BEDFORDSHIRE POLICE- Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU) - Detective Constable/Transferee

 Location: Headquarters, Kempston, Beds

 Grade/Rank: DC 

There are a number of current and projected exciting opportunities for Detectives to join directly into the Bedfordshire Serious and Organised Crime Unit (SOCU). 

SOCU provide the dedicated covert capability for Bedfordshire Police and conduct proactive investigations into serious and complex crime. As a Detective Constable on the unit, you will be at the forefront of the force response to serious and organised crime groups operating in our county.  SOCU are also responsible for the investigation of a range of offences in line with the Force Control Strategy. 

You will need to have a proven track record in investigation, serious and complex crime and a good working knowledge of covert policing tactics/legislation is also desirable. 

Whilst the role of a surveillance operative can be demanding SOCU officers are afforded as much flexibility where possible to ensure a healthy work life balance. In addition to this, we currently operate a vehicle policy whereby officers are afforded the use of a surveillance vehicle to assist with agile working from home. Bedfordshire officers are also entitled to South East Allowance payment. 

There will be two recruitment pathways relating to these vacancies: 

PiP2 accredited Detective Constables who have a current level 1 surveillance qualification (College of Policing accredited). Those officers that have previously been PiP2 accredited but have now lapsed will also be considered with a view that reaccreditation will be attained whilst in post. 

Or 

PiP2 accredited Detective Constables who have at least a standard/response driving authorisation and are seeking to become level 1 surveillance qualified. This pathway is subject to the successful completion of a surveillance preselect which will be arranged following passing the paper sift.  Those applicants that already hold a surveillance preselect and or an advance driving authority are preferred but not essential for the right candidate. 

The right candidates will also be immediately eligible for many additional training opportunities and roles within the team. We have current opportunities for a surveillance motorcyclist, rural surveillance operatives, and operational commanders for surveillance.

 The current base for the team is due to relocate to a discreet location that has good road links to not only Bedfordshire but Cambridgeshire, North Hertfordshire, and South Northamptonshire. 

SOCU 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 groups, including female officers. There is an opportunity to speak with officers from these groups that are already working as part of the team should you wish to do so.

 Detective Constables that are level 1 surveillance trained on transfer will be tenured in post for 24 months prior to consideration for moving into other roles. 

Detective Constables that transfer into the role untrained there is a minimum tenure of 36 months for those after completing the level 1 surveillance training prior to consideration of moving into other roles. 

Progression to a professional discussion will be dependent upon successful completion of a paper sift. 

Professional discussion dates will be scheduled accordingly to availability of candidates. 

For the purposes of the application, you will be expected to provide evidence against the four personal qualities below to include confirmation of your surveillance and Detective skills. You will be asked to complete this task while filling in online application. 

We deliver, support, and inspire

We are innovative

We analyse critically

We take ownership 

There is a maximum word count of 500 words per section. 

The successful candidates will be vetted to SC/MV level prior to joining the team. 

For any questions in relation to the role, please email DI Andy Stevens at andy.stevens@beds.police.uk 

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

This force is a Disability Confident Leader. Should you require any workplace adjustments for your recruitment journey with us which you have not informed us of, please contact us on 01438 757777 or email us on careers@bch.police.uk and we will be happy to support you. 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’. 

Everyone at Bedfordshire Police 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 reasonable adjustments, wherever needed so everyone feels welcome and can flourish. 

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. We try to speak to our applicants however, we may receive a high number of applications that can delay our response. Please assume that you have not been shortlisted for the role if we have not responded 4 weeks after the closing date. 

This advert is open to External Applicants Only. 

All applications must be submitted through our online recruitment website.  Click here to apply

 Closing date: 2 October 2022.