Head of Regional TSU - South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU)

Role type: Police Staff

Contract type: Full Time

Department: SW ROCU

Location: Location in the South West - there will be an expectation to travel across locations within the South West region. Base location will be discussed prior to appointment.

Grade/scale: PO 12-15

Your role will manage covert policing operations in a manner that protects operational security, reduces the risk of compromise, and safeguards specialist tactics, techniques, and capabilities. In doing so, you will support continued operational effectiveness and maintain the reputation and trust placed in the region, partner forces, and UK law enforcement agencies.

Working closely with the DCI, you will help shape the strategic direction of the unit, lead and develop teams, manage resources and budgets, and drive continuous improvement through innovation, technological advancement and national best practice. You will provide expert advice on all aspects of technical surveillance, authorise operational plans, maintain robust governance, risk management and quality assurance processes, and ensure the safe, lawful and effective use of covert equipment.

The role requires strong stakeholder management skills, representing the region at national forums and engaging with senior police leaders, partner agencies and suppliers. You will play a key role in supporting regional operations, delivering specialist projects, maintaining compliance with legislation and national procedures, and ensuring accurate records, service standards and inspection requirements are met at all times.

SWROCU is a collaboration of police officers and police staff from the five South West regional forces. We’re part of a national network of nine ROCUs covering England and Wales. We have more than 20 capabilities that staff and officers work in to pursue offenders, protect and prepare individuals and organisations, and prevent people from engaging in serious and organised crime. Our capabilities are here to advise, to assist, or to fully adopt investigations. We work with local forces and national partners to target and disrupt criminals posing the greatest risk of Serious and Organised Criminality (SOC). This includes offenders involved in cyber threats, economic crime, drug conspiracies, modern slavery and human trafficking, and child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Skills, experience and qualifications required:

• A qualification or relevant experience in Electronics, Imaging, Electrical Installation, Radio Communications or Information Technology or qualification or relevant experience in Surveillance or Covert Deployments.
• Proven management skills, preferably in a technical environment and with an ability to undertake a multifunctional leadership role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills at a strategic level, ideally within a highly sensitive environment.
• The ability to demonstrate an understanding of the relevant legislation relating to surveillance techniques (Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), Police Act, Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) Surveillance Manual of Standards and European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) Act).
• Previous experience of managing an extensive budget, and the ability to make decisions about the purchase and deployment of potentially expensive equipment.
• Evidence of an ability to deliver; with confidence; advice and direction to a diverse audience.
• Proven ability of managing and prioritising resources and work activities effectively in order to deliver good service, ideally in a high risk and emotionally demanding environment.
• Extensive practical experience or knowledge of relevant covert techniques, tactics and strategies.
• Ability to develop Policies and Procedures.
• Excellent knowledge of judicial procedure and issues in relation to the collection, retention and preservation of evidence.
• Knowledge of investigatory practices and management.
• Ability to prepare operational orders for a range of highly sensitive operations, which may range from standard to highly complex.

Recruitment webinar: Thursday 17th September 2026 at 1pm. Hosted by the capability lead or a member of their team, this is an opportunity to find out more about the role, the team you would be part of, and ask any questions.

The closing date for receipt of applications is: Tuesday 29th September 2026 at 9am. Shortlisting will commence: Tuesday 29th September 2026.

Vetting and safeguarding: 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.

DV Vetting - Please be aware that this role is subject to you successfully acquiring Developed Vetting (DV) status within the first 12 months and additionally, there is a requirement for enhanced vetting with partner agencies. Should you not successfully pass, you will no longer be able to remain in post and discussions will take place with your Home Force HR Team regarding options available to you.

In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU are committed to safeguarding and operate safer recruitment processes, 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.

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.

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

A pension that grows with you, whatever stage you’re at: Alongside your salary, you’ll be enrolled in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), administered by Peninsula Pensions. This is a high‑quality defined benefit pension, providing a secure, inflation‑linked income for life, based on your earnings and length of service.

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset. We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

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.

Important information before you commence an application (for external applicants): National Insurance Number, Address information including proof, Referee information, Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained, Tattoos - you will also be requested to provide photos and describe any visible tattoos you have, if the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving licence including photos.

Important information before you commence an application- for ALL applicants: The application system only remains active on a single page for a period of 60 minutes. Please ensure you allow time to complete your application fully as part complete pages do not save. If the role has evidence questions you may wish to save these remotely and paste your answers into the boxes at time of submission.