Digital Media Assessor - Counter Terrorism Policing

West Midlands Police; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK police force is seeking a Digital Media Assessor to gather and analyze evidence from digital media related to terrorism offenses. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and attention to detail, working Monday to Friday in Birmingham. Candidates will need to pass security vetting and be prepared for potentially disturbing content.

Qualifications

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Knowledge of counter terrorism policing is desirable.
• Effective communication skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Identify and gather evidence from digital media.
• Assess and categorize CCTV material and documentation.
• Produce reports and attend court for testimony.

Skills

Effective interpersonal and communication skills

High degree of accuracy in written reports

Good attention to detail

Use of Microsoft Word and associated programs

Knowledge of social media applications and platforms

Ability to work under pressure

Proficient preparation of evidence for court

Job description

Overview

Closing date: Tuesday 7th October 2025 11:59pm
Salary: £31,296 - £35,526
Grade: 5

Counter Terrorism Policing is a collaboration of UK police forces working with the UK intelligence community to help protect the public and our national security by preventing, deterring and investigating terrorist activity. Our West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (CTPWM) Investigations team includes Detective Investigators, Forensic Management, Digital and Financial Investigators and HOLMES staff working together to maximise opportunities to gather evidence and intelligence. Based at our modern offices near to Birmingham International Airport, you\'ll work Monday to Friday between 8am to 4pm, but an element of flexibility is necessary to meet business needs.

The role

As a Digital Media Assessor (DMA), you\'ll identify and gather evidence from media devices and other digital media seized from those suspected of involvement in terrorism offences to support a prosecution. Interpersonal and communication skills are essential, including excellent listening and viewing skills. Assessors require high levels of concentration and attention to detail. Many of the images viewed or conversations heard can be of a very disturbing nature. Regular de-briefing and contact with the force welfare/counselling is a necessity within this role.

Responsibilities

• Identifying intelligence in line with the National Intelligence Model in respect of criminal behaviour, extremist ideology and terrorist activities and offences.
• Completing the assessment of and categorising large volumes of CCTV material, ensuring that accurate viewing logs are completed.
• Identifying material that has the potential to undermine the prosecution or defence of those suspected of involvement in terrorism.
• Developing knowledge of Counter Terrorism groups / offences and related legislation to better identify evidential material. Using own initiative to carry out research into these topics to aid and assist investigations.
• Completing storyboards of CCTV material to assist in the prosecution of those responsible for terrorism offences.
• Producing reports and submitting all relevant documents for the Evidence Review process.
• Providing statements and attending court to give evidence if required.
• Liaising and working with partner agencies, translators and foreign law enforcement agencies.
• Identifying foreign language material and managing required translation work

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Effective interpersonal and communication skills.
• High degree of accuracy in written reports.
• Good attention to detail.
• Use of Microsoft Word and associated programs.
• Knowledge of social media applications and platforms.
• The ability to work under pressure and be able to work within deadlines where necessary.
• Proficient and timely preparation of evidence for the purposes of court.

Desirable

• Knowledge of counter terrorism policing, legislation, structure and practices.
• Knowledge of the National Intelligence Model, together with the tasking and coordination process.
• Knowledge of the Criminal Procedure & Investigations Act 1996 (CPIA).

Additional information

You will be provided with training to enable you to successfully complete and pass a digital media assessment course set out by National Counter Terrorism Policing Head Quarters (NCTPHQ).

This role involves assessing disturbing and distressing imagery, videos and audio, in order to categorise the content to assist in the prosecution of those suspected of involvement in terrorism offences. This material could include indecent images of children, extreme violence, mutilation and death.

Probation policy

Under the Probation Policy, if you are currently in your probation period, during your probationary period you will not be permitted to apply for alternative police staff roles within the Force unless there are exceptional circumstances. In such cases, you would require the support of your line manager prior to applying for alternative roles, and if successful, your probationary period will start over. (Policies - Probation Period (Police Staff) – wmpad.local)

Security clearance

This role requires British Nationality (some dual nationalities may be ineligible) and a Security Check vetting clearance. You will need to undergo additional security clearance checks, with the offer of employment being conditional on obtaining all of the necessary security clearances. There are limitations on travelling to a small number of countries once in post.

Diversity & Inclusion

Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities, whilst protecting them from harm. We are a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. We operate a "Disability Confident Interview Scheme" - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

Advertisement Closing Date

We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if the maximum volume of applications has been reached. Candidates with unsubmitted applications will not be informed prior to the advert closing.

Please do not attach a CV/covering letter as these will not be used during the application process.