Surveillance Sergeant - Counter Terrorism Policing

Job Description

Closing date: 22nd February 2026 11:59 PM

Rank:
Substantive Sergeant

Type:
Permanent

⇄ Secondment or transferee opportunity

The Counter Terrorism Policing (CTP) network stretches across the UK. We work alongside partners to find information and evidence to thwart terrorist planning and help bring perpetrators to justice.

Based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport, the West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (CTPWM) coordinates the regional counter terrorist response and provides specialist support to police forces in Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Mercia and the West Midlands.

You’ll work a shift pattern that includes lates, weekends and be part of an on‑call rota. Due to the nature of the role, shift changes at short notice and extended shifts are possible and flexibility is an essential element of this role. National deployment may occur to meet operational needs.

The CTU Surveillance teams provide tactical support to both proactive and reactive operations as directed by CT Tasking. As a Sergeant, you’ll be responsible for the management, administration and effectiveness of your team, offering control and direction of an operational surveillance team.

Operational focus is around those individuals that pose the greatest threat, risk and harm to the region or to the wider CT Network, to ensure we are better able to serve the public and protect them from harm.

This role offers the opportunity to personally develop yourself and have a significant impact of the quality of life experienced by the communities we serve.

• You will be responsible for the monitoring of training requirements for surveillance operatives.
• You will manage a team of surveillance operatives.
• You will be responsible for decision making to support operational objectives in dynamic surveillance operations.
• Liaising and co‑ordinating with the surveillance teams of other agencies on joint surveillance operations.
• Monitoring vehicles and equipment used by surveillance operatives.
• Supervising collation and dissemination of intelligence material gathered by operatives.

• Displays excellent standards and values as a leader, with a high degree of commitment and flexibility.
• Working knowledge of all legislative aspects that surround surveillance planning and operations i.e. Disclosure, Police Act 1997, Covert policing codes of practice, RIPA 2000.
• Q1 Surveillance training and advanced driver training for surveillance purposes.
• Conversant with legal issues affecting surveillance.
• Experience and ability in foot, mobile and technical surveillance techniques.
• Initiative and innovation whilst leading and motivating surveillance teams.
• Communication skills with the ability to operate effectively at a variety of levels.
• Taser trained or willingness to complete this training.
• Demonstrate a high degree of commitment and flexibility, shift changes at short notice and out of region deployments can occur regularly therefore the ability to meet this requirement is essential.

• Knowledge of the National Intelligence Model (NIM), together with the tasking and coordination process.
• Knowledge of current developments/advancements in technology and techniques in surveillance.
• Experience of managing a surveillance team and reaching operational targets as determined by the SIO.
• Trained Risk Assessor.

⇄ This position is offered as a permanent post to West Midlands Police or a 2 year secondment. To qualify for the latter, you must confirm in your application that you have received approval, through the process established by your Chief Officer, for secondment to another force.

Please note that successful applicants may be subject to voluntary drugs and alcohol testing and will be required to have voluntarily given a DNA Elimination sample and be subject of enhanced vetting.

⚠ This role requires British Nationality (some dual nationalities may be ineligible) and a Security Check vetting clearance. You must be willing to undergo Developed Vetting.

You will need to undergo additional security clearance checks, with the offer of employment being…