Superintendent - Force Authorising Officer

Cambridgeshire Constabulary are seeking applicants for the post of Superintendent – Force Authorising Officer within our Covert Authorities Department. The successful candidate will either be a substantive superintendent or substantive Chief Inspector who is able to demonstrate they are ready for promotion now into the rank of superintendent.

The role's main function is: to monitor, scrutinise and authorise legal authorities in respect of applications to undertake the use of covert policing tactics; to ensure that such use is lawful, proportionate and necessary and that the integrity and confidentiality of such tactics is protected; and to ensure that opportunities to exploit the availability of such tactics are optimised.

The full role profile is attached but the key responsibilities include:

Being responsible for staff and officers in the Covert Authorities Bureau, Communications Data Investigators Team and Dedicated Source Unit.
Being responsible for ensuring that the use of covert intelligence gathering and enforcement activities is undertaken in a manner that is lawful, necessary and proportionate
Maintaining knowledge of the legal requirements of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000, Investigatory Powers Act 2016, the Police Act 1997 and Prison Act 1952.
Maintaining detailed working knowledge of covert policing tactics, capabilities and limitations and ensure that the use of such tactics is not disclosed inappropriately
Ensuring that all covert policing activity is undertaken in a manner compliant with relevant legislation
Authorising and recommending RIPA requests for direct surveillance, property interference, intrusive surveillance, TEI, Prison & CHIS authorities, ensuring the applications are properly completed before submission for authority.
Being responsible for oversight, scrutiny and risk management of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS).
Authorising Use and Conduct Authorities for CHIS in compliance with national guidance and Codes of Practice
Maintaining accurate and timely written records of surveillance, communications and CHIS authorities
Conducting reviews, renewals and cancellations as required according compliance with relevant timeframes
Ensuring that any errors are appropriately recorded and reported to IPCO
Liaising with other Law Enforcement Partners in relation to the use of covert policing tactics
Authorising HM Prison Service Authorities (OPT) and provide specialist advice where required

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

The proven ability or demonstrable potential to operate as a Superintendent
Ability to pass the College of Policing Authorising Officer’s Course (H6)
Able to provide 24/7 on call capability (cover can be obtained during AL/other absences or extractions)
Able to demonstrate a working knowledge of RIPA and IPA.
Proven decision making abilities
Able to demonstrate an ability to effectively manage high risk matters and investigations
A working knowledge of investigative and intelligence procedures
Knowledge and experience of covert tactics and techniques
Strong standard of written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work unsupervised and on own initiative
Good interpersonal skills with internal personnel and external agencies

The role is based primarily but not exclusively in our HQ in Huntingdon

Additional Information    

As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’. 

It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed. 