** Dedicated Surveillance Team Leader

Criminal & Financial Investigation (CFI) is a directorate within Enforcement, Compliance & Crime (ECC). Our mission is to investigate all aspects of immigration crime and bring the full force of the law against those seeking to abuse the UKs border and immigration systems.

CFI plays a key role in disrupting organised crime groups involved in facilitating illegal entry to the United Kingdom. We achieve this by conducting criminal investigations into these networks and using powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to strip them of their illicit profits. The team also investigates and arrests foreign nationals who pose a threat to public safety.

This role is a Team Leader position within the Operational Support Unit, CFIs covert surveillance team. The Operational Support Unit (OSU) is a Dedicated Surveillance Team that supports criminal investigations through the collection of evidence and intelligence by means of surveillance. The team have a national remit to conduct surveillance in line with national tasking. The unit is accredited by the College of Policing and is responsible for delivering static, foot and mobile surveillance operations. This may include working alongside Mobile Armed Support to Surveillance (MASTS) teams.

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Act as the Surveillance Ground Commander, leading deployments, conducting risk assessments, and delivering structured briefings and debriefings. Ensure all activity aligns with national policing standards and report to the Covert Operations Manager for Surveillance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, Police Act 1997, and Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996. Oversee evidence handling and disclosure processes and provide evidence in Crown or Magistrates Courts where required.
• Maintain adherence to procedural standards, ensuring all operational documentation and administrative tasks are completed accurately and within required timescales to support operational readiness and compliance.
• Make sound, evidence-based decisions in high-pressure and dynamic environments, managing risk effectively while maintaining safety and achieving operational objectives.
• Provide effective leadership and line management of staff, setting clear expectations, managing performance, and addressing conduct and capability issues in line with organisational policies and values.
• Foster a culture of continuous development and mentorship, supporting the progression of team members and promoting a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Work collaboratively with the wider management team, liaising with peer managers and Surveillance Commanders to ensure coordinated and effective operational delivery.
• Support the delivery of Immigration Enforcements strategic objectives through strong leadership, partnership working, and a commitment to operational excellence.

You may be required to undertake the same or a similar role within a different team or teams, where possible at your base location or within reasonable travel distance, depending on business priorities. With appropriate training and support, this will provide opportunities to broaden your experience and skill set.

Working Patterns

Due to business requirements, this role is offered on a full-time basis only.

Shift Working

Successful candidates will need to be able to attend for all shifts including early starts, late night finishes, and overnight shifts. These shifts may be outside of public transport operating hours.

Training

You will receive full training and support to do the job. You work as part of a team where there is always someone around for advice and support.

This role can be physically demanding and if successful you will be required to complete and pass specialist training including Personal Safety Training (PST) Level 3, which develops skills in personal safety, arrest and restraint techniques. This demands physical activity and physical contact with delegates on the course. You will be required to complete a PST health declaration and, if necessary, attend a medical examination. A formal offer will be conditional upon you being physically fit to undertake and pass the training.

Further information on what the training involves can be found on our website.

Travel

The successful candidate will be expected to travel nationally when required and spend extended periods away from home.