Avon and Somerset Police
Head of Regional TSU - South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU)
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Job Description
Full Time / Permanent
Location: There will be an expectation to travel across locations within the South West region. Base location will be discussed prior to appointment.
Please note that the location of the role will have an impact on the terms and conditions. If you have any concerns about your ability to regularly travel to this location using your own transport, then please speak to the hiring manager before submitting an application.
If you are applying from one of the Regional Forces you will be seconded to SWROCU in line with the Joint Services Agreement and will remain on your home force terms and conditions and graded pay scale for the role. This recruitment platform is hosted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.
A&S: PO 12-15
(SWROCU) is looking for an experienced and highly motivated leader to manage the delivery of Technical Surveillance to the South West Region.
Your role will be to 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.
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Police staff in one of our five regional forces can find out more about the work of this team and read first-hand accounts of people working at SWROCU at:
You Can Find Out More About SWROCU On LinkedIn
Skills, experience and qualifications required
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- 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
Recruitment and Selection
Recruitment webinar
- Date: 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.
Please contact , whereby invites will be sent accordingly. Please note that webinars will not be recorded.
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
We would like to make you aware that this webinar will be a group video call which may show your personal details, such as your name and email address, to other attendees on the call. Attendees also need to be mindful of the misuse of personal data and information displayed in the webinar.
Application Deadline
- Closing date for receipt of applications: Tuesday 29th September 2026 at 9am
- Shortlisting will commence: Tuesday 29th September 2026
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How To Apply
All applications are processed through the Avon and Somerset Constabulary online Oleeo portal.
Contact for further information.
If you reach the assessment/ interview stage of a process and become a reserve applicant, we would like to retain your application. This will be pending further vacancies arising for the same role in a 6-month period. By giving your consent this does not prevent you from applying for any other opportunities.
Additional Information
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.
Police Barred and Advisory lists
Individuals placed on the Police Barred and Advisory lists will not be considered for employment by the police for a minimum of five years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or three years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.
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.
For more information, please refer to a copy of the protocol attached. Should you have any questions please make contact with .
If you are interested to find our more information about this post, please email us at: .
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