of specialist officers tasked with the recruitment, handling, tasking and management of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS). I held responsibility for ensuring full compliance with all Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) and the authorised use and conduct around source management. This role held the requirement to deliver a 24/7 service in order to manage fast time intelligence requirements from a range of active operations including threat to life incidents, football violence and evolving national security issues. I directed the wording, routing, sharing and handling of all disseminated intelligence and exceptional risk in this challenging environment. This required the diplomatic, yet robust, intrusive supervision of my team to ensure integrity and the very highest standards of service delivery. I held the overview and decision making with regard covert infrastructure and team recruitment and management across various East London boroughs; working in close liaison with National Counter Terrorism Policing Operations Centre (NCTPOC), Security Service and the larger MPS provision. I compiled and delivered challenging case reviews in which CHIS sensitive intelligence was featured and regularly presented evidence to counsel and judges on complex public interest immunity issues.

I managed a large team of detectives, tasked with the investigation of suspicious or unexplained deaths and serious and complex investigations. As both investigating officer and senior investigating officer, I held responsibility for prioritising lines of enquiry and devising intelligence strategies. I oversaw the management of core requirements such as forensic submissions, interview plans, review of CCTV intelligence and research around both victims and suspects to secure evidence and intelligence. I supervised the use of resources, ensuring budget requirements were met; responding to necessary austerity measures through cost evaluation against resource allocation. Tasked to lead reviews of historic homicides and serious crime investigations, I accessed scientific developments and new witness statements to resolve dormant cases. I pursued developmental training for my teams to secure understanding of the most current evidence handling and compliance requirements; updating unit strategy to address the modernisation of historical files to meet evolving technology standards.

Within some of the most challenging and busy areas of London, I worked in successful liaison with both internal partners and external agencies tasked with the management of investigations and evidence gathering. I led on a wide range of investigations including fraud, burglary robbery and serious violence, delivering the very highest standards of evidence to support convictions. My role included the management of crime scenes and complex investigations and leading teams in the crime reduction initiatives and risk management. In addition, I led a proactive crime squad, developing and managing a team of potential new detectives, to target gang, drug and violent crime using both covert and overt pre-emptive techniques. I oversaw the borough provision of the specialist Sapphire Command, leading the investigation of highly sensitive, sexual offence cases which required the most tactful and thoughtful approach. I drove a range of investigation, evidence gathering and forensic management, ensuring best working practice and building and maintaining robust working partnerships with a range of external agencies.

I led teams of specialist officers in the investigation and constraint of gang culture; a demanding and complex area of policing. Tasked to lead the investigation of non-fatal shootings across London, this role required a sensitive, considered and highly organised approach to tasks in order to counter this fast evolving and disruptive aspect of society. I oversaw both covert and overt intelligence gathering, investigations and court presentations to secure convictions. A challenging aspect of this role was to overcome a widespread distrust of policing within affected communities. I ensured the consistent development of community trust, establishing strong working relationships to secure vital witness statements and retrieval of exhibits to add forensic value to investigations.

Undertaking a wide foundation of training and development, I served in a range of roles including as a response officer tasked with the immediate management of critical incidents. I was selected to move to detective duties having demonstrated an intelligent and competent eye for detail, enquiry and observation. I held responsibility for investigations, from planning and strategy setting, pursuing lines of enquiry, overseeing case papers through to presenting evidence at Crown Court. I managed significant caseloads and ensured prioritisation of deadlines and objectives.