Post Title: Detective Chief Superintendent – Specialist Operations
Type of contract: Permanent
Vetting level required: MV/DV (internal officers may be required to undertake a vetting check before moving to the role)
The City of London continues to be one of the safest City areas in the country. It has the lowest rates of serious violent crime in London and very low volumes of the most serious offences such as homicide, rape and serious sexual assault, as well as knife-and firearm-related violence. This is achieved by the City of London Police who keep the Square Mile safe, and feeling safe. This is vital not only for those who live, work, and visit the City but also for maintaining its status as a leading global business district and a thriving economic hub. The City financial output is around £110 billion annually with 1 in 50 jobs coming from the square mile. This is critical national infrastructure, attracts millions of people every year and has historic and modern buildings of significant importance.
This is an exciting time to be working in the City of London Police. You will be part of an experienced and dedicated Senior Leadership Team leading on the delivery of the policing plan, ensuring we have a culture that embodies Professionalism, Integrity and Compassion.
An opportunity has arisen for a substantive Detective Chief Superintendent or a Detective Superintendent on promotion to lead our Specialist Operations Directorate, which has a high proportion of specialist units with a mixture of officers and staff.
The Directorate includes Counter Terrorism, Forensic Services, Cyber, CID and the Force’s Research and Intelligence services which supports work locally as well as the National Lead Force.
To be successful in this role you should be able to demonstrate extensive experience as a detective as well as strong leadership skills, motivating staff to maximise their potential. You should be able to work at pace where necessary and with a level of emotional intelligence that takes whole teams with you. We also require the successful postholder to be PIP 3 and hold PIP 4 or be willing to gain this accreditation with experience of managing serious crime and covert resources. You will have a strong commitment to equity, inclusion and diversity and a track record of developing others.
If you wish to discuss this opportunity further, please contact Det Ch Supt Mandy Horsburgh - Amanda.Horsburgh@cityoflondon.police.uk
Deputy Commissioner Paul Betts will be hosting a webinar to provide further insight into CoLP and the role on Wednesday 11th March 2026, 1300 – 1400. If you would like to attend, please contact HRServices@cityoflondon.police.uk.
The Application Process
You will be assessed against the Competency Values Framework, below you will find the link to the Police Professional Profile for Chief Superintendent which details the key accountabilities, skills and knowledge required for the rank as well as the Competencies and level being assessed.
- Online Application
- A copy of your CV detailing skills and experience.
- Examples outlining your suitability against the following 3 CVF areas: We Take Ownership, We Collaborate, and We Deliver, Support and Inspire.
- A supporting statement of a maximum of 1000 words and no more than 2 pages outlining how your skills and experience meet the criteria for the role.
- 360 feedback from your current team (either by attaching your most recently completed one, or by completing the below attached template)
- Shortlist Panel – the shortlisting panel will assess your ability to demonstrate competence against key criteria of the role, taking into account the Competency Values Framework. Please note, we will be shortlisting the top 4 candidates only for interview.
- Selection Panel - candidates who are shortlisted to attend interview will be assessed through the following:
- Staff Engagement Exercise
- Presentation
- Strategic Assessment: a competency-based interview against the Competency Values Framework.
Key Dates
Application closing date: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 1700
Webinar hosted by Deputy Commissioner Paul Betts: Wednesday 11th March 2026, 1300 – 1400 – if you would like to join the webinar, please contact HRServices@cityoflondon.police.uk
Staff Engagement Exercise: Thursday 23rd April 2026 via Microsoft Teams
Interviews: Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th April 2026
For further information on the Competency Values Framework (CVF) please visit the College of Policing at: https://profdev.college.police.uk/professional-profile/test/
For further information on the Chief Superintendent Professional Profile, please visit https://www.college.police.uk/career-learning/support-for-career-development/policing-professional-profiles/core-rank-profiles/chief-superintendent
For more information on the City of London Police, please visit https://careers.cityoflondon.police.uk/working
The City of London Police is committed to equality of opportunities and continuously strive for inclusivity within our Force. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly from those who are disabled, have long-term health conditions, and/or are neurodivergent, those with Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic backgrounds, female candidates, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
