We welcome applications from Police Constables seeking an exciting and rewarding opportunity to join our SEROCU Covert Operations Unit as an Undercover Online operative.

You will deploy as an undercover online operative and work as part of a successful team to investigate a range of offences within the South East Region and surrounding areas. This role will be focused on tackling Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse offences.

You will need to comply with undercover online Authorised Professional Practice (APP) and will be provided with nationally accredited training and support to meet the necessary legislative and practical requirements of the role. Please refer to the Job Description (enclosed with the Job Advert) for further details of role, knowledge, skills and experience requirements.

The successful candidate will be exposed to indecent images of children and highly offensive online material and therefore applicants should carefully consider if this an area they would feel comfortable to work within.

Please note that this role is part of a national, regional and local network and as a result you may be required to travel for business purposes mainly across the south east region and occasionally throughout the UK. Therefore, the successful candidate will require a full UK driving licence.

Due to the nature of our work, security is of paramount importance to us and therefore it will be necessary for the successful candidate to obtain and maintain vetting level SC. In order to achieve this, you must have resided in the UK for the past five years. Exemptions may apply for overseas or other diplomatic service (with HM Government), and studying abroad.

You can find more information about security vetting here.

Further Information

The following virtual information briefing will be held to give more information about the role and give attendees the opportunity to ask questions:

Wednesday 3rd September at 1200 hours

If you would like to attend please contact RecruitmentSE@ThamesValley.police.uk quoting reference 22731 to register your attendance.

How to Apply

To apply, click on the “Apply” button below and submit your application before the closing date of Sunday 14th September 2025 at 23:55hrs.

If you wish to apply you need to have support from your Head of Command / Department.

• Hampshire officers need to complete an AD277b alongside their application. This form is not available on the force’s standard forms library. It can be found on the HR Portal. Please contact WFPlanning@hampshire.police.uk if you have any queries relating to this.
• Kent Officers will need to inform Kent HR Resource Planning at the earliest opportunity of intention to apply. Every Officer application form must be signed by the Chief Supt or police staff equivalent and sent to Kent HR Resource Planning no later than 5 working days prior to closing date unless exceptional circumstances apply. This is required so that Chief Officer approval can be obtained for the application to progress, which will be managed by Kent HR Resource Planning. These steps must be completed prior to submission application. If your application for an opportunity is not approved prior to submission to the recruiting organisation you may not be supported for release to the role, should you be successful.
• Officers from other forces are welcome to apply. You may wish to consult with your HR team regarding completion of additional forms.

Please upload your latest PDR (or if no PDR, a recent copy of your CPD record/Focus Feedback meeting) and a copy of your Training Record. Please also upload the Recommendation for Appointment Form (enclosed with the Job Advert) in the ‘Line Managers Approval Form’.

At CTPSE and SEROCU we are committed to reflecting the communities we serve, and welcome applications from people from all backgrounds. We welcome applications from those interested in part time and flexible working, and encourage applications from our under represented communities.

Our people say that benefits include a good work/life balance, a supportive and welcoming place to work and great opportunities to further develop your own capabilities.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact RecruitmentSE@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the Job Reference number 22731.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy if we receive a high volume of applications. Should you wish to apply for this post, we advise you to complete and submit your application form as soon as possible.

Please use Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance.