GREATER MANCHESTER POLICE
JOB DESCRIPTION
POST TITLE
Technical Officer
DEPARTMENT/DIVISION/BRANCH:
Crime, Serious Crime Division
SECTION/UNIT:
Covert Policing Section, Technical Support Unit
GRADE:
D / F (career grade)
RESPONSIBLE TO:
Detective Sergeant (TSU)
RESPONSIBLE FOR:
N/A
AIM OF JOB:
To undertake the installation maintenance and repair
of covert surveillance equipment to ensure its
effective and efficient operation
To identify, evaluate, report and advise on suitability
of equipment for the department
To ensure all administrative and procedural functions
in relation to deployments are efficiently adhered to
and records maintained.
MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

To perform first and second line maintenance and repair of all covert surveillance equipment
ensuring all items are in good state of operational readiness.

To undertake site surveys in potentially hostile environments covertly in order to assess and
recommend suitable technical solutions to user requirements.

To modify, research or design equipment and accessories in order to satisfy the specific
requirements of each operation.

To install maintain and repair equipment covertly and in situ e.g. in vehicles and premises, to
ensure it operates efficiently and effectively.

To attend covertly at serious and sensitive operations against target criminals and install specialist
equipment at often high risk scenes in order to capture best quality visual or audible intelligence to
support prosecution of target offenders.

To issue equipment and provide instruction to users including police officers of all ranks in
operation of surveillance equipment where needed. Following the return of the equipment to liaise
with the user to seek feedback and identify any areas for improvements.

To maintain databases in the unit and ensure legislative rules in relation to surveillance operations
are complied with.
Technical Officer, Technical Support Unit,
November 2007

To provide general advice to users regarding the operation of equipment and developments in the
audiovisual technology field in order to maximize the effectiveness of covert surveillance
operations.

To provide information and deliver briefings on the technical capability of items of surveillance
equipment, and on surveillance options available.

To review, produce and evaluate documentation concerning technical solutions to surveillance
problems and produce terms of reference documents on “lessons learnt.”

To attend court as required giving evidence on technical matters regarding the maintenance,
installation and operation of equipment including the preparation of statements of evidence.

To carry out remedial work to enhance the quality of recovered covert surveillance material, such
as removal of background noise and extraneous sound from audiotape in order to enhance its
quality.

To ensure workshop and storage areas are maintained in and kept in compliance with Health and
Safety Standards and the generic risk assessment for the unit.

To read technical journals and magazines and visit exhibitions, conferences and manufacturers in
order to maintain up to date knowledge of equipment, and to regularly undertake research to
identify potential solutions to surveillance issues.

To participate in/undertake training to ensure that upto date surveillance knowledge and technical
skills are maintained.

To ensure compliance with statutory requirements in relation to information management including
the Data Protection Act 1998, the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and the Code of Practice on
Management of Police Information 2005, as appropriate

To comply with the requirements of GMP's policies on Drug and Alcohol testing –
requirements in respect of specific posts/ roles are described in the policies which are
available on the Force Intranet

To promote and comply with GMP's policies on equal opportunities and health and safety both in
the delivery of services and the treatment of others.

To be responsible for improving your performance by participating in the Performance Appraisal
process with your manager.

To carry out such other duties which are consistent with the nature, responsibilities and grading of
the post.
NOTES
This job description records the principal responsibilities of the job at the date shown. The job description
will be updated from time to time in conjunction with the post holders to reflect changes.
Technical Officer, Technical Support Unit,
November 2007
POST TITLE
Technical Officer
LOCATION:
Serious Crime Division, Covert Policing
Section, Technical Support Unit.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES TO UNDERTAKE THE ROLE
At Grade D
Openness to Change (C)
Understands the need for change and is willing to adapt to it. Is flexible and prepared to try
out new ideas.
Effective communication (C)
Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of
communication to meet the needs of the audience. Asks probing questions to check
understanding.
Respect for race and diversity (A)
Understands other people’s views and takes them into account. Is tactful and diplomatic
when dealing with people, treating them with dignity and respect at all times. Understands
and is sensitive to social, cultural and racial differences
Team Working(C)
Works Effectively as a team member and helps build relationships within it. Actively helps
and supports others to achieve team goals.
Problem Solving (C)
Gathers enough relevant information to understand specific issues and events. Uses
information to identify problems and draw logical conclusions. Makes good decisions.
Planning and Organising(C)
Plans and carries out activities in an orderly and well structured way. Prioritises tasks, uses
time in the best possible way, and works within appropriate policy and procedures.
Personal Responsibility (B)
Takes personal responsibility for own actions and for sorting out issues or problems that
arise. Is focused on achieving results to required standards and developing skills and
knowledge
At Grade E (as grade D except)
Planning and Organising (B.)
Plans activities thoroughly for self and others. Builds milestones into plans, monitors
progress and adjusts them as necessary in response to any changes. Provides clear
direction and makes sure that staff know what is expected of them.
At Grade F (as grade D/E except):
Problem Solving (B)
Gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making sure it is reliable
and accurate. Analyses information to identify important issues and problems. Identifies risks and
considers alternative courses of action to make good decisions.
Explanation of competency levels:
(A), (B), (C) indicates the level of competency taken from the National Competency Framework.
All behavioural competencies will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
Technical Officer, Technical Support Unit,
November 2007
Serious Crime Division
Force Technical Support Unit
Career Grade Scheme for Technical Officer
Grade D
Specialist
knowledge/skills
and abilities:
Essential:
Knowledge of equipment and techniques used
in CCTV/Electronics/Video/Photographic/Audio
surveillance techniques.
Ability to elicit relevant information from
customers relating to practical technical
solutions to business needs.
Desirable:
Awareness of IT networking solutions and
delivery of CCTV / Audio over networks.
Worked in one of these disciplines in a largescale organisation or experience of working
within law enforcement environment.
Experience in service repair or maintenance of
surveillance equipment.
Technical Support Officer, Technical Support Unit
November 2007
Grade E
As per Grade D plus
Grade F
As per Grade D and E plus:
Detailed knowledge of surveillance systems and Essential:
IT Networks.
Demonstrate ability to successfully balance
Demonstrate ability to develop and implement
conflicting priorities.
new techniques and procedures where
necessary to enhance performance of the unit
Demonstrate record of innovative solutions to
technical problems that arise.
Understanding of RIPA Legislation and
appropriate levels of authority governing
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding in
surveillance operations.
relation to Policy and Procedures governing
surveillance operations in particular Data
Protection, Public Interest Immunity and
CPIA/Disclosure.
Training/
experience
required:
Essential:
Training or proficient experience in the any or
more of the following fields; Photographic,
CCTV, Electrical, Video, Audio Surveillance or
IT disciplines.
Desirable:
A suitable qualification in one or more of the
above fields. Or relevant experience A HNC or
City and Guilds in one of the main
disciplines.
Experience of working in a covert surveillance
environment.
As per Grade D plus:
Essential:
Demonstrate experience of working with and
deploying covert surveillance equipment.
Experience of undertaking critical debriefs
following covert surveillance operations,
including the production of reports and provision
Experience of successfully completing all stages of feedback.
of a variety of covert surveillance operations,
including identifying the task, detailed planning, Experience of undertaking reviews into the
implementation and review.
performance of technical equipment, including
evaluation, identifying solutions and where
Successfully completed Working at Heights
necessary preparation of a business case for
training**
adopting new technology.
Successfully completed Vehicle fit training**
Good written and interpersonal skills at all levels
As per Grade D and E plus:
Essential:
Successfully completed all required courses*
outlined in the Minimum Standards Document
*The exact courses required will be set when
post holder attains grade E.
Technical Support Officer, Technical Support Unit
November 2007
Other
requirements:
Essential:
Has achieved a good attendance record.
Be prepared to learn and keep abreast of
developments and emerging technologies,
equipment, techniques, policies and procedures
within the surveillance domain.
Full UK Driving Licence.
Willing to participate in standby and call out rota
arrangement.
This is a designated post under the Force
Vetting Strategy and the post will therefore
attract an enhanced level of vetting. *
Physically fit, and ability to lift heavy equipment
and not averse to working at heights.
Be willing to attend working at Heights Training.
Be prepared to work, sometimes alone, in
potentially hostile situations/locations.
Examples of work
experience and
undertaken within
the grade
Installation maintenance and repair of
surveillance equipment.
As per Grade D plus:
As per Grade D and E plus:
Attending conferences, seminars, manufacturers Write “lessons learnt” documents.
Maintenance of databases and deployment
records.
To identify new solutions to surveillance issues.
Researching and involvement with product
development.
Attend meetings and inputs to Senior Officers
inputs to apprise them of technical capability
and options available to them.
Liaison with customer base to obtain feedback
in relation to quality and performance
improvement.
Manage Quality review documents. Write terms
of reference documents.
Dealing with enquiries from customers and
advising on technical solutions.
Involvement with delivery of CCTV/Audio over
networks and 3g wireless solutions.
Review and evaluate technical solution
documentation.
Analysing and enhancing audio product.
All essential criteria above will also be discussed in the Performance Appraisal. The desirable criteria marked with an asterisk will be desirable at selection stage but will
become essential once in post and will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal. Please note that we will consider making reasonable adjustments to the above, in line
with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Technical Support Officer, Technical Support Unit
November 2007