Missing Child Liaison Officer

Job title: Missing Child Liaison Officer
Grade: Grade D
Role code: SDV023
Status: Police Staff
Home Office code: Operational

Main purpose of the role:

Maintain an overview of all enquiries in relation to missing children, ensuring the effective tasking of internal and external resources and maintaining accurate and up to date records of all interventions taken in order to provide for the personal safety of individuals and meet the intelligence needs of Kent Police.

Main responsibilities:

• Maintain an overview of all enquiries in relation to missing children, ensuring compliance with Force policy through the circulation of daily reports, general desktop enquiries and the effective briefing/tasking of internal and external resources via the Missing & Child Exploitation (MCET) Supervisors.
• Identify investigative opportunities to support LPT and to expedite locating the missing child including promoting the information to the general public and concerned agencies, ensuring that individuals are located with minimal delay.
• Monitor all information databases, including the summary log on the Misper1 form, PNC and STORM to ensure that all intelligence gained and interventions taken is accurately recorded, to assist with the identification of patterns of behaviour that will enhance the Force's ability to resolve future missing child cases. In serious cases, or where circumstances dictate, consideration should be given to utilisation of the INI database.
• Prepare and instigate trigger plans for missing children who repeatedly go missing, undertaking accurate and relevant briefings for CID and local Senior Leadership Team, as required, to ensure that all necessary enquiries, reviews and tasking can be conducted to locate missing children in accordance with Force policy.
• Monitor the individual circumstances of missing child reports, supporting the LPT and MCET supervisory team in the timely review of missing children, highlighting any reports that are overdue, ensuring regular risk assessments are conducted in accordance with Force Policy and taking all appropriate interventions to ensure the physical safety of the child.
• Conduct or ensure that return interviews with missing children are conducted in order to gain as much intelligence as possible and to ensure that primary protection issues are identified and actioned to comply with the intelligence needs of Kent Police and the organisation's duty of care towards the individual.
• Monitor Compact and examine data to identify any developing trends such as local environmental pulls (e.g. Shopping Centres, Fast Food outlets, frequent addresses) bringing this information to the attention of safeguarding groups and CSU. Arrange and facilitate Trust Sessions with young persons who have been identified as being At risk of running away to build a rapport and provide education and awareness to reduce risk taking behaviour.
• Liaise with relevant outside agencies to ensure suitable policies are created and maintained for inter-agency co-operation with regard to missing children in the care of those agencies. Liaise with CID and/or Vulnerability Investigation Team to highlight appropriate concerns regarding Child Protection issues raised as a result of missing persons enquiries. This will include arranging and managing Multi-Agency Meetings for children frequently missing from a Care Home environment in accordance with Force Policy.
• Maintain a thorough working knowledge of Force Policy relating to Missing Children and act as the Divisional lead on the subject advising and educating staff involved in the investigation, regardless of rank or position.
• Monitor and report to team supervisors disproportionate increases in the amount of missing children reported, or other factors, which may adversely affect the performance of Kent Police. Work closely with and support the Missing Adult Liaison Officer to help develop timely and effective interventions to help minimise the risk to all missing persons to reduce demand.

Vetting level:

Management Vetting (MV)

Necessary experience:

The post holder must have excellent interpersonal and communication skills combined with an empathetic and supportive approach, which will allow them to build sound relationships and develop rapport and trust with individuals. They must have the ability to deal tactfully and diplomatically with people, using sound judgement and discretion.

The post holder must have strong problem solving, advisory and organisational skills, with the ability to work methodically on their own initiative as part of a small team, and in the main unsupervised, in a role that demands a proactive approach. They will be able to demonstrate openness to new ideas combined with a pragmatic approach that will enable them to understand complex and sensitive situations and issues, in order to develop and promote appropriate initiatives and processes that influence how missing person issues are dealt with.

The post holder must be flexible, able to self-motivate and organise their workload and possess a thorough understanding of the police e vironment and inter-relationships between activities, functions and processes and how operational police systems work. This experience will normally have been gained by around two years previous experience within the police service environment. As the single point of contact for the Force and all agencies connected with the management of missing persons, they must hold the credibility and confidence of police management.

The post holder must have a good general education to at least A level standard or equivalent, with a GCSE in English Language. Experience of managing a range of administrative and office systems, together with minute taking and report writing skills are essential. Competent keyboard and information technology skills, including a variety of Microsoft Office packages, are required.

Experience of working in a multi-agency partnership is desirable, although not essential.

Behaviours:

Collaborative (level 1)

I work cooperatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues. I am approachable, and explain things well so that I generate a common understanding. I take the time to get to know others and their perspective in order to build rapport. I treat people with respect as individuals and address their specific needs and concerns. I am open and transparent in my relationships with others. I ensure I am clear and appropriate in my communications.

Deliver, support and inspire (level 1)

I take on challenging tasks to help to improve the service continuously and support my colleagues. I understand how my work contributes to the wider police service. I understand it is part of my collective responsibility to deliver efficient services. I take personal responsibility for making sure that I am working effectively to deliver the best service, both individually and with others. I am conscientious in my approach, working hard to provide the best service and to overcome any obstacles that could prevent or hinder delivery. I support the efficient use of resources to create the most value and to deliver the right impact. I keep up to date with changes in internal and external environments. I am a role model for the behaviours I expect to see in others and I act in the best interests of the public and the police service.

Emotionally aware (level 1)

I treat others with respect, tolerance and compassion. I acknowledge and respect a range of different perspectives, values and beliefs within the remit of the law. I remain calm and think about how to best manage the situation when faced with provocation. I understand my own emotions and I know which situations might affect my ability to deal with stress and pressure. I ask for help and support when I need it. I understand the value that diversity offers. I communicate in clear and simple language so that I can be easily understood by others. I seek to understand the thoughts and concerns of others even when they are unable to express themselves clearly.

Innovative and open-minded (level 1)

I demonstrate an openness to changing ideas, perceptions and ways of working. I share suggestions with colleagues, speaking up to help improve existing working methods and practices. I constantly reflect on my own way of working and periodically review processes and procedures for continuous improvements. I adapt to change and am flexible as the need arises while encouraging others to do the same. I learn from my experiences and do not let myself be unduly influenced by preconceptions.

Take ownership (level 1)

I actively identify and respond to problems. I approach tasks with enthusiasm, focusing on public service excellence. I regularly seek feedback to understand the quality of my work and the impact of my behaviour. I recognise where I can help others and willingly take on additional tasks to support them, where appropriate. I give feedback to others that I make sure is understandable and constructive. I take responsibility for my own actions, I fulfil my promises and do what I say I will. I will admit if I have made a mistake and take action to rectify this. I demonstrate pride in representing the police service. I understand my own strengths and areas for development and take responsibility for my own learning to address gaps.

Analyse critically (level 1)

I recognise the need to think critically about issues. I value the use of analysis and testing in policing. I take in information quickly and accurately. I am able to separate information and decide whether it is irrelevant or relevant and its importance. I solve problems proactively by understanding the reasons behind them, using learning from evidence and my experiences to take action. I refer to procedures and precedents as necessary before making decisions. I weigh up the pros and cons of possible actions, thinking about potential risks and using this thinking to inform our decisions. I recognise gaps and inconsistencies in information and think about the potential implications. I make decisions in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

Values:

Impartiality (accredited)

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

Integrity (accredited)

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

Public service (accredited)

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

Transparency (accredited)

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Technical skills:

Community partnerships (level 3)

Work with the community partners and other agencies to solve community problems in accordance with the relevant legislation policy procedures and partnership agreements. Example: Take positive steps to develop and maintain your awareness of community issues. Respond positively to community members who identify problems. Record and take appropriate action to deal with the issues raised. Obtain information and intelligence from the community, partners and other agencies. Use analysis of information and intelligence to identify the causes and effects of the problems. Develop partnership solutions, in consultation with the community and other agencies. Take action to implement solutions, with the assistance of police departments and partners, having obtained the appropriate authority. Continually monitor the effectiveness of the partnership strategy. Provide feedback to appropriate police personnel and partners.

ECYPM (level 3)

Understands what is meant by safeguarding and the different ways in which children and young people can be harmed. Recognises when a child or young person may not be achieving their developmental potential and may require a service intervention. Identify appropriate sources of help. Aware of national guidance and local procedures, and own role and responsibilities within these for safeguarding and promoting children and young people's welfare.

Forensic - crime scene management (level 3)

Has a working knowledge of the preservation of evidence and practical experience in identifying scene parameters and securing crime scenes. Aware of the method of establishing and clearing a common approach path. Possesses a basic knowledge of the concepts of forensic evidence and the technical aids available within Force. Understands issues relating to scene contamination and can take practical steps to avoid it.

Health and safety (level 4)

Has received Supervisor training and takes responsibility for the safety of directly subordinate staff and visitors. Understands the procedures in place for the safe storage of hazardous substances, fire precautions and evacuation. Resolves hazards or problems identified within roles or work environments. Undertakes skills passport assessments for new and existing staff. Re-assesses passport as and when new equipment/technology is introduced.Completes annual reviews of skills passports, training needs analysis.

Information management and technology (level 3)

Knows the range of police information systems available locally to support daily activities, and understands their uses. Can use police information systems to perform routine tasks. May be able to create simple records, and amends data to add information, within requirements of role. Understands data quality issues.

Intelligence gathering and analysis (level 3)

Able to gain intelligence from various sources and is aware of how to give that information to the relevant department and in what format it is required. Able to liaise with intelligence personnel if necessary to gain advice as to the gathering and analysis of information.

Interviewing - general (level 3)

Demonstrates the ability to conduct effective routine interviews for a variety of purposes. Prepares and plans carefully and is clear about the purpose of the interview. Asks relevant questions and is able to obtain the required information. Regularly reviews personal interview performance. Adapts style to suit the needs of the interview.

Knowledge of legislation and policy (level 4)

Has a thorough understanding of all legislation, policy and procedure relevant to the current role. Able to apply this and offer advice to colleagues as necessary.

Management of police information (MOPI) (level 4)

Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.

Preventing violent extremism (level 3)

Basic awareness of all the Prevent objectives and relevant policies and procedures. Able to gain further information regarding PVE, and identify suitable sources of advice. Able to provide information to other colleagues and departments, in an appropriate format.

Risk management (level 3)

Demonstrates an awareness of personal risk management issues, challenges or difficulties likely to affect the post holder in the execution of their duties. Able to anticipate risks likely to affect their work and knows how to communicate the likelihood and possible impacts of such events to line managers or supervisors.

Staff safety (level 3)

Has been trained in the skills and demonstrates the ability to apply elements of the staff safety programme. These are : Communication Skills and Unarmed Skills. Currently authorised to use these techniques, having received initial or refresher training within the last 12 months. Able to apply these techniques in practical situations minimising the risk of injury to themselves and ensuring their own safety and the safety of colleagues and members of the public.

Victim support (level 4)

Good working knowledge of victim support techniques both internal and external to the organisation. Able to support victims and other interested parties during an investigation which may lead to a court case. Able to act as an advisor for other staff on support services available.

National Occupational Standards:

AA1 (Level Accredited)

Promote equality and value diversity.