ROCU Cyber Crime - Protect and Prevent Officer (Police Staff) - FTC 31/03/2027

Introduction to the Department

The Regional Organised Crime Unit - West Midlands (ROCUWM) is a collaboration consisting of the 4 police forces within the West Midlands Region - Warwickshire, West Mercia, Staffordshire and West Midlands. Our aim is simple - to reduce the impact and increase the disruption of serious and Organised crime within the West Midlands region and beyond. We achieve this by working alongside other UK law enforcement agencies and partners from both private and public sectors and by targeting those areas of criminality that pose the greatest threat to the people and businesses within the West Midlands region.

The RCCU is part of a national network of dedicated cyber teams responsible for tackling the threat posed by cybercrime. Based within the Regional Organised Crime Unit, they provide a regional investigative function around serious offences of cyber dependent crime, and work with partners to enhance the wider understanding of the threat from cyber criminality.

Comprising specialist staff and officers from the 4 regional forces, we provide a wide variety of services to deliver a holistic approach under the 4P strategy (Pursue, Prevent, Prepare, Protect), and provide wider support across a range of demands.

About the Role

To provide the West Midlands Regional Cyber Crime Unit with a coordinated approach to delivering crime prevention advice within our communities in line with the Protect strand of the 4P Strategy in the Serious and Organised Crime Strategy. Responsible for contributing to the strengthening of national cyber defences and to providing a coordinated approach to delivering cyber security strategies coordinated with our regional forces cyber protect officers. Providing specialist cyber security advice in a joined-up approach with the national Protect Network coordinated by the City of London Police (CoLP).

We are seeking a professional, motivated and innovative person to deliver the National Cyber Protect Strategy to both internal and external customers situated across the West Midlands region and West Midlands, Warwickshire, West Mercia and Staffordshire police force areas. The role will involve working closely with key public and private sector partners to enhance their cyber security protection. We are also keen to find someone with a keen interest and good understanding of cyber related crime and experience of working in a cyber security environment.

The post is funded by the Home Office until 31/03/2027 (with the potential for further extension subject to funding and performance). This is similar to other posts in the RCCU, with funding granted for 12 months. The team has been in existence since 2014 and current Protect Officers have been in post for 5 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain communication channels to ensure messaging reaches the right audiences at the right time and ensure the crime prevention advice is up to date and current.
• Present to a variety of audiences, including senior management level and external business / community groups.
• Build strong relationships with external and internal partners in order to develop and execute the protect strategy.
• Develop and deliver innovative Cyber Protect products to various diverse audiences across multiple platforms – both digital and physical.
• Understand and identify new threat trends and adapt delivery to offer suitable mitigation advice. Use CoLP data relating to regional victims, to identify emerging trends, offending hotspots and victims likely to be target in order to help inform the targeting of protect delivery.

Full Role Details

Click here to view the full details of the role, including the Essential Criteria, Desirable Criteria and any educational requirements for the role.

Salary and Shifts

Salary: Grade 6 £38,169 - £44,700

Shift patterns: Monday to Friday 8am - 4pm, although flexibility is required for regional commitments.

Selection Process

1. Online Application and Sift - You will complete an online application form, which will be reviewed against the skills, experience and behaviours required for the role.

   Closing Date: 17/11/2026

2. Interview - Candidates who successfully pass the application stage will be invited to attend an interview which includes a 10 minute briefing exercise. This will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate your suitability for the role.

   Proposed date(s): WC 23/11/2026

3. Pre-Employment Checks - If you are selected as the preferred candidate, you will be required to successfully complete relevant pre-employment checks before receiving a formal offer. For internal candidates, some checks may not be required. Checks may include:

• Vetting Checks - You must successfully complete the required level of Management vetting and Security clearance before starting the role. This may include providing information relating to your background and financial history as part of the vetting process. Click here for more information.

  • Medical Checks - Appointment to this role is subject to successfully completing medical checks. This may include a drugs test and, where required, a fitness assessment.

  • Reference Checks - You will need to provide details covering at least five years of employment, education or other relevant activity history.

We are committed to supporting candidates throughout the recruitment process and reasonable adjustments are available for those who need them.

West Midlands Police is the second-largest police force in England, serving more than 2.9 million people across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull and Walsall. Every day, our people work together to keep our communities safe, protect vulnerable people, prevent crime and bring offenders to justice.

We answer more than 2,000 emergency calls every day and provide policing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Whether responding to emergencies, supporting victims, investigating crime or working behind the scenes, every role plays a vital part in delivering an outstanding service to the public.

We're proud of the progress we've made in reducing crime, improving emergency response times and increasing arrest rates. These achievements are only possible because of the dedication, professionalism and expertise of our officers, staff and volunteers. As we continue to transform the way we police, we're looking for talented people who are committed to making a real difference.

Why Join West Midlands Police?

A career with West Midlands Police is about more than a job, it's an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the lives of millions of people. Whatever your role, you'll contribute to keeping our communities safe while developing your own skills and career.

When you join us, you'll benefit from:

• Meaningful work that makes a difference every day.
• A diverse range of career opportunities across policing and professional support services.
• High-quality training, development and opportunities to progress.
• A supportive and inclusive working environment where everyone is encouraged to achieve their potential.
• Competitive pay, generous annual leave, excellent pension arrangements and a wide range of employee benefits.
• The opportunity to work alongside dedicated colleagues who share a common purpose.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

We believe that a diverse workforce helps us better understand and serve the communities we protect. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to succeed.

As a Disability Confident Leader, the highest level of the Government's Disability Confident scheme, we are committed to removing barriers to employment and supporting disabled applicants and employees throughout their careers. Through our Disability Confident Interview Scheme, applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for a role will normally be offered an interview, subject to the scheme's terms and any recruitment constraints.

Our Diversity and Inclusion Vision is to maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness, respect and inclusion, enabling us to deliver the best possible service to our communities.

Professional Standards

Working in policing is a position of trust. Our officers and staff are expected to demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, professionalism and accountability. Successful applicants will be subject to appropriate vetting and are expected to uphold the ethical standards and responsibilities that come with serving the public.

Recruitment and the Use of AI

We recognise that many candidates use AI tools to support activities such as proofreading and improving the presentation of written applications. This is acceptable, provided the content you submit accurately reflects your own knowledge, skills and experience.

Applications must be your own work. Any evidence of plagiarism, false or misleading information, or the inappropriate use of AI during assessments or selection activities where it is not permitted may result in your application being rejected.

Benefits

We know that supporting our people is essential to delivering the best service to our communities. That's why we offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, wellbeing support and development opportunities to help you thrive throughout your career.

Visit our Benefits page to find out more about the rewards and support available when you join West Midlands Police.