Covert Surveillance Officers – Scotland

Government Recruitment Service; Glasgow; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A government department is seeking a dedicated individual to oversee surveillance activities aimed at combating welfare fraud. Responsibilities include leading tasking requests, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and producing high-quality evidence for legal proceedings. Successful candidates must be adaptable, with responsibilities potentially requiring unsocial hours and travel. A commitment to professional standards and critical learning is essential for this role.

Responsibilities

• Lead surveillance tasking requests ensuring compliance and legal adherence.
• Provide direction as Officer in Charge during surveillance activities.
• Produce high-standard evidential packages including witness statements.
• Adhere to DWP’s surveillance standards and frameworks.
• Complete critical learning events to support role functions.
• Promote professionalism in all operations.
• Appear as a witness in court when required.
• Participate in surveillance operations with flexible hours and travel.

Job description

Overview

As part of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) response to tackling fraud within the welfare system, the Department utilise covert surveillance to gather evidence to prove/disprove offences.

Responsibilities

• Lead in taking forward tasking requests. Ensuring all surveillance activity provides value for money, is compliant with legal requirements, such as Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000/ Scotland Act, The Police Act 1997 & Criminal Procedures and Investigations Act 1996, and in accordance Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office recommendations as well as Departmental requirements.
• On occasions lead the activities of the Surveillance Team, as an OIC (Officer in Charge), providing direction to the team as the dynamic and evolving circumstances demand and to achieve the operational objectives.
• Undertake Risk assessments.
• Produce evidential packages to a high standard that are professional and accurate. Including, writing/obtaining witness statements to evidence witnessed activities, exhibit evidence obtained, including editing and compiling video/audio evidence and to account for the continuity of exhibits including preparing disclosure schedules in accordance with legislation.
• Ensure you adhere strictly to the DWP’s surveillance standards, and general instructions set out in the Fraud Procedures / Instructions Manual, and other user manuals and follow the processes to ensure people comply with the legal and policy requirements.
• Undertake and successfully complete a demanding suite of learning events to support you in undertaking this role. Included are several critical events in required to undertake these duties. These events are assessed and successful completion is required for this role. Please also note some of these events may be residential.
• Promote professional standards at all times.
• As required, appear as a witness in court.
• Actively participate in surveillance operations, often requiring regular attendance in unsocial hours and travel. Some overnight stays may also be required.