Police Constable – Armed Surveillance Officer (Covert Operations) (CTPSE)
Ready for your next challenge? The doors to CTPSE Covert Operations are once again open and we want you to join our Surveillance Teams and make a real impact.
As part of our covert operations unit, you’ll play a critical role in protecting communities and gathering intelligence that shapes national security. We’re looking for motivated individuals with sharp observation skills, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. If you thrive in dynamic environments and want a career that truly matters, this is your opportunity to apply.
Our Armed Surveillance Officers carry out covert mobile and foot surveillance to gather critical intelligence and evidence, in full compliance with the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and Human Rights legislation. They also provide daily debriefs on surveillance operations, ensuring all evidential logs are accurate and complete. This role also carries a £2000 per annum bonus payment.
Interested but don’t have prior experience? That’s absolutely fine! We welcome applications from Officers who are new to the field but eager to learn—full training will be provided. You’ll receive comprehensive support throughout your training and ongoing mentorship to help you succeed. As part of the process, you’ll be required to complete training in the following areas;
- Advanced driving
- Taser
- Foot and mobile surveillance
- Log keeping
- Photographic skills
- Armed Surveillance Officer Course
While full support will be provided throughout your training, please note that candidates who do not achieve the required accreditations may be subject to redeployment in line with their home force redeployment procedures.
Already trained? Fantastic! If you’re an experienced surveillance officer—whether Q1 or Q3—this is your chance to make a real impact. Your expertise is highly valued, and we’d love to hear from you
What we offer:
- Comprehensive training and ongoing support for those new to surveillance
- Opportunities to gain additional skills for experienced officers
- A professional, respectful, and supportive working environment where your contribution is valued
What we’re looking for:
- The ability to work discreetly and maintain strict confidentiality
- Flexibility with working hours and a willingness to travel as required.
We know this role demands a lot—flexibility, long hours, and the ability to adapt to short-notice changes. In return, we offer an exciting and dynamic career with diverse operational experiences and exceptional training opportunities to help you grow and succeed
The selection process for candidates who do not hold a Q1 accreditation:
- Submission of application form for shortlisting
- A 1 day National Pre-Select to determine your suitability for surveillance. This is assessed and you will be required to meet the necessary score to proceed
- Depending on the number of applicants that pass the National Pre-Select, there may be a further assessment centre conducted within CTPSE
- Interview
If you hold a Q1 accreditation the selection process will be:
- Submission of application form for shortlisting
- Interview
Please note that this role is part of a national, regional and local network and as a result you will be required to travel for business purposes mainly across the south east region and on occasions 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 SC together with a number of enhanced security checks. In order to achieve this, you must be a British National and have resided in the UK for the past five 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.
Please note that this is a PC-designated position. If you are currently employed as a DC and choose to apply, any additional payments associated with your DC role will be discontinued upon appointment
Further Information
A virtual information briefing will be held on Tuesday 20 January 2026 to give interested parties more information about the role and give attendees the opportunity to ask questions
If you would like to attend please contact RecruitmentSE@ThamesValley.police.uk quoting reference 23157 to register your attendance.
How to Apply
To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of Sunday 25 January 2026 at 23:55hrs.
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 submission application. 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.
Please 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. Please also upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’.
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 23157. If you have applied for this role in the last six months, we respectfully ask that you do not reapply at this current time.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive a high volume of applications. Should you wish to apply for this post, we advise you to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.
Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.