CTPSE is offering an exciting opportunity to join one of our specialist surveillance teams as an Armed Surveillance Motorcyclist, playing a vital role in protecting the public and supporting counter terrorism operations across the UK.
This highly rewarding role combines the skills of covert surveillance, advanced motorcycle operations and firearms capability, providing a unique and varied career opportunity for motivated officers seeking to operate at the forefront of policing.
We are particularly interested in hearing from current police motorcyclists who are keen to broaden their skills and undertake the Armed Surveillance Officer (ASO) course. This is an excellent opportunity for officers seeking to combine their advanced riding skills with specialist surveillance and firearms capabilities.
This position attracts role-related payments totalling up to £9,000 per annum:
- £2,000 per annum Surveillance Motorcyclist Role-Related Bonus
- £2,000 per annum Authorised Firearms Officer Role-Related Bonus
- £5,000 per annum Armed Surveillance Motorcyclist Retention Payment (reviewed annually)
- Payments are made quarterly, subject to qualification and eligibility requirements.
As an Armed Surveillance Motorcyclist, you will undertake both armed and unarmed covert surveillance operations, including:
- Mobile, motorcycle, technical and foot surveillance activities
- Gathering intelligence and evidence to support counter terrorism investigations
- Conducting covert surveillance authorised under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and Human Rights legislation
- Producing and maintaining accurate evidential records
- Participating in operational debriefs and contributing to post-operation reviews
- This role offers the opportunity to work within a highly skilled team environment where professionalism, discretion and operational excellence are essential.
As part of a national, regional and local surveillance network, you will be required to travel extensively for operational deployments, primarily across the South East and throughout the UK. Importantly, due to the nature of the role, all operational travel time is paid, with no deduction applied.
To be successfully appointed, applicants must hold and be able to demonstrate:
- Current Q1 Accredited Surveillance Officer accreditation
- Current Advanced Police Motorcyclist qualification
- Current Advanced Police Driver qualification
- Current Q2/200 Accredited Surveillance Motorcyclist qualification
- Ability to attend and successfully complete the Armed Surveillance Officer course (dates to be confirmed)
- Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic and unpredictable operational environment
- Strong self-motivation and a proactive approach to problem solving
- The ability to remain calm, professional and effective under pressure
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
How to Apply
To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of Sunday 11 October 2026 at 23:55hrs.
The leadership within CTPSE and SEROCU are actively committed to embedding and sustaining an inclusive culture that recognises and champions the diversity of our people, and promotes equity and equality so that everyone can succeed at work. The region is delivering this commitment through a long term strategy that takes a holistic and intersectional approach to wellbeing & inclusion. Our strategy is underpinned by the five strategic objectives;
- Inclusive Culture – We will create, embed, and continually develop an inclusive culture for our people.
- Engaged & Involved – We will ensure our people are engaged, involved, and listened to.
- Wellbeing – We will prioritise the wellbeing of our people.
- Representation – We will attract, recruit, retain and develop a diverse workforce.
- Inclusive by Design – We will ensure that inclusion is a core principle of our policies, products, and decisions.
We welcome applications from those interested in part time and flexible working, and encourage applications from our under represented communities.
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 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’.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 23874
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.
