DC Crime Overseas Production Orders (COPO) Officer - South West Regional Organised Crime Unit ([...] in Almondsbury

Role type: Police Officer (Internal Recruitment)

Contract type: Full Time

Department: SW ROCU

Location: Almondsbury - SW ROCU Northern Hub, within the vicinity of junction 16 of M5 - BS34 6PY, Exeter - SW ROCU Southern Hub, within the vicinity of junction 29 of M5 - EX2 7HQ

Rank: Constable

Grade/scale: DC

Why this role matters

Serious and organised crime doesn’t stop at borders, and just because investigators may have challenges with data recovery from devices, this doesn’t mean the end of enquiries. As a COPO Officer, you will play a pivotal role in unlocking critical digital evidence held overseas, enabling investigators and prosecutors to build stronger, faster, and more effective cases. Your work will directly support operational teams tackling the highest-harm threats across the region and beyond. Within the SIU, you’ll be part of a specialist network, working alongside experts, influencing national practice, and delivering outcomes that truly matter.

What you’ll be doing

• Leading on COPOs to obtain electronic data from international service providers
• Advising and supporting investigators to maximise evidential opportunities in complex cases
• Working closely with legal teams, UKDA, NTAC, and judicial authorities
• Ensuring compliance with key legislation, including the COPO Act 2019 and international data-sharing agreements
• Contributing to high-quality case building that stands up to legal scrutiny

What we’re looking for

You’ll be someone who thrives in a high-responsibility, detail-driven environment and takes pride in enabling others to succeed.

Experience includes:

• Strong ability to draft and present complex applications, including IPA and production orders
• Confidence engaging with judiciary and responding to legal feedback
• Working knowledge of communications data processes and effective collaboration with Comms Data SPoCs
• Excellent audit, disclosure and record-keeping discipline (CPIA compliant)
• Outstanding communication skills, able to influence, advise and collaborate across multiple stakeholders

In the role you will complete UKDA/Home Office-approved training of the COPO Act 2019. Evidence of COPO capability training completion and currency (or commitment to complete prior to go-live). Experience of conducting structured checks and assurance against policy/legislation (e.g., IPA, DPA 2018, CPIA). Demonstrable ability to work on own initiative, manage changing demand, and meet deadlines with high attention to detail.

Be part of a specialist capability that directly strengthens investigations. Work on complex, high-impact cases with real operational outcomes. Develop expertise in a growing and nationally critical area of policing. Join a collaborative, forward-thinking team within a national intelligence network.

Additional Information

This post is subject to a higher security clearance at MV and SC – Management Vetting and Security Clearance Level. To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU are committed to safeguarding and operates a safer recruitment process, to ensure a police service that employees are proud to work for because they feel safe, valued and part of a happy and supportive work environment. All employees and volunteers therefore will be subject to background checks including vetting and references.

Police Barred and Advisory lists – individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of five years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or three years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion – SWROCU is working hard to increase diversity and inclusion where communities are currently under-represented including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions, gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from disadvantaged or marginalised backgrounds who share our values and wish to make a difference to the communities we serve. All applications will be treated on merit, based on the evidence provided in your application and suitability for the role you have applied for.

Flexible and Part Time working – All requests for flexible working patterns and part time working will be considered and be dependent on the role, this includes job shares and part-time hours.

Travel to Work Protocol – This is an incentive whereby officers working for SWROCU may be able to claim compensation for travelling to work if they meet a set criteria.

Blended Working / Hybrid Working – Avon and Somerset Police encourage flexible working where operationally possible. This role has been identified as a blended role. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to work from home whilst also at a secondary work location, which will be a police premises. The successful applicant will have the option to discuss working arrangements with their line manager. All applicants must reside within the UK.