Hi, I’m Annie and I work as an Immigration Officer in Criminal and Financial Investigation (CFI), leading investigations into immigration-related offences. This often involves organised criminality and fraud.
My role includes gathering and analysing evidence, interviewing suspects, victims and witnesses, and attending court to support prosecutions. It’s about building strong cases that contribute to the wider justice process.
Building a career in investigation
I joined the Home Office in December 2022 with no prior experience in criminal investigations at the PIP0 entry Level (Professionalising Investigation Programme).
At the start, I worked on lower-level cases to build my skills and confidence.
What stood out to me when I applied was the opportunity to gain a PIP1 qualification at the Home Office. It gave me a clear pathway into criminal investigations and the chance to develop professionally while doing meaningful work. Over time, I’ve progressed to leading more complex investigations, including some that are high-profile.
Finding a way into criminal justice
After finishing education, I knew university wasn’t for me, and I wasn’t entirely sure which direction I wanted to take.
I’d always been interested in criminal justice, but I didn’t know how to break into that kind of role. I started working in a private organisation investigating financial disputes, which is where I realised how much I enjoyed being inquisitive, following detail, and piecing together information.
That experience helped shape my decision to move into more complex investigative work.
I hadn’t worked in the Civil Service before and didn’t come from a traditional investigative background, so I spent time looking into how to gain qualifications in this area. When I came across this role, I recognised it as a way to enter criminal investigations and build a long-term career, even without prior experience.
No two days are the same
A lot of the time I’m picking up ongoing investigations and working out what needs to happen next by reviewing evidence, following lines of enquiry, and building a clear picture of the case.
Some days I’m in the office doing that, and other days I’m carrying out operational work like arrests or helping to plan upcoming activity.
I’ll also interview suspects, victims and witnesses, support other teams, and prepare case files for court or charging decisions. It’s a good mix of desk-based work and time out in the field, so it never feels repetitive.
“It’s rewarding knowing the work I do helps supports the wider justice process.”
I enjoy making a difference and helping justice to be served.
It’s rewarding to know the work I do contributes to building strong cases and supports the wider justice process. I also enjoy the variety. There’s always something different going on, whether that’s reviewing evidence, interviewing people, or being out on operational activity.
What keeps me motivated is knowing there’s a real purpose behind the work, even when it’s challenging. I like learning and growing in this role, there’s always more to improve on.
Support, flexibility and development
My responsibilities outside of work are important to me, and I’ve found the Home Office to be supportive in helping me balance those with the role.
The job can be busy and sometimes unpredictable, but there’s a strong understanding that people have lives outside of work. When flexibility is needed, there’s support to make that work where possible.
I’ve also benefited from a clear pathway for development. I came in with no background in criminal investigations, but through training and on-the-job experience I’ve been able to build my confidence and progress into more complex work.
A role where you can build a career
I’d definitely recommend a career in the Home Office and Immigration Enforcement.
It’s a great place to build your skills and progress. The role is varied, with a mix of office work and operational activity, which keeps things interesting.
My advice would be to be open to learning and progression, and you’ll be supported along your journey. If you’re inquisitive, motivated, and want a role where you can make a difference, there are real opportunities to build a career here. I’ve experienced that first-hand.
