ROLE: SPECIAL OPERATIONS UNIT - COVER OFFICER

DEPARTMENT: REGIONAL

LOCATION: SOUTH YORKSHIRE

TERM: PERMANENT

RANK: DS

HOURS PER WEEK: 40

See attachment for Gen2

Applications are invited for the post of Detective Sergeant in the newly formed undercover online Surveillance Unit.  From 1st January 2018 this will be a centralised regional unit based within South Yorkshire Police premises.  However, as West Yorkshire is the lead force, the successful officer will be expected to second to West Yorkshire Police to take up this posting.

The cover officer (in conjunction with the undercover covert Operations Manager) is responsible for ensuring that arrangement exist for the proper oversight and management of the Undercover operatives security/welfare and tactics, as per the section 29(5) (a) of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA).

The cover officer will ensure interactions between the undercover officers and the operational team are in accordance with agreed sterile corridor arrangements.  The cover officer will provide expertise on covert policing techniques.

Other responsibilities of the Cover Officer include:

• to be fully conversant with current law, procedures and guidelines as applicable to undercover operations, including aspects related to disclosure issues
• To undertake the administration, co-ordination and facilitation of undercover operations and provide expertise on covert policing techniques including tactical advice and guidance to senior investigating officers and those who manage undercover on line operations.
• To ensure the appropriate and safe use of undercover officers for both legend building and deployment for other units as part of the National Undercover Working Group structure.
• To maintain, and where necessary establish close working arrangements with other professional bodies and agencies at the appropriate level. 
• To maintain an awareness of national, regional and force developments in the areas of covert policing, relevant legislation and changes in the requirements of the Criminal Justice System.

Essential Criteria:

• Have relevant previous experience with regards to investigating serious crime through the use of undercover policing investigative techniques.
• The successful candidate must successfully pass the College of Policing Cover Officer course to enable them to retain their position.
• Experience of the judicial process in relation to serious crime and the use of undercover policing investigative techniques, including the practical application of relevant legislation, presentation of evidence, disclosure and Public Interest Immunity.
• The post holder will be required to work additional hours as per operational requirements.
• Full UK Driving Licence
• The post holder will be required to travel throughout the Region and beyond with occasional overnight stays as per operational requirements.
• The post holder will have to be SC and MV vetted

Desirable:

• It would be desirable for applicants to have experience of ‘UC On- line ‘investigations.
• Be trained / have had previous experience as an Undercover Operative (Foundation or Advanced).
• The successful post holder will have to be SC and MV vetted by West Yorkshire Police.

Officer’s wishing to apply should submit Expressions of Interest of no more than 500 words outlining how they meet the requirements of the essential and desirable criteria outlined in the body of the advert.  To apply for the post Officers will also need support from their Head of District / Department & their Line Manager.  Both the completed Expression of Interest & Support should be sent through to recruiting@southyorks.pnn.police.uk.

Please ensure that the Job title & closing date is stated in the subject of the email.

Without support, your application will not be considered.

Please do not use the form ADM130; we are unable to accept this application form.

For further information about this post please, contact DI Mick Hakin on Tel No. 01709 83 2524.  Please do not contact this number for an application form.

Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and an agreement is made with the HR Manager - Recruitment and the Line Manager for the role.

Closing date: Tuesday 28th November 2017, at 23.55pm