Job Title: Senior Investigator
Word Limit: 500 pp
Location: NSW, NT, QLD, VIC, WA
1) Managerial and Planning
I have strong managerial and planning abilities which have been developed throughout my
policing and investigative career. In particular, my responsibilities as acting Sergeant with the
Kalgoorlie Police Station required me to take ownership of a wide range of tasks on a daily
basis. Allocating duties and responding to urgent priorities had to be managed within financial
and operational constraints. For example, on any given day I would have a multitude of
competing activities such as monitoring of ongoing investigations, organising search warrants,
maintaining running sheets and allowing for court attendance. Tasks were often compromised
by incoming matters requiring immediate attention and substantial resources. This often
resulted in the rescheduling or cancellation of other work. To resolve these situations I would
seek alternative solutions such as liaising with outside units and stations for extra resources.
Many tasks within the station required a more structured planning approach, such as
rostering. In coordinating this function I worked closely with the operations manager to draft
and implement the station roster. Rostering in a police station has many variables, including
leave requests up to 12 months in advance, balancing shift times and preferences, overtime,
allocation of duties and partnering officers with varying degrees of experience. Whilst
rostering was just one aspect of meeting operational outcomes, it also involved a degree of
flexibility. If officers had a conflict in leave requests I would always negotiate a solution
without compromising operational capability.
Resource management was another key aspect of my sergeant responsibilities. This included
workforce costs, which I reported on by completing weekly returns for expenditure such as
overtime, meal allowances and shift penalties to ensure financial budgets were correctly
administered. In regard to other assets I maintained the accountable items register which kept
track of the stations use of valuable assets such as vehicles.
My ability to deliver outcomes is supported by consistent feedback in my performance
appraisals acknowledging the completion of tasks to a high standard as well and my
commitment to the team and contributing to station results.
As an example of delivering outcomes, I was acting Sergeant at Kalgoorlie when we received a
priority call from a mother concerned for the welfare of her young child. The child was in the
custody of the father, with allegations of abuse and drug use being made. After questioning
the mother I judged that it was necessary to take action in the absence of a warrant and
immediately reallocated resources to dispatch a team to the father’s residence. I attended the
scene alongside the team and upon arrival confirmed that my decision to act was correct due
to the environment where drug activity was being carried out. The team’s action and my
decision to act and organise resources resulted in the child being removed from a harmful
situation and returned the mother.
2) Continuous Improvement and Change Management
I have had diversity throughout my career as a result of working in both public and private
sector organizations. Being self employed as an independent contractor, I have learned to
adapt quickly to changing environments. Also through a variety of roles with the police service
responding to shifting demands and priorities I have become flexible and open to doing things
in new and innovative ways.
An example of my commitment to continuous improvement relates to when I was the acting
Sergeant at Kalgoorlie in charge of general duties. One of my responsibilities within the station
was the maintenance of the records management system administered in the office. After
some time working with the existing records system it became evident that the current
practices had inefficiencies that were causing issues with accessing and retrieving information.
After reviewing how different officers were entering and filing records I realized that the lack
of a clear and consistent approach was responsible for the delays in completing time sensitive
and routine tasks. To resolve the issue I adopted the records management process used to
great effect during my time with the Kalgoorlie Detectives Office. After explaining the idea to
the general duties team and the time they would save, I had their support to make the change.
The system adopted a more centralized approach and the categorization of information was
much easier to follow. As a result the duties office was able to function in a more productive
and responsive manner.
In the same role I actively promoted continuous improvement across the team on a regular
basis. One way in which I did this was to gather all officers present during shift changeover and
hold a 30 minute meeting. Rather than letting people disperse during this period with little
interaction, I saw it as an opportunity to bring everyone together and utilize the collective
experience that was there at the one time. I would open the floor to suggestions, ideas or
discussions about anything that people wanted to raise or address. Because of the buy in from
the officers, this became a very good forum.
My successful transition from a structured law enforcement and community based agency to a
private sector commercial environment is a good example of my ability to adapt to change and
improvement.
3) Communication and Client Focus
In my policing duties I have taken on representative roles to promote professional relationships
with other agencies. These relationships were critical to building better essential services for the
public. I also gave my own time to community based activities in an official capacity.
As an example, when working as a patrol officer with the Western Australian Police Service at
Exmouth, I undertook liaison roles with internal and external stakeholders. One such role was as
chairman of the local disaster council. I networked with key contacts across other departments
including Parks and Recreation, Ambulance Service, Fire Brigade and Shire Emergency
Management. These networks involved regular meetings, community consultation and the
maintenance of strong operational connections to meet any emergency situation. These
relationships were established with clear tactical procedures.
As mentioned I also committed my personal time to work with the local Police Citizens Youth Club
as the Police liaison, which was a very rewarding experience. I was actively involved in organising
various programs and activities such as ‘Blue Light Discos’, outings and other physical activities for
the local youth within the community.
Working with the Kalgoorlie burglary team in 2010, we employed a targeted strategy to ensure
that the number of burglaries was reduced significantly. The achievement of such an outcome was
only possible due to exceptional teamwork and cooperation.
My individual levels of performance, teamwork and ethical conduct were recognised by receiving
a certificate for Outstanding Performance from the Assistant Commissioner for Regional WA.
As an example of my written communication skills, I produced a detailed Coroner’s report in
2013 when working with the Western Australian Police Service. I compiled an exhaustive
amount of information and interviewed a variety of expert sources to identify potential causes
of death. The report that I provided was extremely comprehensive and thorough, requiring a
high level of writing skill and attention to detail. The report enabled the coroner to conclude
the investigation and allow the death to be registered. I received no follow up requests for
information or clarification due to the complete nature of my report and received positive
comments about the quality of my work.
As a result of my experience dealing with members of the community, other government
departments and business, I have developed very good interpersonal skills. These skills are
supported through comments made by one of my superiors in a 2012 appraisal, “first class
constable du Cloux is an excellent leader within the team. He is the first person to assist staff
and the first person staff approach with questions”.
Other key roles such as working with the Detectives office at Kalgoorlie required exceptional
communication skills, particularly with the conducting of investigations and interviews.
4) Leadership/Teams and Integrity
As acting Sergeant at kalgoorlie I was responsible for leading a team of highly capable officers
in a police district that was well known for it’s diverse challenges. I was identified and given the
opportunity to undertake a leadership role in such an environment due to the leadership skills
I demonstrated on a daily basis. In addition to my understanding of policing procedures, I was
recognized for my relationship and people management skills as well as my willingness to
mentor junior officers. During this time I made a personal commitment to improve the team
culture by adopting a strategy utilising the shift changeover. I structured this changeover
period to hold team discussions and provide an environment for interaction and exchange of
ideas. This was very beneficial for both junior and experienced officers and had a positive
impact on morale.
My integrity can be demonstrated by a situation that occurred at Exmouth police station,
where I became aware of a senior officer who was bullying one of the constables. The effect
on the constable was causing emotional and psychological damage and being a small team,
this behavior was starting to cause problems with working relationships and morale. I could
see that the other team members were uncomfortable with the situation and decided to take
action. I met with the senior officer and reminded him of his obligations under the bullying and
harassment provisions, APS Code of Conduct and Values. I requested that he stop the behavior
for the good of the officer and the team. When it became evident his behavior was not going
to change I contacted the internal investigations division which initiated a formal process. This
process resulted in the matter being resolved quickly and a good outcome achieved. During
this time the senior officer confronted me and asked if I was the one responsible for initiating
the complaint. I had no hesitation in acknowledging my actions and taking ownership.
In regard to performance management I once initiated a formal performance process with a
probationary officer that lead to his transfer and eventual termination. Despite doing
everything possible to support the improvement of this person’s performance and attitude I
had to make the difficult decision to follow a formal path. I managed this situation in a way
that considered what was best for the person, the police service and the community.
My leadership ability in regard to managing corporate policies and programs is demonstrated
by the time I had to implement a new time keeping regimen at the station as the acting
Sergeant in Kalgoorlie. The new measure meant that everyone had to sign in and out to ensure
that working hours were accurately recorded for salary, overtime and leave purposes. The new
process was unpopular with station staff and I had to influence and negotiate with people until
I had complete compliance.
5) Decision Making and Strategic Thinking
I developed an ability to think strategically especially in a corporate or organisational sense in the role
as acting Sergeant with the Western Australian Police Service in Kalgoorlie. I was responsible for
ensuring that the team and I understood the strategic direction and mission of the state’s Police
Service. My task was to translate our strategic initiatives and policies into practical and demonstrable
activities and outcomes. I achieved this through regular and targeted communication, meetings and
monitoring our performance against the office action plan. Being able to align local action plan
priorities to broader strategies across the service was a good way of developing a common purpose.
For example, the high performance of the Kalgoorlie office was a direct reflection of the team’s ability
to understand and implement the range of informing strategies. Our adherence to strategic policies
contributed directly to the key principles detailed in the WA Police Strategic Plan 2010 – 2013.
Awareness of the Commissioner’s strategic priorities was also an important part of my goal setting for
the team at a local level. For instance, the Commissioner’s commitment to addressing alcohol related
incidents and reduction of road fatalities was articulated in the 2012 Annual report and linked to the
‘Towards Zero Strategy’ as part of the back to basics approach. Understanding the legal frameworks
relating to the above strategies and implementing action plans demonstrates my capability to
support strategic direction. I am confident in my ability to interpret and apply the provisions
contained within the Guardianship and Administration Act 2000, and associated articles relating to
the Senior Investigations Officer position.
On the ground I supported strategic activities by providing intelligence reports and make
recommendations, also as a core part of my investigations duties I routinely analysed information
gathered from interviews and other sources to inform astute decisions.
Being in charge of general duties and managing shift in a policing role meant having to be able to
make decisions which were considered and in the best interests of the community and police staff.
Whilst these decision sometimes made on the run, I used common sense sought advice and input
from relevantly qualified and trustworthy colleagues and superiors.
I also implemented several new approaches to routine work with the general duties team from
filing practices to orchestrating interactive team sessions to generate new ideas and suggestions.
6) Technical
During 2011 as an investigator with the Western Australian Police Service attached to the
Kalgoorlie Detectives Office, I conducted and ongoing and detailed investigation into a serious
spate of arson activity. These activities required me to undertake a 6 month investigation to
identify and charge the perpetrator(s). To illustrate the serious and life threatening nature of these
acts, the individuals charged were responsible for 21 house and car fires within the Goldfields
District, including one house fire which was started while the occupants were still inside the
property.
In the course of conducting the investigation, I had to employ a range of techniques and covert
strategies including surveillance, conducting interviews and gathering information to be used as
admissible evidence. In order to progress the investigation and take further action I had to draft a
detailed warrant application, referring to relevant legislation in support of community protection
and public safety. The investigation, lead to the arrest, charging and conviction of a local couple.
As a further example of my expertise in conducting complex investigations, I have been actively
working as an independent contractor to some of the largest insurance companies within the
industry. These investigations are often complex and involve public liability, compulsory third
party and general insurance claims. Being commercial in nature, these investigations are highly
solutions driven.
To achieve results I would, as acting Sergeant at Kalgoorlie set goals and targets for the team
during various shifts to meet the stations’ KPIs. For example I would send the night shift out with
the target of achieving a minimum number of traffic stops. My performance appraisals
consistently recognised my knowledge of policing policies and procedures, which were critical to
my success and based on being able to interpret and apply key legislation such as the Crimes Act,
Criminal Code and Road Traffic Act. Occasionally I would investigate a crime which was influenced
or governed by legislation outside of the normal criminal acts, or where state and federal
jurisdiction was a consideration. This would sometimes involve unusual legislation such as the
National Parks and Wildlife Act. Having made some initial enquiries I am confident I will easily be
able to adapt to the governing legislation for this role.
I am very effective in achieving work outcomes as evidenced by my involvement in a situation with
the Kalgoorlie Detectives Office. A designated camp area outside the town was attacked by a
group who were assaulting Aboriginal people. We reacted swiftly as a team and arrested all of
those involved and gathered evidence including forensic evidence which was difficult in this
environment.
