Digital Backstopping Officer

The overall purpose of the role is to: provide specialist digital backstopping and online operational security support to the Regional Undercover Operations capability. The post holder will be responsible for the creation, management and maintenance of digital legends, online personas and supporting digital infrastructure used to facilitate undercover deployments. The role supports the safe, lawful and effective deployment of undercover tactics by maintaining online operational security, reducing compromise risks and identifying opportunities to support intelligence gathering and operational activity. The post holder will work closely with the COM-UC, undercover operatives, Operational Security Advisors and national partners to ensure compliance with Authorised Professional Practice (APP), National Undercover Working Group (NUWG) guidance and National Backstopping Hub standards. This is a unique role within Policing and whilst there are similarities with the Internet, Intelligence & Investigations (III) teams this is specific to undercover policing and replies upon knowledge of utilising non police attributable devices, how undercover operatives deploy, and their operational security requirements. The key result areas in the role are as follows: 1. Create, develop and maintain digital legends and online personas in support of undercover deployments. Independently assess, design and maintain digital legends and supporting infrastructure, making decisions regarding platform selection, digital attribution risks, identity management and operational security measures. 2. Manage multiple concurrent digital legends, associated infrastructure and social media platforms used to support operational covert activity, often balancing competing operational priorities and requirements. 3. Maintain online operational security and identify potential compromise risks affecting undercover operatives. Identify where disclosure or compromise could present significant operational security, officer safety, evidential and organisational risks. 4. Assist with the design, development and maintenance of hardware and software used to support digital backstopping activity. Contribute to continuous improvement, organisational learning and the adoption of national best practice. 5. Identify opportunities from existing intelligence that could enhance future operations. 6. Maintain continual awareness of emerging technologies, social media platforms, online behaviours and evolving digital threats to ensure operational methods remain effective whilst complying with Authorised Professional Practice (APP), National Undercover Working Group (NUWG) requirements and National Backstopping Hub standards. 7. Maintain appropriate professional knowledge in order to support the COM-UC and operational teams by providing up to date specialist technical and digital advice. 8. Assist with audits, reviews, accreditation activity and implementation of National Backstopping Hub standards. Support organisational compliance with APP, NUWG guidance and local Standard Operating Procedures.

1. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess digital opportunities and risks. Demonstrate a strong interest in technology and the ability to apply technical knowledge in support of undercover policing and intelligence gathering activities. 2. Knowledge of software development, web technologies, electronic engineering, embedded systems or network administration within sensitive environments. Experience supporting specialist digital systems or covert online activity would be advantageous.

2. Detailed knowledge of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, WhatsApp etc. and awareness of emerging online platforms. Understanding of how platforms collect, store and share user information, generate associations between users and utilise technologies such as facial recognition and location services. 2. Ability to create, develop and maintain online personas and digital legends in support of undercover deployments, whilst maintaining operational security, privacy and anonymity. Able to remain abreast of emerging digital trends, platform developments and methods used to verify or identify online users. 3. Detailed knowledge of Windows, Android and iOS operating systems and an understanding of how digital devices create, store and share information. This includes knowledge of location data, metadata, user tracking, third-party data sharing and methods used to mitigate digital exposure and compromise risks. 4. A sound understanding of digital operational security, including the management of digital footprints, online attribution risks, privacy controls and the security implications associated with social media, digital identities and emerging technologies. 5. Experience or qualifications relating to information security, penetration testing, digital or network forensics, data acquisition, reverse engineering, cryptography or related disciplines. Examples may include CISSP, OSCP, GSEC, Security+ or equivalent qualifications. 6. Knowledge and experience of covert and/or undercover policing capabilities, including an understanding of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), undercover policing governance and associated Authorised Professional Practice (APP). 7. Demonstrable experience of working autonomously within sensitive, regulated or covert environments, with the ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, exercise sound judgement, solve complex problems and make proportionate decisions whilst balancing operational requirements, risk and security considerations. 8. Possession of an A5 UCOL qualification, Backstopping qualification or other relevant national covert policing accreditation.

15485

£36,474 per annum plus benefits