Transferee and Re-Joiner Police Constable - Surveillance Officer

Start Your Journey with the British Transport Police (BTP)

We are seeking highly motivated, professional and resilient Police Constables to join our Surveillance Team as a Surveillance Officer.

This is a challenging and rewarding role at the forefront of covert policing, providing vital intelligence and evidential opportunities in support of serious and organised crime investigations.

As a Surveillance Officer, you will operate as part of a highly trained team responsible for the covert observation of individuals, locations and criminal networks. Your work will directly contribute to the disruption and prosecution of offenders involved in serious criminality, safeguarding vulnerable people and protecting communities.

This role requires exceptional observational skills, sound judgement, discretion and the ability to work effectively in dynamic and demanding environments.

Key Responsibilities

Conduct directed and intrusive surveillance in accordance with legislative and organisational requirements.

Gather, record and accurately document intelligence and evidential material.

Deploy covertly in urban, rural and transport environments.

Operate surveillance vehicles, technical equipment and communication systems.

Work closely with investigators, intelligence officers and partner agencies to support operational objectives.

Produce clear and concise surveillance logs, statements and operational reports.

Maintain security, integrity and confidentiality at all times.

Participate in pre-deployment planning, risk assessment and post-operational debriefs.

Provide support to covert policing operations targeting serious and organised crime groups.

Essential Criteria

Proven ability to work effectively within a team environment.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Strong observational abilities and attention to detail.

Ability to remain calm and make effective decisions under pressure.

High levels of integrity, professionalism and discretion.

Good written skills with experience producing accurate reports and records.

Flexibility to work irregular hours, weekends and extended deployments when operationally required.

Full UK driving licence.

Q1 trained

Advanced driving trained

Ability to be vetted to MV and SC

Live within 90 minutes of central London

Desirable Criteria

Advanced motorcycle training

Surveillance biker qualification

Eligibility Criteria

In order to be considered for this role, applicants must meet the initial eligibility requirements below. By submitting an application, you are self-certifying that you meet this criteria.

Applicants must be a current or former officer from a Home Office Police Force, Police Scotland, or PSNI

Transferees must be substantive in rank of Constable and have completed probation

Re-joiners must apply within 5 years of leaving and have been substantive in rank

Must be operationally deployable.

Not subject to stage 2 or above sickness proceedings

No live misconduct warnings or performance issues

Cannot be under current investigation by another force

Must have lived in the UK for the past 3 consecutive years

No active CCJs, unmanaged IVAs, or bankruptcy

We do not accept applications from those dismissed from another force

We do not accept applications if you have been declined vetting at another Force within 2 years.

Want to Learn More?

Explore our On Patrol shadowing scheme to get a first-hand feel for the role, or email us at recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk with any questions.

You’ve already made a difference. Come do it again, with a team that values every part of who you are - Apply now and help us keep Britain moving safely.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve.

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices.

If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here.

Use of AI

AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.