Technical Surveillance Officer

Northumbria Police; Slapewath; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Public sector pension

Car lease scheme

Flexible working

On-site benefits

Job summary

Northumbria Police is seeking a highly skilled Technical Surveillance Officer to join our specialist team. You will deliver overt and covert technical capabilities to support investigations and operational risk management.

Based in the North East region with travel as required, the role demands design, deployment, and expert advice across complex operations, with on‑call duties and a commitment to safeguarding communities.

Qualifications

• HND or Level 5 in a technical discipline or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a specialist technical environment with practical, innovative solutions.
• Ability to work with stakeholders across regions and agencies.

Responsibilities

• Assess and prioritise requests for technical support with operational colleagues.
• Conduct overt and covert technical feasibility and risk assessments.
• Design, develop and implement bespoke technical solutions for complex operations.
• Prepare and coordinate deployments with internal departments and external partners.
• Deploy and manage technical solutions in operational environments, maintaining safety and security.
• Design and implement specialist surveillance infrastructure and data transport networks.
• Act as a technical SME, advising colleagues and partners across the region.
• Collaborate with team and partners to support serious and organised crime investigations.

Skills

HND Level5

Technical expertise

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Collaboration

Communication

IT systems

CPD

Professional accreditation

On-call duties

Driving licence

Education

HND/City & Guilds Level 5

Job description

Salary: Band 8, £36,066 - £41,028 per annum (Please note it is Northumbria Police policy to appoint at the beginning of the band)

Location: Cleveland, with travel across the North East region and wider UK as required to support operational activity.

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday, 08:00 - 16:00, with participation in an on‑call rota and overtime requirements to support operational demands.

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled Technical Surveillance Officer to join our specialist team supporting the investigation and disruption of serious and organised crime. This is a unique opportunity to deliver overt and covert technical capabilities in support of complex operations, crimes in action, and incidents involving an immediate risk to life.

Working closely with operational colleagues, you will assess investigative requirements, develop innovative technical solutions, and provide expert advice to support operational objectives. If you thrive in a challenging environment, enjoy problem‑solving, and are passionate about using technology to make a real difference in protecting communities, we would love to hear from you.

What you’ll do

• Assess and prioritise requests for technical support, working closely with operational colleagues to understand requirements and deliver effective technical solutions aligned to operational objectives.
• Conduct overt and covert technical feasibility assessments, including risk assessments and evaluation of tactical options, providing expert advice on the most appropriate technical approach.
• Design, develop and implement bespoke technical solutions, including complex network infrastructure, specialist equipment, tools and concealments to support operational activity.
• Prepare and coordinate deployments, liaising with internal departments, external partners and other stakeholders to identify and resolve any issues ahead of operational activity.
• Deploy and manage technical solutions in operational environments, adapting to changing circumstances and risks to ensure successful outcomes while maintaining operational security and health and safety standards.
• Assess, design and implement specialist technical surveillance infrastructure, including data transport networks, information access systems, monitoring facilities and operational technology solutions.
• Act as a technical subject matter expert, providing specialist advice and guidance to colleagues and partners across the region to support complex investigations and operations.
• Work collaboratively with team members and operational partners to support serious and organised crime investigations, crimes in action and incidents involving an immediate risk to life.

What you’ll bring

• A HND, City & Guilds Level 5 (or above) in a relevant technical discipline, or equivalent experience demonstrating advanced technical expertise.
• Significant experience working within a specialist technical environment, with the ability to develop practical and innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, make sound decisions and deliver results within critical timescales.
• Excellent problem‑solving abilities and the resilience to adapt quickly in dynamic, high‑pressure operational environments.
• Experience of working collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, including colleagues, partner agencies and external suppliers.
• Effective communication skills, with the ability to explain technical information clearly to both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Proficiency in the use of IT systems, databases and software packages relevant to the role.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and maintaining knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and best practice.
• Willingness to obtain and maintain any professional accreditation or licensing required by the College of Policing.
• The ability to undertake on‑call duties and respond to operational requirements outside normal working hours.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to drive are essential requirements of this role due to the nature of the operational deployments and covert activities undertaken.

We know it's important for you to feel that you're not only part of a great team, but part of a community. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Harnessing these differences creates a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, and their talents are fully utilised. Appointments are based on merit alone.

Interested to learn more? For further information about the role please contact [e-mail].

What we offer

• 26 days’ leave (increasing to 30 days for 5 years+ service) plus 8 bank holidays
• NHS Fleet Solutions Car Lease Scheme
• Enhanced maternity, shared parental and adoption leave
• Flexi time - allowing you to fit your working hours around your individual needs
• Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)
• Agile working – option to work from home, your team zone, and spaces across the force
• Fantastic market‑leading public sector pension scheme with up to 16% employer contribution
• Corporate travel schemes – local rail, bus services and metro discounts
• Access to private healthcare and eye test vouchers
• Discounts on shopping and eating out thanks to the Blue Light Card and Blue Light Tickets
• We’ve invested in extensive paid sick leave, trained mental health first aiders on‑site, an employee advice service for the times you need that additional support.
• Access to gyms in some stations
• Sports & Social Club – join our thriving sports scene at Team NP and enjoy further exclusive discounts on days out and travel
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to volunteer in local community

Just so you know

Our application form will help us understand how your work, education and life experience has prepared you for the role of a Technical Surveillance Officer with #TeamNP. To help support your application research what makes us tick here at Northumbria, the role you’re applying for and the values and behaviours that contribute.

Use of AI in Applications: At Northumbria Police, we embrace innovative technologies to enhance our recruitment process. We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While AI can be a valuable resource, we encourage applicants to ensure their submissions accurately reflect their personal qualifications, experiences, and skills. Our selection process includes thorough evaluations to verify the authenticity and suitability of all applications. We value genuine and thoughtful responses that showcase your unique strengths and perspectives.

The recruitment process will consist of the initial application form followed by a face to face interview. Just so you know, you can save your application and come back to it any time prior to the closing date on the advert.

We are proud members of the Business Disability Forum, with whom we collaborate with to improve the lives of disabled employees. We are also a Disability Confident Employer, therefore if you demonstrate that you meet the minimum criteria for this role as stated in the advert, we will progress your application and offer you an interview.

If you tell us that you have a disability, we can make adjustments to support you through the recruitment process (for example we can arrange extra time for tests or provide a sign language interpreter) You can get in touch with us via [e-mail] for any support regarding the application process. Please provide us with plenty of notice so we can ensure your visit goes smoothly.

If your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a Management Vetting (MV)/ Security Clearance (SC) Biometric Vetting form, therefore you must be a resident of the UK for a minimum period of 5 years to ensure vetting checks can be successfully performed. A job offer will be dependent upon vetting clearance, medical information, and references.

Terms of appointment

This is a permanent role subject to a six‑month probationary period.

If you are successful in your application, you will have a six‑month probation period with us where you will be unable to apply for any other post advertised internally or externally.