Closing date: Tuesday 21st July 2026, 11:59pm
Rank: Constable
Secondment or transferee opportunity
Today terrorism is a constant threat within the United Kingdom. By joining Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) , you can directly contribute to keeping the UK safe and help us tackle the threat.
The Counter Terrorism Policing West Midlands (CTPWM) are looking for a Technical Surveillance Officer for our Surveillance unit which is at the forefront of helping to protect the UK from terrorist attacks.
We are looking for a forward thinking Police Officer to take on this role witch is based within our modern offices near Birmingham Airport. You will primarily work Monday to Friday however, you will need to have a flexible approach as you may be required to change or work additional hours to meet operational demand. You may also be required to work out of hours and stay overnight working both local, nationally and internationally. You will also be required to support an on-call rota within the team which covers 365 days a year.
We would like our department to be diverse and inclusive, to be able to provide the best possible service to the communities that we serve. We will be encouraging applications from those with protected characteristics.
In addition, you must hold a full current UK/European driving licence with the ability to work from within a vehicle whilst travelling for extended periods of time.
The role
You will be involved in the deployment of covert technical equipment often in demanding situations, providing specialist advice and technical surveillance support to Counter Terrorism investigations.
You will provide advice to investigating officers on equipment available to achieve technical surveillance objectives, also providing practical assistance on how to prepare, maintain and deploy technical equipment.
If you have a background working in, for example, an electrical, electronic, mechanical or construction industry and have a good knowledge of how things are put together then we would encourage you to apply. Training for other parts of this role outside of your technical knowledge will be given to the successful candidate.
Responsibilities
- Providing practical assistance on preparing and maintaining technical equipment.
- When required designing, building, adapting to each individual operation, or repairing equipment.
- Training others in the use of technical equipment as required.
- Conducting feasibility studies, planning and deploying technical equipment in covert operations.
- Operating an effective system to record the progress of work and equipment deployed.
- Providing comprehensive risk assessments for operations.
- Preparing periodic data on work undertaken.
- Continual appraisal of working methods to ensure best value and importantly keep abreast of the constant development of technology.
You will be working in stressful, often dirty hazardous conditions in time limited operations where the planning and execution is vital to the safe deployment of equipment and staff. This is a physical role and at times you will be carrying heavy equipment over distances.
-
Skills and competencies
Essential
- Previous experience in covert Policing operations.
- Working knowledge of legal issues affecting covert investigations including TSU and surveillance.
- Ability to work with sensitive information and understand the need for confidentiality and discretion.
- Proven communications skills with the ability to operate effectively at a variety of levels and can work on your own initiative and without supervision.
- To demonstrate the ability to prioritise work to ensure deadlines are met.
- High degree of commitment, dedication and flexibility.
Knowledge and understanding of I.P and networking, operating systems, IT hardware and software.
-
Desirable
- Possess previous experience of working within a Technical Surveillance Unit.
- Knowledge of Counter Terrorism and the Security Services.
- Knowledge of current developments/advancements in technology and techniques.
- Experience of working at height/hazardous conditions.
Technical qualifications.
-
Additional Information
- This position is offered as a permanent post to West Midlands Police or a 2-year secondment. To qualify for the latter, you must confirm in your application that you have received approval, through the process established by your Chief Officer, for secondment to another force.
Please note this role falls under Category B under the Windsor Adjusted Duties categories
Officers with Winsor Adjusted Duties categories that match the required category for this role will be considered before candidates in other categories. In some cases, a candidate may be rejected based on their Winsor Adjusted Duties category. For example, if a Police Officer with a category “D” applies for a category “A” role without supporting evidence from Occupational Health, their application may not be progressed. Conversely, if a category “D” role is being advertised, priority consideration will be given to candidates in category “D.” This approach ensures that West Midlands Police balances its operational requirements with supporting career progression for colleagues.
Security Checks
- This post requires British nationality (some dual nationalities may be ineligible) and Developed Vetting clearance.
You will need to undergo additional security clearance checks, with the offer of employment being conditional on obtaining all of the necessary security clearances.
There are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries once in post.
Diversity & Inclusion
We maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm.
Counter Terrorism Policing is always working to build upon our diverse workforce to reflect the country we serve. An inclusive culture enables us to do things differently, working in ways that meet individuals’ needs to ensure work-life balance is healthy so that we deliver the best for the organisation.
We are a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a Disability Confident Interview Scheme - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.
It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example, in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.
Advertisement Closing Date
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if the maximum volume of applications has been reached. Candidates with unsubmitted applications will not be informed prior to the advert closing.
Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.
