Role: DSU Controller 

Type: Police Officer - Sergeant

Closing Date: Monday 8th January 2024

The Role

As a CHIS (Covert Human Intelligence Source) Controller, you’ll supervise and direct the recruitment and management of CHIS on behalf of WMP, ensuring compliance with appropriate legislation and policy.

You’ll supervise a team of officers, demonstrating excellent leadership skills.

Demonstrating a thorough knowledge and involvement in the use of law and procedures relating to RIPA, CPIA, Human Rights and covert policing methods.  

You will supervise covert resources in line with NPCC guidelines and RIPA, however you’ll be provided with mentoring and support to enable you to be fully prepared for attendance at the CHIS Controller course at the College of Policing.

Key Responsibilities: - 

• Control the management of Covert Human Intelligence Sources leading a team of Contables ( handlers). 
• To operate in accordance with the codes of ethics. 
• To manage existing CHIS in line with the codes of practice and RIPA. 
• To support handlers obtaining the most effective intelligence dividend from CHIS.
• To prepare detailed applications for authority in relation to the deployment of CHIS. 
• Maintain appropriate tradecraft, to ensure the welfare, safety and protection of staff and potential CHIS. 
• Gather and disseminate intelligence and act in accordance with RIPA and CPIA. 
• Work closely with partner agencies and other WMP Departments in support of Force objectives.
• Liaise with and advise police officers and police staff around CHIS recruitment opportunities. 
• Provide direction and support in the recruitment of new CHIS to enable the DSU to meet the strategic requirements of the force. 
• Develop and maintain a good knowledge of local and national issues, and its relevance to daily activity.
• To respond to tasking identifying the most appropriate use of CHIS. 
• Manage finances and audit expenses 
• Manage sensitive disclosure and Public Interest Immunity (PII) in line with CPIA. 
• Preparation of court ‘Text’ letters. 
• Effectively manage handler development portfolios for new staff.

Qualifications - Internal Essential Skills and Competencies:

• A thorough knowledge of RIPA, CPIA, CCA, IPCO guidelines and the CHIS codes of practice. 
• Willing to be flexible in the working environment. 
• Can demonstrate experience and understanding of the use of sensitive intelligence. 
• Must be willing to undergo and successfully pass College of Policing CHIS Controller Course. 
• Proven experience of using initiative to make complex decisions. 
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills. 
• Able to demonstrate effective partnership working at a tactical level with good influencing and persuading skills to build strong relationships with partners to achieve objectives. 
• The ability to work unsupervised and manage finances. 
• Sensitivity to the needs of diverse communities and individuals.
• Must be an experienced supervisor and able to evidence strong ethical leadership embracing the principles of the code of Ethics.
• Must be confident in delivering presentations to a wide cross section of audiences. 
• Good working knowledge of sensitive disclosure. 

Desirable Skills/Competencies:

• Previous CHIS handling and recruitment experience. 
• Knowledge of covert policing techniques. 
• A good level of understanding of IT. 

Other Information:

• Training in the use of the CHIS Database will be provided to the successful candidate.

Hours: The post holder will generally work normal office hours on a shift pattern covering Monday to Sunday but flexibility will be required, the post holder will also be expected to cover an out of hours rota. 

Location: The role is currently based near Birmingham city centre. 

Vetting: The post holder will be subject to MV and SC (Enhanced) vetting / clearance which will need to be in place prior to starting in the role. 

Contact: For further information please contact Inspector Craig Harris – craig.harris@west-midlands.pnn.police.uk

 West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions.  As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. 

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision:  Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"