The specialist units which work within the Protective Services Command are collectively responsible for protecting Norfolk from harm, particularly those communities and individuals who are most vulnerable. We do this by working with our partners to tackle the most serious of crime and criminality and by providing specialist resources to support local policing.

The command is divided into six different areas of responsibility:

 

The Investigations Directorate

The investigations Directorate supports patrol officers on the ground by undertaking the time-consuming and serious crime investigations. This enables our uniform colleagues to spend the majority of their time patrolling the streets.

Our experienced teams of detectives are responsible for investigating and solving both serious crime and those crimes which constitute a series of linked offences. We cover a wide range of investigations from drug supply, money laundering, fraud, and robbery to complex enquiries into organised criminal gangs.

The directorate also has within its remit a specialist Custody Investigation Unit to manage detainees held in custody centres.

 

Forensic Investigation

Forensic Investigation provides specialist-trained staff to support countywide police efforts in the investigation of volume and major crime. Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) and Volume Crime Scene Investigators (VCSI) are based at all main stations. Forensic and fingerprint evidence is crucial in many criminal cases and Norfolk has a national reputation for high performance in this area.

Forensic Investigation specialist areas include: fingerprint examination and recovery, DNA evidence, shoe marks, fibres, paint, glass, tool marks, other contact trace evidence, handwriting, evidential photography and video, and contamination advice.

Read more about the different roles within our Forensics department

 

The Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Major Investigation Team

As part of the joint Norfolk and Suffolk Constabularies’ collaboration, the new joint Major Investigation Team provides a dedicated resource to deal with investigations into the most serious crimes including: murder, manslaughter, suspicious deaths, rape investigations where the offender is unknown, kidnappings, abduction, extortion, and work-related deaths.

 

Vulnerable People Directorate

Our Vulnerable People Directorate deals with allegations of abuse towards some of society’s most vulnerable groups including: children, vulnerable adults, and victims of domestic abuse, and undertakes investigations into crimes including: harassment, serious sexual offences, human trafficking, vice offences and hate crimes.

Specially-trained staff provide close support to victims throughout any investigation to ensure their needs are recognised and addressed.

As well as dealing with vulnerable groups, they are also committed to public protection, monitoring registered sex offenders and taking necessary action with any offender that fails to comply with legislation.

 

Specialist Operations

The Specialist Operations department supports frontline policing and the policing of major and critical incidents through the provision of specialist support sections including: firearms support, air operations, dog section and roads policing units. In order to prepare for any large-scale events or emergencies, there is a dedicated operational planning unit which facilitates the Force’s response and deployment of resources on such occasions.

Read more about Air Operations
Read more about our Dog Section

 

Intelligence Directorate

The Intelligence Directorate is responsible for co-ordinating the Force’s intelligence, providing important information to enable officers to be effectively tasked to meet our policing objectives. It is not just about crime, criminals and criminality, data and analysis is required by all elements of policing from organised crime to road safety and problem solving.