Surveillance Operative in London

Type of contract: Permanent

Rank/Grade: PC/DC

Directorate/Department: SO – Surveillance

Statement of expectation for the role: You will be expected to remain in this role for a minimum of three years.

Vetting level required: SC/MV

Location: Subject to requirements

Salary: National pay scales plus allowances

Description of Department: The team provides a variety of surveillance capabilities that are used against a range of serious and organised crime threats. Operatives covertly monitor subjects to gather evidence and intelligence about their criminal activity.

You will predominantly be deployed in London and the Home Counties, however you should be prepared to work throughout the United Kingdom depending on operational requirements.

You must be physically and mentally fit and be prepared to work long and unsociable hours, sometimes at short notice. This is a challenging and demanding role, and the successful candidate will demonstrate strong situational awareness and analytical thinking to effectively deploy on surveillance operations. Strong teamwork and communication are essential.

We are currently seeking applicants who have a current surveillance qualification. The written application will be tested under Level 1 of the College of Policing Competency and Values Framework. Following success at that stage, there will be a CVF based interview and an assessed paper-feed scenario.

Essential Criteria – including the behaviours that will be tested at application/interview:

• You will have demonstrable investigative experience.
• You will have experience and practical application of part 2 of RIPA 2000 and relevant codes of practice.
• You will be familiar with assessing threat and risk in dynamic environments using the National Decision Model.
• You will have a strong team working ethic.
• You will be able to operate under pressure in complex situations.
• You will possess excellent communication skills.
• You will be willing to vary your hours of duty to meet operational needs, often at short notice.
• Current Surveillance Qualification.

Desirable criteria:

• PIP2 Accredited.
• Qualified Trainer.
• Surveillance Motorcyclist.

Selection Process:

Written Applications will be subject to a shortlisting process. Successful candidates will be interviewed based on the Competency and Values Framework at level 1. This will also incorporate a paper feed scenario.

If you would like to discuss the post in more detail, please contact DI Lee Warrington or PS Mark Goodings.

The closing date for applications is 26/08/2026 at 17:00.

This vacancy is open only to those who have the right to work in the UK. Please note Officers who are not within 3 months of completing their tenure period, will not be eligible to apply for internal roles. This applies only to Officers who are not currently working within this Directorate.

The City of London Police is keen to promote flexible working and will, subject to operational policing requirements, proactively consider all applications to work flexibly. The City of London Police is committed to equality of opportunities and continuously strive for inclusivity within our Force. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities and long-term conditions, those with Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic backgrounds, female candidates, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Benefits:

The City of London offers a number of benefits including a generous pension scheme, a free Oyster card for London (TFL) travel and subsidised national rail travel, which allows you to travel within a 70 mile radius.

A diverse workforce improves the service we provide to our public by making us more approachable and relevant within our communities. This is why it’s vitally important that we recruit people from a wide range of communities and backgrounds with an understanding of cultural issues and a wide range of skills. We therefore particularly encourage female and people from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities to join us.

The way we work is changing. With a few exceptions most roles will be able to accommodate part time, job share and flexible working patterns. We can also offer hybrid working patterns of home and office based shift patterns. Feel free to speak to us about any flexible working requirements.

The Force has a number of Staff Support Networks that can offer you support and advice. Applicants are very welcome to contact the networks directly if they need any support or ask any question before they apply.