DS DES (Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations in London

DS DES (Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations in London

London Full-Time 38700 - 47300 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
City of London Police

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team in digital investigations and tackle serious crimes using innovative techniques.
  • Company: City of London Police, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to public safety.
  • Benefits: Generous pension, free travel within 70 miles, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and community service.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in fighting crime with cutting-edge digital tools.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Detective Sergeant with strong digital investigation skills.

The predicted salary is between 38700 - 47300 £ per year.

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.

Overview

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.

Responsibilities

  • 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.

Essential Experience and Qualifications

  • 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.
  • Knowledge
  • 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).

Skills

  • 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.

Desirable Criteria

  • 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.
  • Competencies
  • Analyse Critically
  • Support and Inspire
  • Deliver, Support and Inspire
  • Take Ownership
  • Be Emotionally Aware
  • Collaborate
  • Other Considerations
  • May be exposed to disturbing material.
  • Requirement to hold or attain accreditation of IPP.
  • Commitment to Code of Ethics and Force values.

Benefits

  • 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.

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DS DES (Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations in London employer: City of London Police

The City of London Police is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at Bishopsgate where your contributions directly impact public safety. With a strong emphasis on training and development, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers in a supportive atmosphere that values teamwork and resilience under pressure.

City of London Police

Contact Details:

City of London Police Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land DS DES (Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations in London

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We think you need these skills to ace DS DES (Digital Exploitation Services), Specialist Operations in London

Leadership Skills
Decision-Making Skills
Problem-Solving Skills
Digital Investigation Techniques
Social Media Research
Communications Data Analysis
Forensic Downloads

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