Overview
Red Snapper Learning (RSL) – End to End Training Service for UK Policing
A career in policing is a journey, requiring the right knowledge, skills, training, and support at every stage. At RSL, we provide an End to End service – step-by-step career development pathways that support officers from their first day in policing to becoming effective, efficient and competent investigators, supervisors, and leaders.
The services include:
- Entry-Level Training – Foundation courses to establish core policing skills including Professional Investigation Programme level 1 Investigator (PIP 1).
- Professional Investigation Programme level 1 (PIP 1) standalone
- NIE and NPPF Revision Program – A specially created revision program to help individual officers prepare for their promotional exam.
- Specialist Investigative Programs – Advanced training, support, assessment and verification for national programs, including SCAIDP, SSAIDP, and ISCD.
- Supervisory & Leadership Development – PIP2 Level 2 Investigative Supervisor/Manager Programme Training and leadership modules for future policing leaders.
- Support and Verification for accreditation – Expert guidance in Assessment and quality assurance services to ensure required force and national standards.
From first steps in policing to senior leadership roles, RSL provides the training and guidance to help officers succeed.
RSL End-to-End Training Services offer organisations a diverse range of flexible solutions tailored to meet the demands of today’s rapidly evolving environment. We are uniquely positioned to provide a comprehensive suite of services, from tailored training programs and support packages to portfolio management, workplace assessments, and Independent Quality Assurance processes—all in compliance with national standardisation and moderation requirements. Our highly skilled workforce is equipped to adapt seamlessly to fluctuations in demand, attrition, and budget constraints, enabling significant savings on internal recruitment, training, and resource management.
Let’s look at the pathways in more detail.
The Foundation of Police Excellence
Foundation training is designed to equip officers with the skills needed to meet policing challenges faced today, including core investigative skills and PIP1 essential for priority and volume investigations. It prepares officers for investigative roles by providing them with realistic, scenario-based training. This course is structured around the National Policing Curriculum which aims to develop critical thinkers for a challenging and complex environment. Our training ensures a balance of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
- Crime Scene Management – Handling and preserving evidence effectively.
- PEACE Interviewing – Mastering suspect and witness interview techniques.
- Statement Taking – Mastering the structure of a comprehensive and effective statement
- Stop and Search – Understanding the requirements for a compliant stop and search.
- Case File Preparation – Understanding evidential requirements for successful case progression.
- Compliance with APP & CPIA – Ensuring all investigative actions meet national policing standards.
- Personal Safety Training – Ensuring officers are provided with the skills and knowledge to deal confidently in high pressure situations.
- Legislation – Including theft, burglary, public order etc
Why Choose Red Snapper Learning?
- Realistic, Organisationally Relevant Scenarios – We tailor investigations to the challenges officers will face in their specific roles.
- Blended Learning Approach – Training is available via face-to-face, virtual, or hybrid delivery, making it accessible for all officers.
- Evaluation of learning progression – We track each officer’s learning journey through summative assessment checks to measure progress and reinforce key concepts.
- Success-Driven Approach – Our trainers are seasoned investigators who ensure participants gain practical, job-ready skills.
- On-Demand Learning Support – 24/7 access to e-learning materials, online assessments, webinars, and a dedicated help desk.
Client Testimonial – City of London Police
“We have been grateful to Red Snapper for the delivery of PIP1 training to our new Fraud Police Staff Investigators. The trainers were engaging, considerate to differing levels of experience, and knowledgeable about managing volume fraud offences. The course followed the College of Policing’s PIP Curriculum and maintained a balance of theory and practical sessions. I would recommend the course to any other law enforcement organisation.”
Beyond the Classroom: Unrivalled Post-Training Support
- e-Learning Portal – Access to bite-sized videos, handbooks, and supplementary materials.
- Online Assessments – Reinforcing knowledge beyond training hours.
- Weekly Webinars – Interactive Q&A sessions and deep dives into critical topics.
- Learning Support Help Desk – Available 8 AM – 8 PM (Weekdays) & 10 AM – 4 PM (Weekends).
- Tutors/Coaches – Personal allocation for those requiring extra support.
Our structured and career-enhancing approach ensures every officer leaves with the skills and confidence to excel in investigative roles.
Professionalising Investigation Programme Level 1 (PIP1) Standalone
This program provides staff with the critical investigative skills necessary to effectively conduct investigations, while laying the foundation for the development of advanced skills. It is specifically designed for those engaged in investigating priority and volume crimes, ensuring they are confident, competent, and consistently prepared to handle cases with professionalism and efficiency.
Why Choose Red Snapper Learning for PIP 1?
- Comprehensive Training – Aligned to the national curriculum for investigating volume and priority, preparing officers for effective and efficient policing.
- Experienced Trainers – Delivered by experienced individuals with operational expertise.
- Engaging & Practical – Balance of theory, hands-on exercises, and role-play scenarios.
- 4 Week Programme – Intensive structured training programme designed for maximum knowledge retention.
Who Is This Training For?
- Police staff investigators are expected to do so as either a PIP 1 or PIP 2 investigator. This learning and development aligns with the training provided to warranted officers in these roles.
Key Learning Areas in PIP1 Training
- Core Investigative Skills – Investigating Volume and Priority Crime
- Risk & Decision-Making – Enhancing officers’ ability to make critical investigative decisions.
- Encouragement of professional curiosity – setting priorities, structuring investigations, and compiling evidence.
- Case Building – Preparing cases for prosecution, working with the CPS and disclosure teams.
- Digital & Financial Investigations – Foundations for investigating fraud, cybercrime, and economic crime.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration – Working effectively with partner agencies in complex investigations.
- Statement Taking – Mastering the structure of a comprehensive and effective statemen
- PEACE Interviewing – Mastering suspect and witness interview techniques.
- Legislation & Compliance – Understanding the CPIA 1996, PACE 1984, and relevant case law.
Assessment: Summative and Formative methods including written assignments, practical exercises, and role-play scenarios.
By the end of this program, officers will be fully prepared to take on volume and priority investigations, ensuring they can confidently step into their Investigators.
Next Steps: Following PIP1 Police Staff Investigators may require PIP 2 training and accreditation if working in Specialist areas such as homicide, fraud, cybercrime, and child exploitation investigations.
National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) & National Police Promotion Framework (NPPF) Revision Programme – Maximising Success
The NIE and NPPF exams are a critical milestone for officers progressing via the promotional route or investigative roles. RSL’s bespoke revision programme is designed to increase pass rates, contextualise knowledge acquired and boost confidence, ensuring officers are fully prepared for the exam.
Why Choose Red Snapper Learning?
- Proven Results – Forces such as the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) and Hampshire Police have seen a 20% increase in pass rates after enrolling in our programme. For officers completing the full program, this rises to 30%.
- Tailored Learning Streams – We offer three structured learning paths to accommodate different learning needs and t study schedules.
- Mock Assessments & Progress Tracking – Regular assessments help identify areas for improvement and reinforce key knowledge.
- Comprehensive Support System – Interactive webinars, an ‘Ask-a-Tutor’ digital Q&A service, and one-on-one mentoring provide ongoing guidance.
- Flexible Study Plan – Officers are advised to dedicate a minimum of 12 weeks of study before taking their NIE or NPPF exam reflective of National recommendations.
How Our Programme Works
RSL can create a bespoke revision program which can stream each candidate into one of three learning streams, from their initial mock results, ensuring a tailored and effective revision experience:
Stream 1 – Independent Digital Support
- Full access to our e-learning platform, featuring structured modules covering all the NIE/NPPF syllabus areas.
- ‘Ask-a-Tutor’ digital Q&A service – Candidates are able to submit questions and receive expert guidance.
- Monthly interactive webinars hosted by experienced trainers.
Stream 2 – Interactive Virtual Learning
Everything from Stream 1, plus:
- Six virtual classroom sessions – In-depth exam preparation with real-time tutor support.
- Additional structured revision exercises to reinforce learning.
Stream 3 – Premium One-on-One Mentorship
Everything from Stream 2, plus:
- Four additional virtual classroom events for more intensive learning.
- Dedicated one-on-one mentor support to create a personalised revision plan.
- Accountability tracking to ensure consistent progress.
Performance Tracking & Assessments
- Mock Exams at Weeks 5 & 10 – Officers will complete structured assessments, allowing trainers to track progress and provide targeted support.
Addressing Common Pitfalls in NIE Preparation
Many officers underestimate the depth of the NIE/NPPF syllabus, the detail understanding required to be successful in the exam, and they may struggle with revision and practical exam technique. Our revision programme helps identify and tackle the many challenges faced by:
- Clarifying common misconceptions and difficult legal principles.
- Ensuring officers are aware of high-yield exam topics most frequently tested.
- Providing a structured, realistic study schedule to prevent last-minute cramming.
- Offering force-specific adjustments to meet the needs of different organisations.
- Offering specialised support to individual learning needs including neurodiversity and reasonable adjustments
Ongoing Support & Resources
- Post-course mentoring – Officers can access tailored revision plans and additional support if needed.
- Digital learning resources – On-demand materials available via our e-learning platform.
- Expert support available – Continuous through our digital Q&A service.
RSL don’t just prepare officers for their exam — we prepare them to pass with confidence.
Each steam/support offering can be tailored to suit each force.
Professionalising Investigation Programme Level 2 (PIP2)
Developing Skilled Investigators for Serious & Complex Investigations
Once officers pass the National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) and embark on their journey towards becoming a Detective, PIP2 training is the next crucial step. This programme equips officers with the essential investigative skills required to effectively investigate serious and complex crime, ensuring they are confident, competent, and consistently case ready.
Why Choose Red Snapper Learning for PIP2?
- Comprehensive Training – Covers all aspects of serious and complex investigations, preparing officers for effective and efficient policing.
- College of Policing-Aligned Curriculum – Ensures training meets national investigative standards.
- Experienced Trainers – Delivered by experienced detectives with operational expertise.
- Engaging & Practical – Balance of theory, hands-on exercises, and role-play scenarios.
- 6-8 Week Programme – Intensive structured training programme designed for maximum knowledge retention.
Who Is This Training For?
- Officers who have passed the NIE (National Investigators Exam).
- Those looking to transition into Detective roles.
- Police Staff Investigators needing enhanced investigative skills.
Key Learning Areas in PIP2 Training
- Core Investigative Skills – Investigating serious and complex cases.
- Risk & Decision-Making – Enhancing officers’ ability to make critical investigative decisions.
- Encouragement of professional curiosity – setting priorities, structuring investigations, compiling evidence.
Case Building – Preparing cases for prosecution, working with the CPS and disclosure teams.
- Digital & Financial Investigations – Foundations for investigating fraud, cybercrime, and economic crime.
- Multi-Agency Collaboration – Working effectively with partner agencies in complex investigations.
- Interviewing Skills – Conducting victim and witness interviews following Achieving best evidence (ABE) and suspect interviews using advanced techniques.
- Legislation & Compliance – Understanding the CPIA 1996, PACE 1984, and relevant case law.
Assessment: Summative and Formative methods including written assignments, practical exercises, and role-play scenarios.
By the end of this program, officers will be prepared to take on serious and complex investigations, ensuring they can confidently step into their role as a Detective Constable and work towards accreditation
Next Steps: Following PIP2 Accreditation officers can specialise in areas such as homicide, fraud, cybercrime, and child exploitation investigations.
Testimonial – City of London Police:
“The City of London Police have now passed two cohorts through the Red Snapper PIP2 Investigators course. The content was designed specifically for our Police Staff Investigators. While they primarily work in fraud and economic crime, the skills provided have made them more rounded investigators, able to contribute to any demand required by the organisation. The trainers were engaging and sensitive to the varying degrees of experience, maintaining an excellent balance of theory and practical sessions.”
Detective Academy
Professional Development & the growth of contexualising
The Detective Academy is designed for Detectives and Trainees who are required to achieve and maintain PIP standards and who wish to enhance their knowledge, contextualise learning or access practical skills.
From Trainee Detectives who have recently passed the National Investigators’ Exam (NIE) and are looking to contextualise their learning to Specialist Detectives maintaining investigation standards. This programme focuses on practical investigative skills and ensures investigators can access suitable material to maintain standards of practise. This service is also suitable as a standalone for investigators requiring extra support, as part of a development plan or returning to an operational post after some time away.
Why Choose the Detective Academy?
- Beyond Theory – A structured programme focusing on practical investigative skills.
- Blended Learning – Combines training videos, webinars, and interactive case studies.
- Flexible & Accessible – Multiple intakes per year (February, May, July, October).
- Expert-Led Training – Delivered by experienced detectives with frontline expertise.
Learning Approach
- Eight Hours of Training Videos – Covering 50 key areas of investigation practice.
- 14 Live Webinars (One Hour Each) – Spanning seven weeks, providing interactive learning and case study discussions.
Key Modules & Topics
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Introduction
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Case Study: Investigative Excellence A presentation looking at an investigation from the cradle to the grave and how the various points of investigation led to the final result. |
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Dealing with Victims and Witnesses
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Investigating Sexual Offences
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Dealing with Suspects
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Investigating Serious Assaults and Unexplained Deaths
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Drug Investigations
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Investigating Acquisitive Crime
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Specialist Topics
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Who Can Join?
This programme is specifically designed for
- Officers who have recently passed the NIE exam.
- Officers or Staff looking for practical training to enhance their investigative capabilities.
- Development plan objectives
- Refresh for Officers/Staff returning to Operational roles
- Substantive Detectives as part of Continuing Professional Development
Career Benefits & Progression
- Operational Readiness – Officers will be operationally, equipped with the practical skills to handle complex investigations .
- Tactical Awareness – Focuses on real-world decision-making to enhance theoretical learning.
- Pathway to Specialisation – Supports future development into homicide, cybercrime, economic crime, and more.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
With four intakes per year, officers can enrol at a time that suits their career progression. The Detective Academy ensures that all participants are confident, competent, and operationally effective in their roles.
Specialist Investigator and Management Training
Developing Expertise for Complex Investigations
As policing evolves, specialist investigative skills are more crucial than ever. RSL provides targeted training for officers who have already developed core investigative competencies, are PIP 2 accredited and are moving specific roles. These courses go beyond standard PIP 2 training, equipping officers with advanced techniques to handle some of the most sensitive and complex cases.
On Demand Specialism Training Provided by RSL includes, but is not limited to:
PIP3 Training
- The training develops officers’ ability to lead as the SIO on specified crime investigations, to manage the investigative response and all resources associated with the investigation, along with development and implementation strategies, procedures and systems that underpin the investigation.
- Officers must demonstrate competency through case studies, portfolio submissions, and assessments to achieve PIP3 accreditation.
PIP Level 2 Investigative Supervisor/Manager Programme Training
- Essential for detectives transitioning into leadership roles within investigative teams.
- Covers team management, complex case oversight, and strategic decision-making.
Specialist Child Abuse Investigator Development Programme (SCAIDP) Training
- Focused on interviewing and investigative strategies for child abuse cases.
- Covers multi-agency working, safeguarding responsibilities, and forensic interviewing.
Specialist Sexual Assault Investigator Development Programme (SSAIDP) Training
- Advanced techniques for investigating rape and serious sexual offences (RASSO).
- Includes victim engagement, forensic evidence, and suspect management.
Investigating Sudden Childhood Death (ISCD) Training
- Develops skills for handling sensitive and high-profile child death cases.
- Covers post-mortem procedures, medical evidence, and inter-agency collaboration.
Specialist Interviewing Courses – Suspect Training
- Advanced PEACE model application for interviewing suspects.
Specialist Interviewing Courses – Witness Training
- Enhancing witness interviewing skills.
- Techniques for handling vulnerable witnesses.
Interview Advisor Training
- Training for officers to advise and support major investigations in interview strategy.
- Critical for complex investigations where suspect and witness interviews are pivotal.
Get in touch to find out more!
Occupational Competence Portfolio (OCP): Assessment Verification & Independent Quality Assurance (IQA)Support
Ensuring Officers Meet Assessment Standards
The occupational portfolio assessment process is a crucial step for officers pursuing PIP accreditation and specialist qualifications, playing a vital role in helping organisations build an accredited workforce. However, many forces face challenges in allocating the necessary resources to this key workstream, particularly in terms of training, staff numbers, and the quality of skills and experience required.
RSL provides expert guidance, assessment, verification and IQA services to ensure officers’ submissions meet force and national standards.
Common Challenges in Assessment of OCP& How We Help
- Insufficient Staff resourcing – Forces often struggle to resource the assessment and IQA function leading to a decrease in standards, a decrease in sign offs, substantive and accredited investigators and an increase in Risk to the organisation.
- Our support includes the ability to flex with your organisation’s needs.
- Staff Training Knowledge and skills – Having the right staff, with the right skill and training takes time and expertise that forces don’t often have, regular standardisation practises and assessor training is a challenge.
- Our service includes assessor training, standardisation and CPD
- Unclear expectations of Investigators – Initial work submissions often lack structured competent investigations at the outset.
- We guide officers on how to clearly present evidence aligned to assessment criteria at an early stage in the process.
- Inconsistency in Assessment decisions – When there are challenges around staff knowledge and skill often standardisation is lacking.
- Our Assessors are trained to programme standards and take part in regular standardisation to ensure consistency in competency
How We Support Officers Through the Assessment Process
- Expert One-to-One Guidance – Officers receive personalised feedback and advice on strengthening their investigations.
- Case Study Discussions – We provide examples of well-documented cases to guide improvements.
External Assessment, standardisation, moderation and IQA – RSL acts as an extension of force assessment teams or offers independent verification.
- RSL can supply coaches, assessors and IQA staff.
How This Service Differs from Internal Force Assessment
- Flexible Support Model – RSL can collaborate with force assessors and the IQA team or operate independently as an externally managed team, delivering the service in its entirety.
- Increased Standards of investigators – Effective pre-planned regular summative assessment meetings.
- Experienced Assessors – trained, standardised and ready to go when required
- Independent Quality Assurance – Ensures assessments are consistent, impartial, and meet national standards.
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Academy
All PIP 2 Accredited Investigators and those who have completed specialist training programmes such as the SCAIDP and the SSAIDP are required to undertake annual CPD training. However, there is currently a gap in provision, leaving officers without structured up to date development or refresher training.
Red Snapper Learning (RSL) offers a tailored CPD programme to bridge this gap, ensuring officers remain competent and confident in handling sensitive and complex investigations and maintain their accreditation.
CPD Programme Options
RSL’s CPD training is flexible, designed to fit operational demands. Sessions can range from one-hour refresher sessions to full-day immersive training, delivered through virtual learning, face-to-face workshops, or blended formats.
1-Hour CPD Webinars include:
- Trauma-Informed Investigations – Understanding victim psychology and improving engagement.
- Recent Case Law & Legal Updates – Ensuring officers stay current with legislative changes.
- Digital Evidence in Child Abuse & Sexual Offence Cases – Managing online investigations and digital forensics.
- Interviewing Vulnerable Victims & Witnesses – Refining interviewing techniques.
- Risk Assessment & Multi-Agency Working – Strengthening partnerships with social services and safeguarding teams.
Half-Day CPD Workshops include:
- Advanced Interviewing – Building on interview techniques using live role-play scenarios.
- Case File Preparation & Disclosure Responsibilities – Improving the quality of case files for court readiness.
- Recognising & Investigating Coercive Control – Identifying patterns of coercion in child and sexual abuse cases.
Full-Day Immersive CPD Training, can include:
- Scenario-Based Investigation Training – Officers work through real-life investigative scenarios, focusing on decision-making, evidence handling, and victim engagement.
- Multi-Agency Response to Child & Sexual Exploitation – Practical exercises with input from child safeguarding professionals, CPS, and victim support agencies.
Programme Benefits:
- Meets Force CPD Requirements – Ensures compliance with annual training needs.
- Flexible Delivery – Choose from online, face-to-face, or blended learning.
- Led by Expert Trainers – Delivered by experienced investigators and legal professionals.
- Operationally Relevant – Focused on real-world policing challenges.
- Ensures Investigative Standards – Enhances officers’ ability to handle complex cases effectively.
Implementation & Customisation
RSL can tailor CPD programmes based on force requirements, ensuring sessions address specific operational priorities and organisational learning. We offer bulk booking discounts and can integrate CPD into existing training schedules.
