Training

A key part of our work within the Proceeds of Crime Centre (POCC) is the training of financial investigators, which is delivered via blended learning.

All students access the NPIA Financial Investigation Support System (FISS) Professional Register and study pre course learning material, regarding POCA and associated legislation. Following the successful completion of an online access exam, they attend a 5 day classroom based training event. Training consists of a practical case study on the use of the legislation contained in the pre course material.

On completion of this course students pass through two more similar events and receive temporary accreditation with access to the POCA powers. The student must then complete an on line Professional Development Portfolio (PDP) based on National Occupational Standards (NOS) which once validated by POCC gives them full access to the POCA powers.  Accredited investigators and intelligence officers are then continuously monitered and assessed throughout their career, by the Continous Professional Development (CPD) program.

Senior Authorising Officers (SAO) designated under the Act are also subject to training in a similar program.

In addition, we work closely with all Forces and the other Agencies with POCA powers, to provide both education and operational support to FIs within their Region.

As part of the commitment to the mainstreaming of financial investigation, local events are organised and delivered in force to promote and integrate financial investigation as a problem solving tool.

Key deliverables in this area are evidence requirements in money laundering prosecutions, cash detention and management training in the use of financial investigation.

Background

In 2003, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA) Part 1 S3 established a system for the accreditation of financial investigators (FIs). In 2007 this statutory function moved to the Proceeds of Crime Centre (POCC) at the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA). As part of this function the NPIA trains, accredits and monitors the performance of all financial investigators with powers under the Act.

Under S453 of the Act the Secretary of State may, by order, provide a list of those organisations that have access to the powers under POCA. The current Statutory Instrument listing those organisations is SI 2707/09.

Today there are in excess of 3000 trained financial investigators across UK law enforcement. All are trained to a common standard and provided with support, both in terms of operational capacity and continuous knowledge development along with safeguards to prevent the abuse of the intrusive powers of POCA.

In addition to the identification of assets, financial investigation as a problem solving tool is becoming widely accepted as a cost effective technique that can be used to good effect by all law enforcement.

Recent success stories

Teesside judge orders drugs manager to pay back nearly £1/2M

Gwent Police aim to seize criminals' assets

Drug dealer's assets confiscated

New police tactics put 40 crime gangs out of business