Secondary Role/Skill - Licensed Search Officer (LSO)
Licensed Search Officer (LSO)
Forcewide
Secondary Role - to be completed alongside substantive position
Suitable for officers of all ranks and positions (excluding ARV and JOU Dog Section)
Multiple Vacancies Available
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Expressions of interest are invited from Police Constables and Police Sergeants across Thames Valley Police for the role of Licensed Search Officer. Applicants across all strands are welcome to apply however; officers on ARV and JOU Dog Section are not permitted to apply due to their primary role commitments.
The course is expected to run in July 2024 and should to be held at Sulhamstead. You will be required to attend all 5 days. Accommodation will be provided if required and you are eligible.
This is not a full time role but runs parallel to an Officer’s normal operational duties. You will be deployed both spontaneously and on pre-planned operations.
The Licenced Search Officer is a nationally recognised qualification and licence. The role caries a high level of responsibility and will mean you may be deployed to defensive and offensive Counter Terrorist Search Operations, Major Crime Scene Searches and High Risk Missing Person Searches both in and out of force.
You will play an integral part in major investigations and Operations and the role provides a great opportunity to widen your skills and knowledge around multiple aspects of policing.
You will work under the supervision of a Police Search Advisor (PolSA). You will receive the appropriate training, equipment and PPE required in order to carry out your role. You will also be provided with ongoing support, guidance and advice in your role.
You will be required to complete a minimum of 4 PolSA led searches in a 12 month period. You must not have a period of inactivity longer than 6 months.
You will be required to attend and successfully complete 2 refresher dates every 12 months.
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The below points are mandatory requirements;
- Applicants must have 18 months service prior to the course start date.
- The role must not conflict with other specialist roles. You can be Level 2 and an LSO as long as your line manager is satisfied with the level of abstractions for both qualifications.
- No abstractions can be taken during the course. This includes court warnings, medical appointments etc.
- Pre course completion of the NCALT Standard Search package is required.
- There is a mandatory three-year return of service on successful completion of the course. It is imperative that you only apply if you intend to fulfil this requirement.
- You must ensure that your mandatory training is up to date, officer safety, E-Learning, and first aid.
- Due to being a frontline role, LSOs are required to be fully operational in relation to their fitness to deploy.
The course comprises of theory and practical inputs surrounding all aspects of vehicle, building and open area search. It is Counter Terrorist based and you will be expected to pass a multiple choice exam based on the LSO manual and a Method of Attack exam based on recognition of component parts of Improvised Explosive Devices. The course is pass or fail on both the theory and practical elements.
Priority for candidates will be given to those on local policing areas who are currently under represented.
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How To Apply
Expressions of interest should be submitted via email to PC 1007 Chris Fry (christopher.fry@thamesvalley.police.uk).
Your expression of interest should include:
- Name, Rank, Number, current role and home station.
- Brief career history to date.
- Why you would like to become a Licenced Search Officer.
- Line manager’s endorsements: This should be sent with the line managers endorsement form attached. This should be endorsed by your first and second line manager.
The process will be by paper sift only. There will not be any boards for this course. Any disputes will be dealt with by Joint Operations Unit line Management in consultation with a HR Manager.
If you are currently employed within a role that will prove difficult to be released for the course itself or any future deployment, please assess your suitability to apply. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this please raise them with your current line manager before submitting your application.
Any application that is not accompanied by the correct level of sign off will not be processed.
Please email your application and supporting authority to: christopher.fry@thamesvalley.police.uk by 2359hrs on Monday 1st April 2024. Any applications received after this time will not be considered.
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If after reading the above you have any questions or queries regards this opportunity or just want to chat in more detail about what it involves then please contact:-
PC 1007 Chris Fry
Police Search Advisor
Specialist Search Unit
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Valuing Difference. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. Learn more about how we are Valuing Difference.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
This opportunity is closed to applications.