Design Out Crime Officer

Applications are invited for the post of Design Out Crime Officer (DOCO). The role is key in the force’s delivery of Designing Out Crime and Crime Reduction. It is a Specialist Role in Policing set out by the NPCC.

The UK Police Service has a number of specialised Designing Out Crime Officers (DOCOs) whose role is to provide specialist security advice and guidance as it pertains to the built environment at every stage of the design process, from pre-planning to the full development control process, in order to minimise the potential for crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour at the earliest stage.

About the Role

Liaising with architects, designers and developers, DOCOs provide ongoing specialist advice on the security of new buildings and the refurbishment of existing buildings to enable building designs to be as safe and secure as is reasonably possible, promoting an awareness of the principles of crime prevention through design to both build awareness of, and ensure the adoption of, recommended security standards and specifications.

The DOCO role is referenced within planning policy for England, Scotland and Wales, adding significant weight to their involvement in issues of design and both the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) promote creating safe and sustainable communities, encouraging pre-application discussion between planners and DOCOs, and also involving architects, developers and key stakeholders. Alongside WMP colleagues, such as Counter Terrorism Security Advisors, Neighbourhood Policing Teams and other specialist and force departments.

The Force Design Out Crime Team support Neighbourhood Policing Teams and other force departments with their partnership working, problem solving and crime prevention interventions.

Acting as tactical advisors in Crime Prevention. DOCO’s are expected to develop crime prevention initiatives in support of the force policing priorities. Supporting colleagues to deliver those initiatives.

DOCO’s are also involved the below activity:

•    Designing Out Crime across Local Policing Areas
•    Tactical Crime Prevention Advice to force
•    Safer Parking Park Mark scheme
•    Sanctuary Scheme
•    Operation Bridger
•    Home Office Places of Worship Security Scheme
•    Safety and Security of specialised assets – Cash Centres etc

Ideally, applicants will have previously attended and passed the relevant training courses Police Crime Prevention Academy (PCPA) Level 4 Crime Reduction and Level 5 Designing Out Crime - recognition of prior experience and learning may be required, dependent on qualification taken.

Full training however, will be given through the Police Crime Prevention Academy. This is completed both through residential training courses and distance learning, through submission of a portfolio of work.

The successful candidate is also expected to annually undertake role specific CPD as set out by the PCPA, and attend a two-day training event (ATLAS).

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential:

Evidence knowledge of the National Intelligence Model, Data Protection Act 1998, Human Rights Act 1998, Freedom of Information Act 2000 and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
The ability to prepare tactical packages developed from intelligence, which positively impact on crime.
Thrive+
Requirement to hold a full UK driving license and an ability to travel throughout the West Midlands region if required.
Effective communication skills using a variety of methods to ensure clear, accurate and Lawful sharing of information.
High level of computer literacy, good IT skills, including familiarity with MS Packages and Office 365. CONNECT – Controlworks and other force systems
Ability to write and deliver training to internal and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

An understanding of current legislation, regulations and policy in respect of planning and building design.
CPTED and other principles that support Crime Reduction
Project Management
Training Qualification
Member of a Professional Security body – e.g. Security Institute or ASIS International etc
Previous attendance and suitably qualifying:
- College of Policing Crime Reduction and Design Out Crime Course
- Or completed the Police Crime Prevention Academy (PCPA) L4 and L5 courses
Depending on the individuals experience - If Qualified under College of Policing, then would need to undertake the PCPA Recognition of Prior Experience and Learning qualification. Criteria for eligibility applies.
Possess a sound understanding of the current legislation, regulations and policy in respect of Planning and Building Design.

The above is desirable. If not already trained, then full training will be provided.

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test.

Hours: A published shift pattern will be worked between the hours of 8am and 6pm with core business days being Monday-Friday.

Applicants will be expected to demonstrate a willingness to adopt a flexible approach to a role that can sometimes require deployment at short notice to different areas across the force. There will on occasions be requirement to work unsociable hours, this may include evenings & weekends as agreed with the DOCO Manager.

Interviews: Interview dates to be confirmed.

Contact: For further information regarding this role, please contact Mark Silvester (Design Out Crime Manager) at mark.silvester@westmidlands.police.uk.

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"