DS DES; Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations

Post

Title:

Detective Sergeant – Digital Exploitation Service (DES)

Rank/Grade: Detective Sergeant

Location: City of London Police, occasionally other Force Areas

Vetting Level

Required:

MV/SC- applicants may be required to undertake and achieve DV level vetting.

Salary: According to National Pay scales and allowances.

A well‑established specialist intelligence and investigation team delivering digital support to investigators across the organisation. You will lead and manage the force’s subject matter experts in the use of internet resources to gather information, intelligence and evidence.

• Lead the Digital Exploitation Service in providing innovative digital capability across the force.
• Tackle the most serious crimes lawfully exploiting systems and partnerships.
• Ensure knowledge and professionalism within the service and with partners.
• Identify and implement latest methodologies, access new techniques and deliver exceptional service across local and national functions.
• Participate in a 24‑hour on‑call rota for high threat, harm and risk operations outside normal working hours.

• Substantive Detective Sergeant (or equivalent) with proven investigative experience.
• Demonstrable experience in serious and complex investigations, including managing investigations or teams.
• Strong understanding of digital investigation techniques, including social media, online research, communications data and forensic downloads.
• Experience managing or working alongside Digital Media Investigators or Digital Forensics Units.

• OSINT methodologies and tools.
• Digital evidence handling and forensic processes.
• CPIA disclosure requirements.
• RIPA – Directed Surveillance.
• Data protection and lawful basis for online intelligence gathering.
• Understanding of the intelligence cycle and National Intelligence Model (NIM).

• Strong leadership, decision‑making and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to assess risk, threat, and harm and prioritise activity accordingly.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including evidential statement preparation.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret complex digital information.
• Ability to influence and advise senior stakeholders.

• Accredited Digital Media Investigator (DMI) or equivalent experience.
• Formal training in OSINT / Internet Investigation techniques.
• Experience working within intelligence units or specialist digital teams.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies such as cryptocurrency investigations, darknet environments, or advanced analytics tools.

• Analyse Critically
• Support and Inspire
• Deliver, Support and Inspire
• Take Ownership
• Be Emotionally Aware
• Collaborate

• May be exposed to disturbing material.
• Requirement to hold or attain accreditation of IPP.
• Commitment to Code of Ethics and Force values.

• Generous pension scheme.
• Free Oyster card and subsidised national rail travel within approximately 70 mile radius.
• Flexible working arrangements where possible.

The City of London Police is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

This vacancy is open only to those who have the right to work in the UK.