We welcome applications from substantive Detective Sergeants for the role of Sergeant for Covert Operations within the South East Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU). The post holder will be responsible for supervising undercover operatives who deploy in a covert capacity and to maintain and develop an effective covert policing capability in the Covert Operations Unit (COU) as part of the National Undercover Working Group structure.

The successful applicant will be required to provide advice on covert policing techniques in relation to investigations into serious crime and criminals operating within the region or whose activities adversely affect communities. In addition there is a supervisory requirement to monitor, assess and report on the performance and skills of relevant COU staff and monitor compliance with covert RIPA authorities and disclosure responsibilities under CPIA to effectively manage Highly Sensitive Material in liaison with CPS.

Further Information

Please note that this role is part of a national, regional and local network and as a result you may be required to travel for business purposes mainly across the south east region and occasionally throughout the UK. Therefore, the successful candidate will require a full UK driving licence.

Due to the nature of our work, security is of paramount importance to us and therefore it will be necessary for the successful candidate to obtain and maintain vetting level SC.  In order to achieve this, you must have resided in the UK for the past five years. Exemptions may apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government), and studying abroad.  

You can find more information about security vetting here.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of 31 March 2024 at 23:55hrs.

Substantive Officers and those Officers applying for Promotion. If you wish to apply you need to have support from your Head of Command / Department.

• Hampshire officers need to complete an AD277b alongside their application. This form is not available on the force’s standard forms library. It can be found on the HR Portal. Please contact WFPlanning@hampshire.police.uk if you have any queries relating to this.
• Kent Officers will need to inform Kent HR Resource Planning at the earliest opportunity of intention to apply.   Every Officer application form must be signed by the Chief Supt or police staff equivalent and sent to Kent HR Resource Planning no later than 5 working days prior to closing date unless exceptional circumstances apply. This is required so that Chief Officer approval can be obtained for the application to progress, which will be managed by Kent HR Resource Planning.  These steps must be completed prior to application submission.  If your application for an opportunity is not approved prior to submission to the recruiting organisation you may not be supported for release to the role, should you be successful.
• Officers from other forces are welcome to apply. You may wish to consult with your HR team regarding completion of additional forms.

Substantive officers will be shortlisted against the Essential Criteria and should submit an online application form.  You will be required to upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record/Focus Feedback meeting) and a copy of your Training Record. You will be also required to upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’. Thames Valley Police (TVP) officers who have already passed the TVP Promotion, can apply as a substantive (above application requirements). 

In addition to this information, officers applying on promotion should also submit a ‘Why Me, Why Now’ letter which outlines your motivation and suitability for the role at this time. Your evidence should also demonstrate the relevant behaviours, skills, knowledge and experience in relation to your capability at this rank in accordance with the core competencies (CVF) Step up Criteria. The letter must be no more than two (2) sides of A4. The margins must not be modified from 2.54cm. All evidence outside the margins should be removed. You will also be required to upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent CPD record//Focus Feedback meeting) and the Police Officer Promotion Reference Form.

If you wish to apply you need to have support from your Head of Command / Department.

• Hampshire officers need to complete an AD277b alongside their application. This form is not available on the force’s standard forms library. It can be found on the HR Portal. Please contact WFPlanning@hampshire.police.uk if you have any queries relating to this.
• Kent Officers will need to inform Kent HR Resource Planning at the earliest opportunity of intention to apply.   Every Officer application form must be signed by the Chief Supt or police staff equivalent and sent to Kent HR Resource Planning no later than 5 working days prior to closing date unless exceptional circumstances apply. This is required so that Chief Officer approval can be obtained for the application to progress, which will be managed by Kent HR Resource Planning.  These steps must be completed prior to submission application.  If your application for an opportunity is not approved prior to submission to the recruiting organisation you may not be supported for release to the role, should you be successful.
• Officers from other forces are welcome to apply. You may wish to consult with your HR team regarding completion of additional forms.

Please upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record/Focus Feedback meeting) and a copy of your Training Record. Please  also upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’.

At SEROCU we are committed to reflecting the communities we serve, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We welcome applications from those interested in part time and flexible working, and encourage applications from our under represented communities.

Our people say that benefits include a good work/life balance, a supportive and welcoming place to work and great opportunities to further develop your own capabilities.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 21292.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive a high volume of applications. Should you wish to apply for this post, we advise you to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.

Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.