Detective Sergeant - Backstopping (SEROCU)

Overview

Detective Sergeant – Backstopping (SEROCU) role at Thames Valley Police. This is an exciting opportunity to maintain and develop an effective covert policing capability in SEROCU.

As a Detective Sergeant, you will supervise the resourcing, co-ordination and management within Covert Operations and all associated covert assets as part of the National structure. You will undertake the role of SPOC for obtaining and use of covert documentation and assets within this sensitive role. This role is also responsible for providing advice and assistance with regard to backstopping and security/safety. In addition to this, this post necessitates the need to contribute to achieving the vision of the College of Police and NUWG, whilst maintaining the principles contained in the Code of Ethics.

A background in covert investigations and practical experience undertaking covert and overt investigations is essential.

For a full job description, please contact our recruitment team quoting 13681.

Please note that this role is part of a national, regional and local network and you may be required to travel for business purposes mainly across the south east region and occasionally throughout the UK. Therefore, the successful candidate will require a full UK driving licence.

Due to the nature of our work, security is of paramount importance and therefore it will be necessary for the successful candidate to obtain and maintain vetting level SC together with a number of enhanced security checks. In order to achieve this, you must have resided in the UK for the past five years. Exemptions may apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government), and studying abroad. You can find more information about security vetting here.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of Sunday 28 September 2025 at 23:55hrs. If you wish to apply you need to have support from your Head of Command / Department.

Please upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record/Focus Feedback meeting) and a copy of your Training Record. Please also upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’.

The leadership within CTPSE and SEROCU are committed to embedding an inclusive culture. Our region is delivering this commitment through a long-term strategy that focuses on wellbeing and inclusion, with objectives including Inclusive Culture, Engaged & Involved, Wellbeing, Representation, and Inclusive by Design.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 13681. If you have applied for this role in the last six months, we respectfully ask that you do not reapply at this time. We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive a high volume of applications; apply early.

Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.

Requirements

• Background in covert investigations and experience in covert and overt investigations.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Willingness to travel mainly across the south east region and occasionally throughout the UK.

Seniority

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Other, Information Technology, and Management

Industries

• Law Enforcement