What does the role involve
A Criminal Investigator uses a range of skills to investigate, build and progress criminal and financial tax investigations to tackle the most harmful tax cheats, ensuring nobody is beyond our reach.
The job is varied and interesting, from analysing material in the office, to going out undertaking arrests, searching premises, interviewing people under caution and giving evidence at court.
A Criminal Investigator always works within the Compliance Professional Standards.
How we work
Due to the nature of the work, a Criminal Investigator role is not a standard 9-5 position. You’ll be expected to work outside HMRC standard operating hours, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Your work pattern can change at short notice and at times you’ll have to work longer hours.
To recompense for this, the role is eligible for a Flexibility Payment, which is paid monthly in addition to the standard salary. By accepting the Flexibility Payment, you are agreeing that you will meet all attendance requirements.
Read more about the Flexibility Payment in the tabs below.
More detailed information regarding the Flexibility Payment can be found within our Criminal Investigator role advertisements.
Discover the role of a Criminal Investigator at HMRC
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Discover the role of a Criminal Investigator at HMRC. People. Purpose. Potential.]
- [Text on screen: What training is involved for a Criminal Investigator?]
- [Gordon, Trainee Criminal Investigator, HMRC] Currently, I am a trainee Criminal Investigator within the Fraud Investigation Service of HMRC. I joined the department two years ago on promotion from another government department where I was also a Criminal Investigator and I had done that role for some 20 years. The training period within HMRC for investigators consists of initially a foundation course. This is a 5 to 6 month period split equally between online learning and face to face learning. The face to face learning takes place at various regional centres that HMRC have around the country. Once you've completed your foundation training, you return to the office which we call Branch, and there you'll put into practise everything that you've learnt in your foundation training. This will be in the real world, so it'll be an arrest, an interview, a search and seizure, doing a debriefing or briefing, getting witness statements, giving witness statements and various other roles which we have to complete to ensure that we have met the standard for us to be Criminal Investigators.
- [Text on screen: What does the role involve?] It's definitely a case of no two days are the same. You could have the best intentions to be based in the office one day and then the office might receive a knock where everyone has to go out. That can happen at short notice and everyone's mobilised to deal with the task in hand, whether that's a shout from the Border Force or from the Police or any other agency that may want our assistance. It's a bit of an endless list of the tasks that we're expected to do. When you're office based, you could, for instance, you could be preparing a case for prosecution, so you would have the different roles within that. You could also be perhaps preparing for your next job, you could be planning a shout, you could be planning the briefing for it, you could be researching some intelligence, you could be requesting intelligence. You could be contacting various sources to get different information that we need. You could also be looking at perhaps applying for a search warrant or perhaps applying for production order. The list is endless for the amount of jobs that we can do on a daily basis in the office. Operationally, when we leave the office, we could do anything, and I do mean we could be doing anything. You could end up being the photographer, you could end up doing any various tasks. It might be you might be tasked with doing the arrest, you might be tasked with doing the interview with the person, or you could be doing the search. There's a limitless number of tasks you could do when you go out operationally. Personally, I find this the most enjoyable part of the job. Going out, meeting people, talking with them and obviously what I think we do, we make a difference and that's the important thing for me in this role, that we actually do make a difference by the actions that we take as part of our criminal investigations.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Flexibility Payments
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Fraud Investigation Service: Flexibility Payments. People. Purpose. Potential.]
- [Text on screen: What’s the reason for Flexibility Payments?]
- [Gordon, Trainee Criminal Investigator, HMRC] One thing you do have to be prepared for is to be flexible. Obviously by the very nature of doing a job outside the office, whether it be a planned knock or request for assistance, you can end up doing some very long days, early starts, late finishes. It's part and parcel of the job, but because of that, that's why we receive the Flexibility Payments.
- [Jools, Criminal Investigator, HMRC] The working hours itself, it's not really a standard nine to five position. You know your day can be from six in the morning if you're operational and maybe even into the next day, so certainly long periods of time.
- [Umair, Fraud Investigation Officer, HMRC] In this role you have the option to remain on squad, with squad rotations being established at the beginning of each year. If you choose to participate, you are required to be on call for one week each month. Naturally this level of flexibility is appropriately compensated.
- [Text on screen: How are Flexibility Payments calculated?]
- [Jools] So obviously because the working hours are varied and this does offer an allowance or an on call allowance for those people that are in that particular role, a Flexibility Payment, if you decide to take up on the on call position is offered. That does involve working an extra number of hours over a 12 month period. But of course also as well if you are building up your extra hours as well, you do get the opportunity to take those back.
- [Gordon] The Flexibility Payments are paid to you in two stages. We have Flexibility Payment one, and once you've qualified as an investigator and you've met the standard, then you can get the next Flexibility Payment. This is quite a substantial amount of money, to be honest, but you do have to make commitments and you have to be readily available at short notice when you're on call.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Criminal Investigator – Key skills and what makes the role exciting
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Criminal Investigator HMRC: Key skills and what makes the role exciting. People. Purpose. Potential.]
- [Text on screen: How did you come to join HMRC?]
- [Jools, Criminal Investigator, HMRC] I'm a Criminal Investigator with HMRC's Fraud Investigation Service. My current role is as a Higher Investigation Officer. I'd previously spent 23 years in the Royal Navy as Royal Navy Service Policeman, so when it was time for me to leave the service, I was looking for something in a similar vein to the type of work I was doing, but albeit in a completely different environment. The majority of my previous skills and qualifications were transferable into my new role, which made the transition a little bit easier, certainly for me.
- [Text on screen: What do you enjoy most about the role of Criminal Investigator?]
- [Jools] Me personally, I just enjoy the operational side, I think it's great when you get that little buzz that there's a new case in and you've got to start planning to get out and, you know, where's the job? Is it local? Is it up the country? How many people do we need? You know, what sort of teams do we need? Do we need method of entry? You know, do we need surveillance? There's so many things that you have to consider when beginning a new job and that to me is one of the best parts of it. Actually getting out, taking the vehicles, taking your team and getting out on the ground and completing that. That's the biggest buzz for me. Not everybody's the same, some people do like the analytic side, some people do like the office side and prep and paperwork. So it will be one of those that will, if you take on the role that you'll find your niche of what your preference is. But I would always say anyway, wherever you are, get out on the ground because that really is where the insight of the job really comes in to see how we work as a team, and certainly to see how our suspects react when we, when we arrive in their doorstep at 6:00 in the morning and surprise them with a search warrant or certainly to affect an arrest. Regular requests from other officers around the country are of course also quite common, certainly in Portsmouth. That's actually quite good because assisting other teams in jobs you don't really know much about can be quite exciting. Definitely when you get that opportunity to get out operationally, there is an energy rush, an adrenaline rush where you're anticipating, you know, what's going to happen today. You know, you're never, never quite sure how the day's going to pan out.
- [Text on screen: What skills do you need for the role?]
- [Jools] Open mind is definitely important. With some cases there they are very complex and looking at things from different angles and listening to other members of your team is vitally important as well. If you've got good IT and analytical skills they're very, very useful as well. Certainly organisation, organising your day and that flexibility between the operational and office tasks is important. Have some courage and be resilient. You know you're going to have perhaps challenging and confrontational times where you know you'll need to make, certainly make a quick decision. Have some courage and conviction when making those decisions as well. And I would also say have a decent level of fitness because, you know, the days can be long. You could be standing on your feet a lot and in all sorts of weathers as well. You know, certainly in the middle of summer, if you're doing a long search and you're dressed in your body armour, it can get very hot, very tiring. So again, physical fitness is, you know, an important part of the role that we play. My advice, if you're thinking of applying for the job, you know, look at what skills you already have in the current role you have. You may not be in investigating in any way, shape or form, but there are lots and lots of skills that are easily transferable into this world. Certainly if you work with people, if you deal with public, if you're analytical in any way, if you're using computers, if you just think slightly differently to people in your current workplace, all those skills are definitely valuable when applying. People come from all different backgrounds in this role. And when you put all those people together as a team, the team works very well. So don't feel just because you've never had any type of criminal or legal role or anything that you are not suitable for the job. Me, I would say if you like the look of it, certainly apply.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Criminal Investigator – Learning and Development
Show video transcript
- [Text on screen: Criminal Investigator HMRC. Learning and Development. People. Purpose. Potential.]
- [Text on screen: What skills are needed for this role?]
- [Umair, Fraud Investigation Officer, HMRC] Hi, my name is Umair, I’m a Fraud Investigation Officer in HMRC. I’m responsible for the departments criminal investigations into most serious tax evasion and fraud. The training to become an accredited Counter Fraud Specialist typically lasts for one year. A Criminal Investigator must be able to process information through critical thinking and logical reasoning to drive conclusions. It lets you apply analytical thinking and critical thinking skills at the same time as you get the opportunity to solve challenging cases. If you ask me, I had no qualifications or experience prior to this job, but as a Criminal Fraud Investigator, my role extends beyond desk work.
- [Text on screen: What new skills have you developed since joining?]
- [Umair] I have developed a wide range of new skills in this role including drafting applications, conducting interviews, time management, making effective decisions. The list is extensive. Additionally, I’m a trained method of entry officer, something which you can volunteer yourself. So during training, each colleague is assigned a practical training officer throughout the training period who supports you by identifying any opportunities for development. And once the training is completed, experienced officers are available to assist you with the task and provide the guidance.
- [Text on screen: What opportunities for personal and professional growth are available?]
- [Umair] The role of a Criminal Investigation Officer offers a wealth of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Each case presents it’s own unique challenges, allowing you to learn and grow continuously. It is a position that will significantly enhance a wide array of skills. Through the diverse challenges you encounter, you will refine your problem solving abilities, improve time management, and strengthen your communication skills. Moreover, the role fosters teamwork, allowing you to collaborate effectively with the colleagues and other professionals within HMRC, outside HMRC as well. It also instils a high level of professionalism, ensuring you maintain a strong ethical standard. As you progress, you will develop leadership qualities, learn to make critical decisions and guide others in high pressure situations. Overall, this job does not only sharpen the existing skills but also provides invaluable experience that will shape you into a well-rounded and capable professional.
- [Text on screen: People. Purpose. Potential.]
Victoria’s blog
My name is Victoria, and I am a Criminal Investigator within the Fraud Investigation Service and work with the Individuals and Small Businesses team in Stratford. I joined as a Counter Fraud Apprentice and recently completed my training and assessments. I took this job because of my keen interest in investigation, I have a degree in Forensic Science with Criminology, so this line of work has always been my passion. The fact that this role had a mix of deskwork and outdoor work (called knocks) appealed to me the most. I liked the idea of being able to actually go out and catch criminals in addition to building a case.
This role is very dynamic, sometimes I can be at the office all day or out on a knock all day. The hours are flexible, but it really helps that I have the hybrid working option which means I have the option to work from home twice a week. I am usually given ample notice before having to go out on a knock. Due to the dynamic nature of the role I have to be flexible with my time, and HMRC compensates me for the level of flexibility required. Most days I work 9 to 5 but knock days will have earlier starts.
An office day usually involves all kinds of casework, like analysing material, speaking to witnesses, or preparing a casefile for the Crown Prosecution Service but going out on knocks can vary. I have been out to arrest and interview suspects at Police stations, obtain witness statements and conduct searches of premises. This really gave me the opportunity to put into practice what is taught during the foundation training.
To be a Criminal Investigator you need to be inquisitive, open minded and objective. Be prepared to deal with challenging situations and be able to adapt. You should have good teamwork skills, be organised, and have good communication skills (both written and verbal) and have good decision-making skills. These are just a few skills to have that I believe are key to being successful in this role but there are many other skills which you may have that can be applied in this role. What I like the most about this role is that every case is different and therefore I never get bored, I am constantly learning new things every day and networking with other colleagues in other teams when out on knocks.
In terms of support, throughout the entire apprenticeship program and even afterwards, I got loads of help from my Practical Training Officer (PTO), my manager and colleagues in my team. The training also prepared me well for the practical aspect of the role, and there are lots of opportunities to progress and do further training. If you are inquisitive, like solving puzzles and challenges, this could be the role for you.
Victoria – Criminal Investigator – Fraud Investigation Service HMRC
Utilising HMRC Powers
Investigate and gather evidence to build, progress and enhance criminal and financial investigations into attacks on our tax systems committed by individuals, corporate entities and organised crime groups.
Desk based duties
Analysing materials and preparing written and official documents, such as Search Warrants and Production Order applications, case files and reports whilst ensuring consistent high standards, in accordance with procedural and legislative requirements.
Search of premises
Searching premises under warrant or by statutory provision, seizure and detention of goods.
Applying laws as appropriate and always adhering to legislation and policy.
Undertake arrests
Conduct search of person and interview under caution. Diffusing potentially confrontational situations, whilst acting in accordance with legislation and policy.
Witness statements
Taking evidential witness statements from a variety of stakeholders, both internal and external. External stakeholders include the Police, Border Force, National Crime Agency, Crown Prosecutors and other Government Departments.
Decision making
Taking ownership and accountability for decisions and activities during investigations, subject to scrutiny and inspection by Higher and Senior Investigation Officers, the court system and external authorities.
Attend court
Giving evidence in criminal prosecutions and financial recovery hearings.
Surveillance
Undertaking surveillance.
About the training
To help you learn everything you need for the role, you’ll receive a comprehensive training programme. Roles are available for full-time and part-time working arrangements; however, you’ll need to be available full-time for the duration of the formal training events set out below.
This is a modularised programme consisting of 13 weeks training delivered over a minimum of 23 weeks, where you may have to work and stay away from home for periods of up to 2 weeks at a time, Monday to Friday (see more details under ‘Training locations’ below.)
You will complete stage 1 (2 weeks) and stage 2 (4 weeks) after which you will return to your team for approximately 12 weeks to consolidate your learning and commence working on criminal investigations. During this period there will be further training events that you will need to undertake (maximum of 4 weeks in total) which may further necessitate you to be away from home for a maximum of 1 week at a time.
You will then complete stage 3 (1 week) and stage 4 (2 weeks) before returning to your team.
There are breaks and time off built in, as it is essential that you attend all sessions ​on the programme you are allocated to.
Throughout the formal training and work on your team, you will undertake a Training Assessment Period (TAP). This will last for approximately 12 months from the start of your training. You will use the skills and knowledge you have gained during your learning on operational cases with full support.
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Types of training
Training consists of:
- Face to face training.
- Self-study digital learning packages.
- Trainer facilitation.
- Digital classroom events followed by workplace assessments.
Your learning includes:
- Legal powers available to a Criminal Investigator and how to use those powers.
- How to keep evidential records.
- Carrying out premises searches and evidence gathering.
- Planning for arrest and arrest procedure.
- Investigating, interviewing, post arrest interviews and taking third party witness statements.
- How to present evidence at court.
The qualifications
Successful applicants in England may be eligible for the Counter Fraud Investigator Apprenticeship (CFIA) and will work towards a Level 4 qualification awarded on completion of an ‘End Point Assessment’. This is completed after you have completed the TAP.
Applicants need to have achieved grades A-C or 9-4 in both GCSE Maths and English.
Any applicants who do not have, or can’t show that they have these qualifications, will need to attain Level 2 Functional Skills in both subjects by the end of the CFIA programme. HMRC will support you through this.
All successful applicants will work towards a Level 4 Accredited Counter Fraud Specialist (ACFS) qualification on successful completion of the programme. This includes those also eligible for the CFIA.
Training locations
Face to face training is unlikely to be available at your home office location and could be based anywhere in the UK. For this training it is likely that you will have to work and stay away from home for periods of up to two weeks at a time, primarily Monday to Friday only. There will be a requirement to travel on Sundays occasionally, but you will be given advanced notice. Where this is the case, hotel accommodation (where required) and travel and subsistence expenses will be met by HMRC.
There will also be weeks of digital training. For these weeks there will be no expectation of you being away from home overnight, but you may need to attend your local office.
Additionally
You’ll need to complete Public and Personal Safety Training (PPST) which requires a reasonable level of fitness. A physical ability test will be introduced in the future, with refresher training every twelve months.
You’ll also complete a 1-day Emergency First Aid at Work course during your Training Assessment Period.
About the payments
The Criminal Investigator role duties will require you to change your work pattern at short notice and work flexibly, both within HMRC standard hours and non-standard hours, as needed by the business. This requirement means the role is eligible for the Flexibility Payment.
The payment comprises of three levels which each buy a different type and quantity of flexibility and additional attendance.
The level of payment you can expect to receive may vary depending on the attendance requirements of Criminal Investigator role in the business area you’re assigned to.
Receipt of the Flexibility Payment is depending on successful completion of training. You’ll be eligible to receive payment at Level 1a when you successfully complete Phase 4 of the initial training programme and you’ll continue to receive payment at that level until you successfully complete the full Training and Assessment Period (TAP).
When you’ve completed TAP, it’s likely you’ll have to deliver other types of attendance in addition to that secured by Level 1a. For example, you may become eligible for Level 1b as well as Level 1a, or you may become eligible for Level 2. Your manager will confirm whether additional attendance will apply, and at what level(s), and they’ll give you advance notice so you have time to prepare.
Your eligibility for continued payment of the Flexibility Payment is subject to annual review. You must meet the commitments required by your payment level to continue receiving payment.
Flexible Payment levels are reviewed annually in line with business need and may be subject to change.
Level 1a Officer – £3,900
This payment level requires you to change your hours of attendance at short notice, or no notice, a minimum of 75 times annually, with no upper limit, to meet operational demand. This includes night-time, weekends, and public holidays.
You need to be contactable when off duty, to be advised of changes to planned attendance, either directly or via a pre-agreed channel to be acknowledged as soon as possible.
Level 1b Officer – £1,900
This payment level requires you to be “On-Call”. You’ll need to be immediately contactable, able to provide advice and where required, be immediately available to work or attend a given location. On-Call applies at all hours during specified off duty periods including weekends and public holidays.
You need to be On-Call 1 week in 4, each On-Call week lasts for 7 days.
Level 2 Officer – £10,100 (National) £11,700 (London)
This payment level combines the flexibility and contactable elements of Level 1a and the On-Call coverage of Level 1b with 275 additional hours.
At all levels, the Flexibility Payment is subject to normal deductions for tax, national insurance and, where appropriate, pension contributions.
Examples of requirement
Change of duty –
You plan to work from 8am to 4pm. At 2pm, you’re asked to help a colleague on static surveillance and actually finish working at 9pm.
Contactable when off duty –
You are at home and off duty. At 8pm, your manager contacts you to advise that you are required to attend at 6am the following day. You would be expected to respond, acknowledging the change, within two to three hours, or at the point before you go to bed for the night.
On-Call –
During your On-Call week, you are off duty. At 1am you receive a call requiring you to attend immediately and assist colleagues to conduct a search.
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