ERSOU CTP - PC/DC - Prison Intelligence Unit Source Handler - Ref 7504

Applications are invited from Police Constables and Detective Constables to join the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) for a current vacancy in the Dedicated Source Unit working within the Prison Intelligence Unit.

This advert is open to officers within the region from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

At this time this advert is not open to Essex or Hertfordshire police officers.

The Covert Human Intelligence Source (CHIS) in Prisons team, support ERSOU (Counter Terrorism Policing and Regional Organised Crime Unit), Regional Forces and HMPPS (Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service) by responding to the intelligence requirements of ERSOU, Regional force’s and HMPPS strategic assessments through the handling of Covert Human Intelligence Sources within and where necessary outside of Her Majesty’s Prisons. The team comprises of Police Officers and Police Staff, who are all trained and accredited Handlers and Controllers. The team are based in Suffolk, however flexibility is required in relation to start times and locations in order to service operational needs.

Previous experience of handling CHIS will clearly be of benefit.  However this vacancy is also open to candidates who may not necessarily have current experience or qualifications in the management of CHIS. If the successful candidate is not already qualified in CHIS management, they must take and pass the College of Policing Enhanced Source Management Course or equivalent, as well as the HMPPS CHIS handling course. These are pass or fail courses, and unsuccessful candidates will not be able to remain in the Unit. 

Applicants must be experienced Officers, with a good knowledge of IT systems including Force Intelligence Systems, PNC and Charter, to enable these systems to be used to undertake the principal accountabilities of the role.

ERSOU endeavours to reflect the diverse communities we serve and to build an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued and respected. We encourage applications from underrepresented or minority groups.

Applicants must hold or be prepared to undergo Management Vetting (5 years residency criteria) and Security Clearance (5 years residency criteria) or Development Vetting, if applicable, before taking up the post. Please be aware the Police Corporate Vetting Unit will undertake security vetting on successful candidates, their family and others that live at their home address, which will include financial checks. Due to the sensitive nature of these checks, we are not able to supply feedback should clearance be declined.

This post is designated a ‘reserved post’ under the Civil Service Nationality Rules and is open only to UK Nationals. Anyone holding dual nationality can make an application but may be required to relinquish non-British nationality if successful (and any entitlement you may have to a foreign nationality) as a condition of your confirmation of appointment with CTP. When applying please click Yes to the British Nationality Question in order to progress to the next step of the application process. One of your parents should also be British or have substantial ties to the UK. In the latter instance; substantial ties means that your parent is a citizen of a British Overseas Territory, a Commonwealth citizen, US citizen, EEA citizen, British national or citizen overseas, and they would need to have demonstrable connections with the UK by way of family history or have been resident here for a substantial period of time.

If you’re already married to, or cohabiting with, a person who isn’t a British citizen, you may still be eligible for employment at the discretion of the department. You should note however, that marriage to, or cohabitation with, a person who isn’t a British citizen after appointment may, in some circumstances, result in the withdrawal of security clearance and subsequent transfer to another department, or (if this is not possible or the officer does not wish to transfer) dismissal. Each case will be considered on its merits, taking into account the ties between the person involved and the United Kingdom.

You will be expected to provide written evidence around the following competencies and the minimum entry requirements from the role profile:

- We take ownership

- We are collaborative

- We deliver, support and inspire

- We analyse critically

Please note there is a 500 words limit for each competency.

All applicants must print off a copy of the CT application approval form and pass this onto their line manager and head of department for authorisation. As this is a PDF document this will need to be wet signed. We will accept an audit trail of emails from your line manager and Head of Department if a wet signature is not achievable.

The completed approval form needs to be returned to hr.ersou@ersou.pnn.police.uk as close to the closing date as possible.

Application forms will not be progressed to the shortlisting stage until the recruitment team has received a completed approval form.

For further information about the role or mileage from your home address to the working location please contact: hr.ersou@ersou.pnn.police.uk