Regional Technical Surveillance Officer

Avon and Somerset Police; Bristol; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional law enforcement agency in Bristol is seeking Technical Surveillance Officers to join their specialist teams. This role offers a chance to work on significant investigations, with the responsibilities focusing on technical delivery and support. Ideal candidates will have relevant educational qualifications and a proven track record in a technical role. Opportunities for professional development and a rewarding work environment are provided, making it an excellent chance to progress in the field of law enforcement technology.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Continuous professional development

Well-being support

Qualifications

• HND or HNC in electronics or relevant workplace experience.
• Experience in a technical environment.
• Understanding of health & safety regulations.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for operational delivery of technical surveillance.
• Implement strategies for covert surveillance operations.
• Work with regional and national law enforcement partners.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Problem solving skills

Ability to work autonomously

Technical knowledge in telecommunications

Education

HND or HNC in electronics, radio or telecommunications

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

Job description

The South West Regional Organised Crime Unit (SWROCU) is looking for Technical Surveillance Officers keen to progress their careers as part of our Technical Surveillance Teams. This team delivers bespoke technical surveillance assistance and solutions in support of both serious and organised crime; and major crime across the whole of the South West Region.

SWROCU Northern Hub, Bristol, Near to BS34 6PY
Newton Abbott, within the vicinity of TQ12 6JD

Please note that the location of the role will have an impact on the terms and conditions. If you have any concerns about your ability to regularly travel to this location using your own transport, then please speak to the hiring manager before submitting an application.

Full Time, permanent and 6-month bank

If you are applying from one of the Regional Forces you will be seconded to SWROCU in line with the Joint Services Agreement and will remain on your home force terms and conditions and graded pay scale for the role. This recruitment platform is hosted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

If you are applying as an external candidate you will be applying to join Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Salary:

A&S: PO3-6, plus call-out/standby allowance
D&C: Grade 9
Dorset: Grade G
Glos: PO1
Wilts: W10

We are looking for a technically minded, enthusiastic and dedicated individual who already has a good technical grounding to become part of a specialist team. The Regional Technical Surveillance Officer is responsible for day-to-day operational delivery of technical surveillance within the South West Region.

The role will incorporate a combination of Information Technology, electronic and engineering disciplines. To assess all operational requirements and implement effective strategies in support of covert surveillance operations.

The role is very interesting, challenging but also extremely rewarding and the support we provide our customers, the SWROCU and it constituent forces, plays an integral part in both Serious and Organised Crime; and Major Crime investigations.

You will enjoy a varied workload, which affords them the opportunity to work with local, regional, national, and international law enforcement partners, as well as private companies and members of the public.

The successful candidate will have significant development opportunities through an extensive learning and development program inclusive of both courses and external through the College of Policing and other external specialist course providers.

SWROCU is a collaboration of police officers and police staff from the five South West regional forces. We’re part of a national network of nine ROCUs covering England and Wales.

We have more than 20 capabilities that staff and officers work in to Pursue offenders, Protect and Prepare individuals and organisations, and Prevent people from engaging in serious and organised crime.

Our capabilities are here to advise, to assist, or to fully adopt investigations.

We work with local forces and national partners to target and disrupt criminals posing the greatest risk of Serious and Organised Criminality (SOC). This includes offenders involved in cyber threats, economic crime, drug conspiracies, modern slavery and human trafficking, and child sexual abuse and exploitation.

Police Staff in one of our five regional forces can find out more about SWROCU, read case studies and learn more about our capabilities on our dedicated microsite: https://www.southwestrocu.police.uk/

We’re looking for committed people with the right skillset – or ambition to develop that skillset – to join us.

What we can offer you –

• Flexible working – with many of our roles we can be flexible regarding working hours and your primary location.
• Continuous professional development – we encourage and support career growth, giving you the opportunity of a flourishing career.
• Well-being support – we have many support mechanisms in place to assist in improving your personal health and wellbeing.

Skills, experience and qualifications required

Essential:

• HND or HNC (or recognised BTEC) in electronics, radio or telecommunications or relevant workplace experience and ability to demonstrate up to date knowledge of relevant technologies
• Previous knowledge/experience of at least one of the following: video, audio, optics, alarm, telecommunications, location and positioning equipment, information communication technology, mobile telephony, IP or WIFI technology
• Experience of working in a technical environment
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with ability to advise and influence to achieve objective
• Ability to work autonomously in a challenging environment and make decisions balancing operational considerations against risk
• Excellent problem solving skills with ability to develop technical and practical solutions
• Ability to deal with multiple demands under considerable time pressures
• Detailed knowledge or computer systems used with specialist technical equipment and competent in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel
• Awareness of workplace health & safety issues, specifically related to Health and Safety Regulation
• Demonstrate understanding of relevant legislation in connection with technical surveillance techniques (RIPA, Police Act, APP, ACPO Surveillance Manual of Standards and ECHR Act)
• Full driving licence or be able to travel around the region by other means

Recruitment and Selection

• Recruitment webinar: Monday 5th January 2026, 2pm
  Hosted by the capability lead or a member of their team, this is an opportunity to find out more about the role, the team you would be part of, and ask any questions.
  Please contact [e-mail], whereby invites will be sent accordingly. Please note that webinars will not be recorded
  General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) - we would like to make you aware that this webinar will be a group video call which may show your personal details, such as your name and email address, to other attendees on the call. Attendees also need to be mindful of the misuse of personal data and information displayed in the webinar.
• The closing date for receipt of applications is: Monday 12th January 2026, 9am
• Shortlisting will take place week commencing:Monday 12th January2026
• Assessments will be held week commencing: Monday 26th January 2026

There is an online assessment, practical assessment and interview stage to this process.

How to Apply

All applications are processed through the Avon and Somerset Constabulary online Oleeo portal.

Contact [e-mail] for further information.

If you reach the assessment/ interview stage of a process and become a reserve applicant, we would like to retain your application. This will be pending further vacancies arising for the same role in a 6-month period. By giving your consent this does not prevent you from applying for any other opportunities.

Additional Information

Vetting and safeguarding

This post is subject to a higher security clearance at MV and SC – Management Vetting and Security Clearance Level.

To be eligible to apply for this role you must have a five-year ‘checkable history’ in the UK – ideally this means that you would have been resident in the UK for the last five years.

In accordance with the National Vetting Policy, SWROCU 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.

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 five years from the date of listing in the case of gross misconduct, or three years from the date of listing in the case of poor performance.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

SWROCU is working hard to increase diversity and inclusion where communities are currently under-represented including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, people of all ages, abilities, faiths, religions, gender, LGBTQ+ communities and those from 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.

Flexible and Part Time Working

All requests for flexible working patterns and part-time working will be considered and be dependent on the role, this includes job shares and part-time hours.

Travel to Work Protocol

This is an incentive whereby staff working for SWROCU may be able to claim compensation for travelling to work if they meet a set criteria.

For more information, please refer to a copy of the protocol attached. Should you have any questions please make contact with [e-mail]

If you are interested to find our more information about this post, please email us at: [e-mail]

About us

Diversity is a strength and individuality is an asset.

We recognise the benefit different life experience and perspectives can bring.

We are on a journey to become the most inclusive police force in the country.

Find out more about our benefits and culture

Please note: We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.