We welcome applications from Detective Sergeants seeking a new and rewarding challenge. In this role, you will lead officers primarily within the Undercover Online (UCOL) Crime team, working closely with the UCOL Crime Operations Team, police forces, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and other partner agencies to identify, disrupt, and support investigations into various crime types 

Supported by national networks, you will be expected to contribute best practice and innovative approaches to help drive work forward within this highly specialist and challenging area. 

Excellent communication and decision‑making skills are essential, along with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage risk in line with the THOR principles. We are seeking a strong team player who values continuous professional development (CPD) and wellbeing, and who can thrive in a fast‑paced operational environment. 

Please note that this role may, at times, involve the viewing and management of material relating to CSAE. 

Successful completion of the Cover Officer (A3) course is essential in order to undertake this role. 

As this role operates within a national, regional, and local network, you may be required to travel for business purposes, primarily across the South East region and occasionally elsewhere in the UK. A full UK driving licence is therefore required. 

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 be a British National and 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 10 May 2026  at 23:55hrs.

The leadership within CTPSE and SEROCU are actively committed to embedding and sustaining an inclusive culture that recognises and champions the diversity of our people, and promotes equity and equality so that everyone can succeed at work. The region is delivering this commitment through a long term strategy that takes a holistic and intersectional approach to wellbeing & inclusion. Our strategy is underpinned by the five strategic objectives;

Inclusive Culture – We will create, embed, and continually develop an inclusive culture for our people.

Engaged & Involved – We will ensure our people are engaged, involved, and listened to.

Wellbeing – We will prioritise the wellbeing of our people.

Representation – We will attract, recruit, retain and develop a diverse workforce.

Inclusive by Design – We will ensure that inclusion is a core principle of our policies, products, and decisions.

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 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’.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 23461. If you have applied for this role in the last six months, we respectfully ask that you do not reapply at this current time.

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.