Detective Sergeant - Intelligence (DSU) (CTPSE)

Applications are invited from suitably qualified Sergeants who are through a force promotional process, for a position within CTPSE Dedicated Source Unit. The post holder will work alongside the current DS’s and report in to the DI Controller/Team Manager. You will provide line management responsibilities for the CTPSE DSU handlers, have day to day responsibility for their work and the management of CHIS. You will be responsible for Hampshire and Thames Valley regions.

Essential criteria for the role include:

Detailed knowledge of PACE, RIPA and Human Rights legislation.

Have detailed knowledge of Terrorism Act, Criminal Law and Disclosure Processes.

As a Counter Terrorism Policing, Dedicated Source Unit ‘Controller’, you will be part of a UK wide intelligence network, whose primary role is to covertly work with members of the public to mitigate the most serious threats from Terrorist activity across the South East, the UK and beyond.  

When fully trained, you will be expected to manage a team of handlers, with a broad range of resources to assist you in your day to day role, including ongoing CPD.

You will be responsible for leading a team who safely build and maintain trusted relationships with individuals who are taking extraordinary risks to mitigate the threat from extremism and use their information to present high level reports.  

Your actions could identify the newest threats or directly prevent a Terrorist attack.

We are looking for candidates who are highly motivated, can quickly adapt to developing information and operate in an extremely discreet environment.   Whilst previous knowledge and experience of working within Counter Terrorism Policing and a Dedicated Source Unit is desirable, it is not essential as this can be achieved whilst in role (if successful).

Our team consists of colleagues from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences – not just from Policing.  This is especially important as the unit evolves by constantly sharing our learning; particularly in an age where we must stay ahead of technological, global and cultural developments to deliver the right impact.

 The successful applicant will:

Be an excellent communicator and team player who can lead a team of handlers who analyse high volumes of information in order to provide valued intelligence and manage risk

Work directly alongside key partners to deliver operational activity and solve complex problems.

You will undergo an intrusive vetting process alongside this (see requirements below).

The successful applicant must be willing to contribute to the DSU on-call rota, providing out of hours source management. The rota is currently split between the 2 DI’s and 5 DS’s (i.e. working 1:7 on call and weekend).

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 DV plus a further external vetting process, along with a number of enhanced security checks.   

To achieve this, you must be a British National and have resided in the UK for the past ten years. Exemptions may apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government) and studying abroad.   Please be aware that if successful, there are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries once in post.

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 24 August 2025 at 23:59hrs. Successfully shortlisted candidates should expect to receive a scenario base assessment and an interview 2-3 weeks after this date.

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.

Shortlisting will be against the Essential Criteria and candidates 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). 

At CTPSE and 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 22673. If you have applied for this role in the last six months, we respectfully ask that you do not reapply at this current time.