Intelligence Development Officer (IDO)
Operation Costello | Bedfordshire Police
Take the fight to organised crime.
Are you an experienced investigator, intelligence professional or analytical thinker ready for a role where your work directly shapes operations, disrupts organised crime groups and protects communities?
Operation Costello is looking for an exceptional Intelligence Development Officer.
Why this role?
Operation Costello sits at the heart of Bedfordshire Police’s response to serious and organised crime. You’ll work alongside detectives, analysts and covert teams to turn intelligence into action — shaping deployments, supporting covert tactics, securing legal authorities and helping bring offenders to justice.
This is not desk-bound research that disappears into a system. Your work will drive real operational results.
What you’ll do
• Develop and exploit intelligence opportunities
• Produce high-quality reports, briefings and applications for legal authorities
• Research and analyse intelligence to support overt and covert activity
• Complete subject profiles and firearms risk assessments
• Interview sources, witnesses, victims and suspects
• Identify opportunities for covert development and CHIS recruitment
• Brief officers, senior leaders and partners
• Support investigations and ensure evidential and disclosure compliance
No two days are the same. One day you might be mapping an organised crime network; the next you’ll be briefing senior leaders or shaping the response to a developing threat.
Who we’re looking for
Curious, analytical people who get results. You will:
• Spot patterns, opportunities and risks in complex information
• Write clear, professional reports
• Communicate confidently with different audiences
• Solve problems and make sound decisions
• Work independently while contributing to a high-performing team
• Show integrity, professionalism and good judgement
• Adapt to changing priorities and work flexibly
• Meet the vetting standards required for specialist intelligence work
Experience in intelligence, investigations, serious organised crime, covert tactics, disclosure or risk assessment is an advantage — but drive, initiative and the determination to make a difference matter most.
What we offer
• A direct role in tackling serious and organised crime
• Specialist training and nationally recognised skill development
• Work alongside experienced detectives, analysts and covert practitioners
• Agile working (blend of home and office)
• The chance to build expertise in intelligence development, operational planning and risk management
Location & hours
Based with Operation Costello in Bedfordshire. Primarily office-based with agile working options. You will work across the force area (and occasionally beyond) as operational needs require. 37 hours per week, with flexibility to respond to demand.
Make a difference
This is more than an intelligence post. It’s a chance to develop specialist skills in a high-performing team that targets those causing the greatest harm.
Join Operation Costello.
Develop the intelligence. Create the opportunity. Make the difference.
To reach the hiring manager contact A/Detective Inspector Matt Stonnell via matthew.stonnell@beds.police.uk
Additional Advert Information
- Internal Applicants
To apply for this role, internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period.
If you qualify as an internal candidate within the advertising force, you may upload either your CV or the internal role summary form attached to this advert. - Vetting Process
Please note that, as part of the vetting process, the BCH Vetting Unit may need to contact your current line manager for a Supervisor Appraisal. This requirement aligns with the 2025 National Guidelines for Vetting (APP 6.5.18).
Examples of when this may apply include:- Transferring to another force
- Renewing vetting clearance
- Moving into a role requiring MV clearance (even if you currently hold MV clearance)
- Moving into or working in a role involving close contact with vulnerable individuals
If any of the above apply to you, please expect your line manager to be contacted when you submit your vetting application.
- Redeployment and Redundancy
This vacancy is open to employees at risk of redundancy and will remain available to redeployees until a final offer has been agreed and accepted.
Redeployees at risk of redundancy will take priority over all other applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. If successful, redeployees will remain on their home force’s terms and conditions. - Role Profile
We recommend downloading and saving a copy of the role profile, as it will no longer be accessible once the advert closes. - Commitment to Inclusion
As a Disability Confident Leader, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to be themselves. We provide workplace adjustments wherever needed so that all colleagues can thrive.
If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria for the role, you will be guaranteed an interview under the Offer an Interview Scheme.
