Superintendent – Force Authorising Officer

Cambridgeshire Constabulary
Permanent
Full Time
Authorities and Standards
Headquarters, Huntingdon, Cambs
Superintendent/ Detective Superintendent
£72,075 - £84,783

Please note, if this is a paid role and the role is part time then the salary quoted will be pro rata based on the hours worked per annum.

40
3

18/03/2024, 23:55

Cambridgeshire Constabulary are seeking applicants for the post of Superintendent – Force Authorising Officer within our Covert Authorities Department. The successful candidate will be a substantive superintendent.

The role's main function is: to monitor, scrutinise and authorise legal authorities in respect of applications to undertake the use of covert policing tactics; to ensure that such use is lawful, proportionate and necessary and that the integrity and confidentiality of such tactics is protected; and to ensure that opportunities to exploit the availability of such tactics are optimised.

The full role profile is attached but the key responsibilities include:

  • Being responsible for staff and officers in the Covert Authorities Bureau, Communications Data Investigators Team and Dedicated Source Unit.
  • Being responsible for ensuring that the use of covert intelligence gathering and enforcement activities is undertaken in a manner that is lawful, necessary and proportionate
  • Maintaining knowledge of the legal requirements of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA) 2000, Investigatory Powers Act 2016, the Police Act 1997 and Prison Act 1952.
  • Maintaining detailed working knowledge of covert policing tactics, capabilities and limitations and ensure that the use of such tactics is not disclosed inappropriately
  • Ensuring that all covert policing activity is undertaken in a manner compliant with relevant legislation
  • Authorising and recommending RIPA requests for direct surveillance, property interference, intrusive surveillance, TEI, Prison & CHIS authorities, ensuring the applications are properly completed before submission for authority.
  • Being responsible for oversight, scrutiny and risk management of Covert Human Intelligence Sources (CHIS).
  • Authorising Use and Conduct Authorities for CHIS in compliance with national guidance and Codes of Practice
  • Maintaining accurate and timely written records of surveillance, communications and CHIS authorities
  • Conducting reviews, renewals and cancellations as required according compliance with relevant timeframes
  • Ensuring that any errors are appropriately recorded and reported to IPCO
  • Liaising with other Law Enforcement Partners in relation to the use of covert policing tactics
  • Authorising HM Prison Service Authorities (OPT) and provide specialist advice where required

The successful applicant will be able to demonstrate:

  • Substantive Superintendent
  • Ability to pass the College of Policing Authorising Officer’s Course (H6)
  • Able to provide 24/7 on call capability (cover can be obtained during AL/other absences or extractions)
  • Able to demonstrate a working knowledge of RIPA and IPA.
  • Proven decision making abilities
  • Able to demonstrate an ability to effectively manage high risk matters and investigations
  • A working knowledge of investigative and intelligence procedures
  • Knowledge and experience of covert tactics and techniques
  • Strong standard of written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work unsupervised and on own initiative
  • Good interpersonal skills with internal personnel and external agencies

The role is based primarily but not exclusively in our HQ in Huntingdon. 

Additional Information   

All internal applicants must have successfully completed their probationary period to apply for this role.   

As a Disability Confident leader, we take personal responsibility to help create an inclusive workplace, where police officers and staff respect one another, feel valued for their differences and can be themselves. We are committed to providing workplace adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. If you have a disability and you meet the minimum criteria for the position you are applying for, you will be entitled to an interview under the ‘Offer an Interview Scheme’.  

It is recommended that you download and store a copy of the role profile as this will no longer be available once the advert has closed.  

To enable us to deliver outstanding policing for everyone, we need people from all backgrounds with a range of professional and life experiences so that we are truly representative of our communities.

Why work for Cambridgeshire Constabulary?

We have gained a reputation as a pioneering and innovative force, responsible for policing a large diverse, multi-cultural population.

If you are looking for a fresh challenge which offers a genuine opportunity to make a real difference to people’s lives, variety and the chance to broaden your experience, then we are the force for you.

Benefits include:
•    Access to the local government pension scheme (police staff) or Police pension scheme (Police officers) including career average, employer contributions and death in service. 
•    Paid leave days depending on force and length of service (police staff - 24 to 33 days, police officers 22 to 30 days).
•    Paid sick leave of six months full pay and six months half pay (depending on service).
•    Occupational maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (dependent on service).
•    Carers and discretionary leave.
•    Flexible working arrangements including compressed hours, flexible shifts, job share, annualised hours and agile working (depending on role requirements).
•    Gym facilities, weekly yoga classes, exercise classes, squash facilities, exercise space etc. are available (depending on location).
•    Each force has its own sports or sports and social club, offering discounts, trips, and events.
•    Cycle to Work scheme.
•    Access to Blue Light Card providing discounts to Emergency Services on the high street and online.
•    Access to Police Mutual providing financial support including savings plans, insurance, breakdown cover, loans and independent financial advice.
•    Employee Assistance Programme.
•    Various support groups including Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support Group, Christian Police Association (CPA), Disability Awareness Network (DAWN), Lesbian, gay, bi-sexual & transgender (LGBT), Menopause Action Group, Police Chaplains.
•    Access to a Trade Union (UNISON)/Staff Association (Federation).
•    The Backup Buddy Police Support app is designed to help with mental health issues and gives practical advice and support as well as a range of podcasts.
•    Opportunities for development and further study including Further You Talent Management, Be You BCH Senior Leadership Programme, and supervisory leadership workshops.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We are working hard to increase diversity and inclusion within the Constabulary, where communities are under-represented, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions and gender, LGBT communities and those from other 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.

Disability confident leader logo

Flexible Working

All requests for flexible working patterns will be considered and will be dependent on the role.

Recruitment and Selection Policy

Internal applicants who are at risk of redundancy or in need of redeployment and pass the selection process, will be offered the role over the remaining internal and external applicants.

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 5 years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or 3 years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Vetting and Safeguarding

We 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.

Useful information before you commence an application

You will require the following detail to complete this application form:

  • National Insurance Number
  • Identification Detail e.g. passport
  • Address information including proof 
  • Referee information
  • Full employment history including dates and any qualifications you may have attained. 

You will also be requested to provide photos of any visible tattoos you have.

If the role requires you to drive you will also be required to upload details from your full driving license including photos.

This advert is closed to applications.