Radio Frequency Propagation Survey Technician
Role: Radio Frequency Propagation Survey Technician
Department: Crime Services
Location: Ecclesfield, Sheffield
Salary: £36,630 - £41,907
Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
In this role you will support operations, providing advice, guidance and direct criminal investigation strategy in relation to radio frequency propagation surveys to maximise investigation opportunities.
Key responsibilities:
- To perform surveys, including scene preservation, relating to communications data & internet/Wi-Fi data in support of investigations
- Be a Force expert, conducting radio frequency propagation surveys and interpret, analyse and map complex data in the support of investigations or crime prevention strategies.
- As the Force RF expert, horizon scan for strategic areas of change within the telecommunications industry that could impact positively or negatively on the Force.
- Develop effective intelligence cell site mapping products making best use of existing force and national systems.
- Research, test and where appropriate recommend the implementation of new products/techniques within the industry.
- Bring any inefficient / risky processes to the attention of the Telecoms Manager and College of Policing to ensure an effective national standard is complied with.
- Work closely with colleagues to ensure effective knowledge sharing across the department and assist officers in the creation of Digital Media Investigation strategies.
- Support the Digital Media Co-Coordinator and Digital Media Investigators across the Force.
- Provide a quality assurance role in respect of any RF Survey work carried out by other Forces or external companies, interpreting statements and providing guidance on future actions to enable officers to understand the implications of the findings and adjust investigations in light of the information obtained.
- Design and deliver creative and informative training packages to enhance the overall knowledge and application of network measurement techniques in relevant SYP departments.
- Keep abreast of changes in technology and legislation relevant to surveys of cellular and Wi-Fi industries.
- Take part and where necessary take the lead in regards to knowledge sharing of pertinent information and advice for investigative officers.
- Produce evidential statements and attend court to support investigations. Present the evidence obtained in the most appropriate manner, utilising multimedia formats where necessary.
- Appear in court providing expert testimony on the process of acquiring RF data, and any opinions on movements of offenders, victims and witnesses.
Skills and experience:
- To possess a Degree level qualification or equivalent in a relevant subject (i.e. Radio engineering), or possess industry acquired qualifications within the communication industry relating to mobile communications.
- Experience and/or knowledge of conducting radio frequency propagation surveys.
- Possess a Full licence to drive motor vehicles.
- Experience of maintaining a high level of confidentiality and managing issues of a sensitive nature.
- Understanding of police systems and processes, including criminal investigations.
Skills and experience as documented in the role profile need to be evidenced in your application to be considered for interview
For more detailed information relating to the role, skills and experience for this role, please click here to view the role profile
What we offer:
We offer generous entitlements and supportive policies to enable a better work-life balance, some of which are listed below:
- A highly competitive salary and access to a generous pension scheme
- Generous annual leave allowance
- A wide range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Flexible working arrangements including flexi-time and hybrid working
- A transparent and collaborative team culture underpinned by our core values of Fairness, Integrity & Trust
- Comprehensive range of development and leadership courses to develop your career with South Yorkshire Police
- Employee Assistant Programme (accessible 24/7) offering confidential support and advice
- Flexible lifestyle benefits such as: Blue Light Card, Company Shop, Cycle to work scheme
- Committed to embedding sustainability: South Yorkshire Police Sustainability Strategy 2020-2025 (yhrn.police)
- Membership to the Sports and Social Club
- Access to a wide range of staff support groups and networks
Eligibility:
Applicants must meet the minimum requirement checkable history criteria, which must be taken into account for individuals applying to work with South Yorkshire Police in any capacity. A minimum checkable history of 5 years is required for this role and successfully undergoing recruitment vetting procedure is a pre-requisite of employment with South Yorkshire Police.
Appearance & Standards:
South Yorkshire Police is committed to striking a proportionate balance between self-expression and the need to maintain role sensitive professional standards in dress and appearance. Officers, staff, and volunteers of South Yorkshire Police are permitted to have tattoos visible whilst on duty provided the tattoo is not considered to be unacceptable or otherwise inappropriate. Tattoos will be reviewed as part of the recruitment and selection process.
Smarter ways of Working:
South Yorkshire Police is committed to developing working practices which assist staff to balance their personal and professional lives, whilst meeting the needs of the organisation. This in turn enables SYP to provide an outstanding service to the community.
There are 3 different categories as part of this which are: Fixed, Field and Hybrid.
This role has been evaluated as a hybrid role.
Hybrid: Applicable when the work can be undertaken at any location, whether that be a SYP building or from home.
Contact details:
For further information about the role, please contact: Ash Waller by email Ashley.Waller@southyorkshire.police.uk
Closing Date: 9th September 2025
Closing dates are not normally extended, other than in exceptional circumstances and agreement is made between the Talent Acquisition Manager and the Line Manager for the role.
How to apply:
Please click ‘Apply’
Candidate Information:
Please note that, should you be successful at the interview stage and before appointment, the relevant pre-employment checks are required. These include references, medical clearance, vetting clearance and sickness absence criteria check.
Diversity & Inclusion:
Applications are particularly welcome from female and ethnic minority candidates.
It is really important to us that the department represents the community we serve, in order for us to provide the best service, utilising a range of backgrounds, experience and skills. We support and value all officers and staff and the unique experiences they bring to the role. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from these valuable underrepresented groups.
If you are from an underrepresented group and want to find out more about the support we can offer, please contact our dedicated team on positiveaction@southyorks.pnn.police.uk
In addition, we will look to support anyone who requires Part Time/Job share working hours.
Documents to Review:
For the Police Staff Recruitment Vetting Handbook - Please Click here
For Application Guidance and Tips - Please Click Here
For the FIT Values of South Yorkshire Police - Please Click Here
View our recruitment video: