Covert Authorities Bureau Officer
£30,783 - £35,982
03/04/2024, 12:00
Covert Authorities Bureau Officer
Leek Wootton
Permanent Contract
Full Time
Salary (£30,783 - £35,982)
The closing date for this post is 12 noon on Wednesday 3rd April
Those currently eligible on the redeployment register will be given prior consideration.
The main purpose of the role is to be responsible for the administrative management of Warwickshire covert operations ensuring compliance with legislation including the Codes of Practice for Surveillance and CHIS, RIPA 2000, IPA 2016, Police Act 1997, Operational Partnership Team (OPT - formerly Police Advisory Service) applications, Human Rights Act 1998 and ACPO and IPCO guidance.
Main Responsibilities:
Management and gate keeping of Surveillance (regulated and non-regulated) applications and authorisations, providing Quality Assurance and feedback where required to the process, Applicant, and Authorising Officer.
Management and gate keeping of Covert Human Intelligence Sources, including initial applications, reviews, renewals, cancellations and participation authorities, where directed by the Covert Authorities Bureau Manager.
Management and gate keeping of Operational Partnership Team (OPT formerly Police Advisory Service) applications and authorisations, providing quality assurance and feedback where required to the process, applicant, and authorising officer.
Prepare and deliver guidance / briefings to Chief Officers (ACPO), Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs) and the Superintendent Force Intelligence (Authorising Officer) in relation to applications for Directed and Intrusive Surveillance, Property interference, Targeted Equipment Interference (TEI) and HMP Prison Service. Obtain Chief Officer Authorisation for Directed and Intrusive Surveillance, Property Interference, TEI and OPT applications / authorities. Ensure that decisions are recorded by way of contemporaneous notes on meetings with ACPO/AO/SIO’s where conducted and for this to be held on the relevant covert application for auditing purposes (in order to achieve this it may be necessary for ACPO Secretariat or another CAB member to be present).
Development and review of covert policies and procedures (SOP’s). Development, review and maintenance of legal agreements, guidance documents and forums e.g. Collaboration Agreements, RIPA library, Operational Guides and Website.
Identify and report breaches of surveillance authorisations on behalf of the Chief Constable to the Chief Surveillance Commissioner. Identify and report compromises of surveillance for national collation, recording and future operational planning.
Provide expert advice and guidance to applicants, operational teams and managers relating to covert considerations and opportunities.
Provide training pertaining to RIPA, IPA, Police Act, Human Rights Act and Covert Operations in accordance with the Codes of Practice to operational officers relevant to the role they are performing.
Provide statistical information and support for inspection processes and documents. Prepare statistical and analytical reports for management and performance purposes.
Develop and maintain knowledge of covert surveillance practices, equipment and capabilities in order to provide appropriate advice and guidance as to their use and implementation. Develop and maintain relationships with other CAB’s regionally and nationally to share information and best practice etc.
Provide a point of contact for personnel within the organisation seeking corporate advice re covert operations. Provide a point of contact for external agencies e.g. IPCO, ROCU, NCA, Local Authority CCTV managers etc.
To undertake other duties commensurate with the nature, level of responsibility and grading of this post, as required.
Knowledge:
Education to A level/NVQ 3 standard (or equivalent)
Working knowledge of Codes of Practice for Surveillance and CHIS, IPA 2016, RIPA 2000, Police Act 1997, Human Rights Act and OPT, IPCO, CPIA, MOPI, DPA, GDPR and FOI
Application of the National intelligence model tasking and co-ordinating process. Knowledge of MOPI policy, disclosure and information sharing principles
Experience:
Previous experience of police / law enforcement investigations, operational policing and procedures
Experience of covert policing tactics, techniques, Codes of Practice for Surveillance and CHIS, IPA, RIPA, Police Act, OPT and Human Rights legislation
Proven experience of handling sensitive information up to and including GSC – ‘Secret’
Experience in covert investigation and prosecution, including recent use of intelligence systems
Key Skills:
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to accurately brief Senior Managers and Partner Agencies
Proficient in the use of IT systems, databases and Windows based packages
Excellent analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure accuracy.
Ability to review, analyse and assess information and intelligence from a wide range of sources and comply with legislative requirements
Ability to lead staff, prioritise their work and support their health and wellbeing keeping people focused in supporting departmental and force strategic aims and objectives in accordance with legislation
Special Conditions
Travel throughout the Warwickshire policing area
*On call including weekends*
Occasional weekend working when demand requires
We want our organisation to be as diverse as the community it serves. We welcome applicants from all sections of the community.
You will be required as part of Warwickshire Police recruitment process to successfully complete vetting and credit checks.
We support the “Happy to talk flexible working” campaign, which aims to encourage uptake of flexible working for individuals, the flexible working options that may be considered for this role include;
Compressed Hours, Fixed Shifts, Remote Working.
Why work for Warwickshire Police?
Warwickshire Police has gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.
If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then Warwickshire Police is the force for you.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Warwickshire Police are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from minority ethnicity communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from other disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds, who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve.
All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.
Recruitment and Selection Policy
Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.
Police Barred and Advisory lists
Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.
Vetting and safeguarding
Warwickshire Police are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.
This vacancy is closed to applications.
