Cover and Welfare Officer - Police Constable - Counter Terrorism West Midlands in Birmingham

This post will allow you to have the opportunity to personally develop yourself and once in the role you will be trained and entered into a National Index of trained Cover Officers. Covert policing experience is not essential when applying for this position. As an accredited Cover Officer, you will be responsible for the online and physical undercover operatives (UCO) security and welfare on a day to day basis. This will entail the daily managing of the operative, ensuring they are appropriately briefed and tasked prior to any deployment, confirming that these deployments are recorded accurately in line with national standards. You will work independently of the operational team to ensure any interactions between the UCO and the team happen in accordance with the agreed sterile corridor arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Supervising Undercover Officers (UCO) (deployed both physical and online), ensuring that the security and welfare needs of the operatives and the operation are considered and dealt with appropriately.
• Ensuring the security and welfare needs of the UCO, fulfilling requirements of RIPA.
• Ensuring that no ‘blue on blue’ compromise situations occur during operations.
• Tactically advising and supporting the operational team and SIO(s) with regard to UCO options.
• Providing effective management of the UCO; agreeing and setting direction, aims, tactics, establishing exit strategies, monitoring and reviewing progress.
• Having regular conversations with the UCO, and listening to any concerns, or pressures they may be experiencing; scrutinising behaviours to identify changes that could indicate stress.
• Record keeping with regard to UCO welfare, deployment (including a record of all hours worked) and any other relevant matters, and providing to the COM-UC of the host and donor units concerned and, as appropriate, to the Operational Lead.
• Ensuring provision of suitable technical equipment as required for the operation, operative safety devices, communications and vehicles.
• Providing guidance in relation to the production of UCO product without becoming involved in the evidential chain (in accordance with RIPA, CPIA, IPA and PII matters).
• Establishing and maintaining professional relationships with strategic partners.
• Maintaining an up to date knowledge in respect of all undercover policing methods and issues at a legal, procedural, policy and practical level.
• Maintaining detailed knowledge and providing guidance on relevant legal issues and policies including disclosure and preparation of evidence.
• Developing and maintaining an excellent practical working knowledge of local, national and international issues, and its relevance to daily activity.