Transferee and Re-Joiner Detective Sergeant - Covert Operations Unit

Job Introduction

Start Your Journey with the British Transport Police (BTP)

Join a Team Where Your Voice and Values Matter

British Transport Police (BTP) are recruiting an experienced Detective Sergeant to join our Covert Investigations Unit (COU) at Force Headquarters in Central London.

BTP police and protect 10,000 miles of track and 3,000 railway stations every day – a network that is at the heart of Britain’s community, commerce and industry. Join us and you’ll be providing specialist policing to a unique community in a unique environment, dealing with rewarding challenges that you won’t find in any other Force. 

This role provides specialist covert leadership within BTP’s Covert Operations Unit, ensuring the effective, intelligence‑led and lawful delivery of covert policing activity. The post‑holder will manage and supervise both UCOL and physical UCF operatives, overseeing all deployments to ensure they are properly planned, risk‑assessed, compliant with legislation, and aligned to Force priorities.

For more information, please download the role profile below.  

Why Join BTP?

At BTP, we champion modern, people-first policing. From safeguarding passengers to supporting vulnerable individuals and preventing crime, no two days are the same. Our officers are more than law enforcers; they are listeners, problem-solvers, and protectors of community trust. 

We believe a supportive workplace is key to success. That’s why we offer: 

• Flexible working arrangements wherever possible
• A strong focus on wellbeing, mental health support, and inclusive leadership
• Real opportunities to progress through diverse career pathways
• Family-friendly policies and a culture that understands life beyond work

Join a force where your ideas are welcomed, your development is prioritised, and your unique strengths are seen as assets. 

Initial Eligibility Criteria

• Applicants must be a current or former officer from a Home Office Police Force, Police Scotland, or PSNI
• Transferees must be substantive in rank and have completed probation
• Re-joiners must apply within 12 months of leaving and have been substantive in rank
• Must have lived in the UK for the past 5 consecutive years
• No live misconduct warnings or performance issues
• Cannot be under current investigation by another force
• No active CCJs, unmanaged IVAs, or bankruptcy
• We do not accept applications from those dismissed from another force

Role Specific Eligibility Criteria

• College of Policing UCOL Cover qualified
• Proven experience supervising and running UCOL deployments
• Experience leading or managing operational deployments that require enhanced risk management, operational discretion, and adherence to covert or specialist tactics

It is desirable that applicants will have the COM-UC qualification. If not, they must be willing to complete on joining BTP.

Key Dates

Closing Date:  Thursday 16th April

Anticipated start date: Summer/Autumn 2026

Want to Learn More?

Email us at recruitmentteam@btp.police.uk with any questions. 

You’ve already made a difference. Come do it again with a team that values every part of who you are - apply now and help us keep Britain moving safely.

Inclusion and Diversity

We are committed to building a workforce where everyone feels they belong. 

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities and lived experiences. Diversity strengthens our teams, improves our services and helps us better represent and support the communities we serve. 

We are proud to be an inclusive employer and strive to create a workplace that is fair, respectful and accessible to all. We actively work to challenge discrimination, remove barriers and ensure equity throughout our recruitment and employment practices. 

 If you need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment or selection process, please let us know - we are happy to support you. Your talent, your potential, and your unique perspective matter here. 

Use of AI

AI can be a useful tool to spark ideas or help you organise your thoughts, but when it comes to your application, we want to hear from you, not an algorithm. What truly stands out to us are genuine stories, personal insights and the experiences that have shaped who you are. Authenticity matters - it helps us understand your motivations, your strengths and how you’ll contribute to our team. So, use AI if it helps you get started, but let your own voice lead the way.