SOCA/NCA tackles serious criminality that impacts on the UK and its citizens. This includes class A drugs, people smuggling and human trafficking, major gun crime, fraud, computer crime, money laundering and the corruption that organised criminals use to facilitate these crimes.
We work to imprison serious criminals, and use many other tactics to disrupt crime and keep people safe. In particular, we want to ensure crime doesn’t pay and that it’s harder to commit. We also draw on innovative new approaches to prevent crimes from happening in the first place.
Grade & Role Title: SG5 Tactical Firearms Officer – Armed Operations Unit
Vacancy Reference Number: CP589601LF
Locations: South East and West London, Birmingham, Warrington and Calder.
Closing Date: 3rd February 2013 / Midnight
Generic Role Profile Number: RP15101
Salary: £24,717 plus London weighting (£3,162) where applicable. We are able to match salaries of current serving civil servants up to £30,323
Role Summary:
To contribute to the acquisition and development of tactical and strategic intelligence focused on serious and organised crime affecting the UK.
To provide an armed and unarmed covert surveillance response in accordance with business requirement.
A day in the life of a Firearms Officer
Having been asked to put together a snapshot “Day in the life” report, for my role as an Authorised Firearms Officer on the Armed Operations Unit, got me thinking. A typical day on this team, there’s no such thing. When former colleagues ask me “how’s it going?” it’s difficult to summarise what I do in just a few words. So my answer is “great, keeping busy”. “Busy,” being the operative word. Looking ahead to next months training commitments, I’m away for two weeks, first my Tactical Care Officer (medic) qualification. This will be followed by a week where I will need all my warm clothing for some shooting and training out doors. These are extra weeks that I do as a specialist; they are in addition to the standard three weeks of tactical training, 3 days of development shooting and the two qualification shoots spread over the year. These can be difficult domestically, I use them as opportunities to get in the gym and keep relatively fit. Every year we have a medical and fitness test that we must pass to maintain our role.
A typical working week includes early starts, with leaving home before 0600 to make briefings at 0730, and then getting home after the children are in bed. My duty rota includes working one in four weekends with rest days during the week which does help with childcare. Having equipment ready to go, ensuring the vehicle is checked as often as possible. I have noticed that in the last two weeks I had covered two thousand miles, most of which was in and around the M25. By the nature of the unit being all over the country the work can demand that we are required anywhere and as such driving is a significant part of the role. An important aspect of the job is the availability to be called on to assist another team we might end up hours away from home and overnight in a hotel before heading back in the morning. Each job is normally different to the last, different place, different objectives and different hours which is part of the attraction to the role.
I enjoy the challenges of surveillance which makes up a large percentage of our work both armed and unarmed; thinking on your feet when finding yourself in different areas, deploying on foot or jumping on a train. Sometimes just keeping control of the subject requires maximum effort by the whole team. Being part of a team is huge reward for all the training and effort to get the required skill set for this job. That’s why I come to work and enjoy my role as an AFO.
There are additional specialism’s that can be achieved within the Armed Operations Unit such as armed motorcyclist and training roles.
Candidates are required to provide evidence against ONLY the followingPersonal Qualities Framework (PQF). The level required is listed on the Role Profile and below –
- Teamwork and Partnership
- Problem Solving
- Personal Accountability
- ‘Respect for Others’ will be evidenced at Interview not on the Application Form
Candidates are required to provide evidence against ONLY the following Entry Criteria taken from the Role Profile –
- Good understanding of criminal law and UK legislation affecting Agency activity
- Good knowledge of the Manual of Guidance on the Management, Command and Deployment of armed officers.
- Proven experience of working to timelines within a dynamic environment.
- Proven experience of decision making in high risk environments.
To apply for an Investigative Firearms Officer role it is ESSENTIAL that you that you possess the following qualifications and skills:
- Current or recently lapsed Authorised Firearms Officer
- Level 1 Surveillance
- Experienced in Criminal Investigation
Candidates must have
Candidates must meet our educational qualification criteria which are; 5 GCSE's (Inc Math and English grade C and above), and 2 A Levels. However, if you are not in possession of the requisite qualifications, you can undertake our ability testing which seeks to establish an equivalent level of aptitude.
Candidates must meet our educational qualification criteria which are; 5 GCSE's (Inc Math and English grade C and above), and 2 A Levels. However, if you are not in possession of the requisite qualifications, you can undertake our ability testing which seeks to establish an equivalent level of aptitude.
You must either possess the educational qualifications or have successfully passed our ability test in order for your application to proceed.
Secondment Applications
We would be happy to consider secondment applications from serving police officers for these opportunities. All secondment applications must be supported by the Home Force. Secondments will be available for 2 -5 years.
We would be happy to consider secondment applications from serving police officers for these opportunities. All secondment applications must be supported by the Home Force. Secondments will be available for 2 -5 years.
Such applicants should be aware that, on this occasion, applications for secondment will be considered competitively against external applications and will be subject to the same selection process.
Once the NCA is established, and if required, there may be the possibility of a permanent transfer to the NCA subject to all parties agreement. How this may be facilitated has yet to be determined. Therefore, applicants should not rely upon such as this if they are seeking permanent employment with SOCA/NCA.
To apply:
Candidates will need to complete the application form and return it tocentral.recruitment@soca.x.gsi.gov.uk mailbox no later than Midnight on 3rdFebruary 2013.
- Please use the Application Form, Guidance Notes, Role Profile andPersonal Qualities Framework (PQF) to assist you in completing the form.
- To ensure that your application / emails regarding this vacancy are actioned please ensure that the title of the email contains the following information listed above –Grade & Role Title followed by the Vacancy Reference Number.
- Should an application arrive after the stated deadline it will not be included in the recruitment process, regardless of the reason.
Assessment Centre
- Should you be successful at short listing you will be invited to attend an assessment centre in March 2013, locations and exact datesare to be confirmed.
- Please specify your preferred date at the top of your application form.
- Further details will be forwarded to applicants successful at shortlisting. Should you be unable to attend this assessment there will be no alternative date, regardless of the reason. However your details may be held for a period of six months pending further future recrutment.
- Please note: Due to the volume of applications we receive, it is SOCA’s policy not to give feedback to external candidates on applications.
SECURITY CLEARANCE
To be considered, you will need to successfully complete Security clearance (SC) before commencing the role.
To be considered, you will need to successfully complete Security clearance (SC) before commencing the role.
You will also be required to undertake a mandatory pre-employment substance misuse test and achieve a satisfactory result.
You should be aware that some roles within SOCA/NCA do require Developed Vetting Security clearance but this is not required for entry.
DRIVING DIVERSITY FORWARD
SOCA/NCA treats everyone with respect and dignity, provides a positive environment in which everyone feels valued, where individual differences in age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital/parental status, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation and work style are fully utilised to best meet organisational needs.
SOCA/NCA treats everyone with respect and dignity, provides a positive environment in which everyone feels valued, where individual differences in age, disability, gender, gender identity, marital/parental status, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, sexual orientation and work style are fully utilised to best meet organisational needs.
We therefore welcome all applications, but particularly welcome applications from females and ethnic minorities.
SOCA is a “Two Ticks” employer and is committed to inviting people who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria at the shortlist stage to interview / Assessment Centre.
SOCA is a “Two Ticks” employer and is committed to inviting people who have a disability and who meet the minimum criteria at the shortlist stage to interview / Assessment Centre.
If you require any adjustments to be made to the selection process, please let our Recruitment Team know and they will make the appropriate arrangements.
