DC Under Cover Online only (UCOLO) Regional Undercover Unit (RUU)- CSE team

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) is looking for Constables keen to progress their careers as part of our Regional Under Cover Unit.

This is a rare opportunity to join the Undercover Online Team.

Once trained as a nationally accredited Online Undercover Operative, you will use your new skills to assist with the investigation into the sexual abuse of children committed or arranged online. You will be involved in the investigation of those that present the highest risk to children and help to secure the evidence that will bring them to justice. You will be safeguarding some of the most vulnerable children through this online activity and the investigations that follow. There will also be the opportunity to conduct additional crime related undercover online investigations.

The role is required to work a mix of day and late shifts Monday to Friday; however, flexibility will be required as this may include weekend and unsocial hours at short notice when needed.

We are looking for positive, motivated individuals from a range of backgrounds and experience that are committed to protecting children.

You will need to work well in a small team, be resilient, adaptable and conscientious.

Some of the material you will encounter in the role may be distressing but it is necessary to engage with and prosecute those causing harm.

Welfare is a priority for the team with an excellent work / life balance, good working environment and regular psychological support.

Thiss a role like no other in policing. An opportunity to work in the specialist covert arena and bring those resources to bear on those who would harm children.

Police Officers in one of our five regional forces can find out more about the work of this team and read first-hand accounts of people working at SWROCU at www.southwestrocu.police.uk

SWROCU is a collaboration of police officers and police staff from the five South West regional forces. We’re part of a national network of nine ROCUs covering England and Wales.

We have more than 20 capabilities that work to Pursue offenders, Protect and Prepare individuals and organisations, and Prevent people from engaging in serious and organised crime.

Our capabilities are here to advise, to assist, or to fully adopt investigations.

We work with local forces and national partners to target and disrupt criminals posing the greatest risk of Serious and Organised Criminality (SOC). This includes offenders involved in cyber threats, economic crime, drug conspiracies, modern slavery and human trafficking, and child sexual abuse and exploitation.

We’re looking for committed people with the right skillset – or ambition to develop that skillset – to join us. People who will thrive working on complex investigations with partners at a regional, national and international level.

You don’t need years of experience to join us; we’ll invest in you.

What we can offer you

Continuous professional development – we encourage and support career growth, giving you the opportunity of a flourishing career.
Well-being support – we have many support mechanisms in place to assist in improving your personal health and wellbeing.
Other perks include discounts and savings for you and your family on retail, dining out, holidays and theme parks to name just a few.
Flexible local government pension scheme.

Skills, experience and qualifications required

Essential:

Must be willing to undertake and pass an A5O Undercover Officers Online process and Course.
Gain knowledge and understanding of relevant case law, the provisions of the European Convention on Human Rights and other appropriate legislation relating to Undercover deployments (RIPA, Police Act)
Must possess an excellent awareness of evidence gathering techniques, the relevant legislation and case law regarding ‘unfair evidence’ (Section 78 PACE).
Must be able to demonstrate an excellent understanding and working knowledge of the internet and IT systems.
Must display excellent oral and written communication skills.
Must be able to assimilate large amounts of information and have an ability to impart such information to a wide spectrum of audiences.
Demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team as well as being able to use one’s own initiative to work with the minimum of supervision.
Must display an ability to perform under pressure and be able to make sound decisions based on judgement, reasoning and risk.

Recruitment and Selection

Recruitment webinar: Monday 23rd June 2025 at 2pm OR Friday 27th June 2025 at 10am

Hosted by the capability lead or a member of their team, this is an opportunity to find out more about the role, the team you would be part of, and ask any questions.

Please contact swrocurecruitment@avonandsomerset.police.uk, whereby invites will be sent accordingly. Please note that webinars will not be recorded

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - we would like to make you aware that this webinar will be a group video call which may show your personal details, such as your name and email address, to other attendees on the call. Attendees also need to be mindful of the misuse of personal data and information displayed in the webinar.

The closing date for receipt of applications is: Monday 7th July 2025 at 9am
Shortlisting: you will be notified of your result, by Thursday 10th July 2025

Note on the selection process:

The application is the initial selection phase. Successful candidates will then undertake a psychometric examination, role play, briefing exercise and interview.

If you are unsuccessful at any stage, you will no longer be able to continue in the recruitment process.

Securing your place on the unit will only be achieved with success at all recruitment phases and the successful completion of subsequent College of Policing undercover online course.

How to Apply

This role has not been approved to advertise to Avon and Somerset applicants.

All applications are processed through the Avon and Somerset Constabulary online Oleeo portal.

Contact SWROCURecruitment@avonandsomerset.police.uk for further information.

If you reach the assessment/ interview stage of a process and become a reserve applicant, we would like to retain your application. This will be pending further vacancies arising for the same role in a 6-month period. By giving your consent this does not prevent you from applying for any other opportunities.

South West Force Applications

If you are applying from a South West police force you must speak with your line manager and Senior Leadership Team to ensure your application will be supported. The attached pro-forma must be endorsed by your home force Senior Leadership Team prior to submitting your application.

Existing South West police force officers are not applying to join Avon and Somerset Constabulary. You will be seconded to SWROCU in line with the Joint Services Agreement and will remain on your home force terms and conditions.

Transferring officers from outside the South West region

We have reached an agreement with all five regional police forces that allows you to apply directly for a SWROCU vacancy. If you are successful in this process you may then choose which of the five South West forces you wish to join.

Please note your successful completion of SWROCU recruitment will be subject to you meeting all the required standards for your chosen South West police force

Additional Information

Vetting and safeguarding

This post is subject to a higher security clearance at MV and SC – Management Vetting and Security Clearance Level.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU 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.

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 five years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or three years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SWROCU is working hard to increase diversity and inclusion where communities are currently under-represented including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions, gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from 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.

Flexible and Part Time working

All requests for flexible working patterns and part time working will be considered and be dependent on the role, this includes job shares and part-time hours.

Travel to Work Protocol

This is an incentive whereby officers working for SWROCU may be able to claim compensation for travelling to work if they meet a set criteria.

For more information, please refer to a copy of the protocol attached. Should you have any questions please make contact with SWROCUBusinessTeam@avonandsomerset.police.uk

Please apply here - DC Under Cover Online only (UCOLO) Regional Undercover Unit (RUU)- CSE team - South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) - Avon and Somerset Police

Please note any applications made directly to Wiltshire Police will not be considered.