Royal Navy Police Investigator (ZigZag)

02/03/2026, 23:55 

Royal Navy Police Investigator 

JPAN: 2133420,2133387,2280631,2133389 & 2280635 

Grade: Leading Hand (OR4) 

Location: Plymouth 

Contract: 40 hours per week, three-year fixed term with no mobility. 

Security clearance: UK Security Clearance and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2.  

Closing date: 02/03/2026, 23:55   

All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency. 

Overview 

The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles. 

This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.  

ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.  
 
The Royal Navy Police provide a wide-ranging policing and investigative service to the Royal Navy and Defence, both at home and abroad. They support units with prevention and investigation of crime and provide specialist advice to Command 
 

The role 
The role of Royal Navy Police Investigator contributes towards the upholding and application of Service and criminal law within a UK Naval region. They provide the focal point within an area of responsibility for the investigative process of the Service justice system.   

Key Responsibilities  

• The deterrence, detection and investigation of criminal and disciplinary offences including interviewing suspects, witnesses and victims of crime. 

• The conduct of proactive uniform policing of the base port and regional area of responsibility as directed. 

• The compilation of policing documentation, police reports and statements. 

• The recording of reports of crime and supporting information using specialist information systems. 

About You 

You will: 

• Be a UK citizen or British Dual National, having lived in the UK for a minimum of five years continuously prior to application; be capable of meeting the physical requirements to conduct Public and Personal Safety Training. 

• Possess a proven track record of policing experience within either military or Home Office police forces. 

• Possess a passion for helping people, strong communication skills, a team ethos and the ability to think independently. 

• Hold Professionalising Investigations Programme (PIP)1 or have completed the Initial Investigations Course, the Volume Crime Investigations Course, the Serious Crime Investigations Course or previous equivalent prior to August 2023. 

• Hold a full UK Driving License covering manual vehicles. 

• Either hold or be able to hold a UK Security Clearance and NPPV Level 2.  

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Training 

• Royal Navy Familiarisation Course   

• Armed Forces Act Powers and Legislation – Defence School of Police and Security  

• Public and Personal Protection  Training -   Defence School of Police and Security 

• Workplace Induction  and specific accredited training as required.  

Salary & benefits 

• Salary: £35,531 – £38,154 per year.  

• Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available). 

• Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.  

• Other benefits: Enhanced parental leave packages, and potential flexible service arrangements. 

Application process 

• Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.  

• Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).  

• Officer Selection & Medical Assessment: candidates who are not already commissioned must attend the Army Officer Selection Board and pass a medical screening.  

• Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.  

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People-Tx-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk.