Communications Liaison Officer
Force Intelligence Branch
Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act Unit
E
Unit Manager
N/A
To work within the communications liaison unit to assist both police and police staff in relation to telecommunications, postal and internet requests in police investigations.
To advise Designated Person’s from
Inspector up to and including ACPO rank to achieve legal compliance with the relevant legislation by applying expert processes based on a broad knowledge of RIPA
To develop information technology and working practices within the unit and the telecommunications, internet and postal industries as a major contribution to the intelligence products at all levels within the national intelligence model.
▪ To be the single point of contact for advice regarding RIPA applications within the Force.
Vet, prioritise, research and action all applications submitted to the unit.
▪ Continually develop the use of any data gleaned from the communications industry.
▪ Monitor the handling of data obtained from sensitive sources and its usefulness to the
Enquiry Officer.
▪ To advise SIO’s on investigative opportunities.
▪ To provide and assist SIO’s with a strategic assessment and take responsibility for data acquisition relating to ‘Live Crimes In Action.’
▪ To liaise with other Forces and SOCA to manage integrated enquires and develop best practice.
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009

▪ To ensure the protection of methodology and tactics as detailed in the National Data
Communications Group ( DCG ) , ‘ Sensitive Services Policy.’
▪ Manage, quality assure and maintain a central record for the Force RIPA applications and subsequent reviews, renewals and cancellations.
▪ Liaise with Communications Service Providers security departments to develop knowledge of their data systems and maintain a symbiotic working relationship.
▪ Assist computer software manufacturers in the development of software to support intelligence analysis of telecommunications data.
▪ Facilitate and assist in the annual audit by the Office of the Interception Commissioners.
▪ Provide training inputs to both police and police staff of the Force in relation to RIPA and related legislation and what is available
▪ Operate the Information Technology available to the department and also the computer systems available to the force e.g. FOCUS,GMPICS & PNC.
▪ Ensure that the Communications Liaison Unit maintains a computer system of the highest calibre that complies with the letter and the spirit of the Data Protection Act.
▪ Compile and acquire witness statements in relation to the acquisition of communications data and to attend Court if required.
▪ Maintain financial accounts relating to payments for requests made of communication service providers.
▪ Provide 24 hour ‘On Call’ cover, to assist in Life in Immediate Danger situations , in the interests of National Security and ‘Crimes in Action.’
▪ Maintain a close working relationship with National and International Communication
Service Providers.
▪ Liaise with all Uniform and CID officers and Police Staff members in GMP , in the provision of operational assistance.
▪ Liaise with senior officers in GMP to assist in the development of strategies on major incidents in respect of telephony and other communications issues.
▪ Lecture and train people in GMP and other agencies in relation to investigations and intelligence gathering pertaining to telephony, internet and postal services.
▪ Awareness of confidential and major enquiries being undertaken by the force and other agencies, where applicable, and update them of anything of significant interest.
▪ Manage situations where conflicts of interest within the force may occur.
▪
Assist in the collation of data from the communications industry that assist in the analysis of information about a target criminal and critical incidents within GMP.
▪ Represent the force at National meetings e.g. user conferences on telecommunication data analysis software.
▪
Represent the force at policy meetings with communications organisations.
▪
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
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009

 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 that are available on the Force Intranet
▪
To be responsible for improving your performance by participating in the Performance
Appraisal process with your manager.
▪
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 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
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009

Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA
RIPA Unit, Nexus House
Openness to change (B)
Supports, promotes and puts into practice change. Introduces new ways of doing things and encourages others to accept them. Overcomes barriers to change.
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 (B)
Sets up teams or working groups, and involves them in achieving goals. Develops good relationships and co-operation within the team, and removes barriers. Supports team members when necessary.
Effective communication (B)
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.
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.
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.
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009

Uses knowledge of the law to good operational effect, in particular the Data
Protection Act, Criminal Procedure and
Investigations Act and the Regulation of
Investigatory Powers Act.
Knowledge and understanding of the
National Intelligence Model.
Has a good knowledge of multi-tasking software e.g. Windows
Ability to conduct complex investigations.
Ability to quickly develop new analytical systems to solve unique problems.
Ability to collate, analyse, evaluate and disseminate large amounts of information.
Computer literate.
Knowledge of working practices of the
Crime Department operational units*
Knowledge of locally/regionally based criminals.
Knowledge of communications related law*
Basic understanding of the internet and email processes*
Experience of working with sensitive material
Achieves and maintains SPOC accreditation once recruited to role
Knowledge of OPUS System
Appreciation of existing IT within GMP.
I2 courses*
Knowledge of Microsoft Office*
Knowledge of databases*
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009

Has achieved a good attendance record.
Must be willing to work outside of normal hours where operational demand necessitates.
Participate in a standby rota scheme providing 24-hour call out cover.
Participate in shift system to provide units services within time frames set by senior management team,
Must be willing to assist and travel within the Force for operational requirements.
Must be willing to travel outside the Force in order to attend and represent the Force on communications issues with partner agencies.
This is a designated post under the Force
Vetting Strategy and the post will therefore attract an enhanced level of vetting.
All the essential criteria above will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
The desirable criteria marked with an asterisk will be desirable at the selection stage but will become essential once in post and will be discussed in the Performance Appraisal.
Please Note: We will consider making reasonable adjustments to the above requirements in line with the Disability Discrimination Act.
Communications Liaison Officer, RIPA.
January 2009