Description Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold. Previous applicants who have not been successful for this role in the last 6 months are not eligible to apply on this occasion. The Communications Data Investigator is an accredited Single Point of Contact (SPoC) trained to facilitate the lawful acquisition of communications data from telecommunications/postal operators operating under the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA). The SPoC proactively engages with investigating officers/staff to raise awareness of data acquisition laws and to assist with the development of effective communications data acquisition strategies. Much of the day to day role involves the review and progression of applications for communications data via the departmental workflow system. The role also requires the provision of specialist advice and guidance during a range of investigations, both crime in action and life at risk, these include but are not limited to: covert operations, homicide, kidnaps, high risk missing persons, counter terrorism incidents, live arrest phases and exploitation. Full training will be provided which includes a mandatory two-week College of Policing: Communications Data Investigator Single Point of Contact accreditation course. Key Responsibilities: Offer advice and guidance to all officers/staff, including Senior Leaders of all ranks, on the lawful acquisition of communications data and the covert tactics available to meet operational objectives. Advise officers/staff on the use of data in evidence. Assess and evaluate threat, risk and harm in response to a range of incidents, including both crime in action and immediate threat to life investigations, without recourse to senior members of staff. Provide an immediate response for all urgent incidents offering specialist advice, performing an analytical function where appropriate. Plan and organise both team and individual workloads for multiple investigations working to standard operating procedures within agreed service level agreements. Liaise regularly with the communications industry around data exploitation opportunities and for assistance with the interpretation of complex data. Deliver training inputs and presentations to officers and staff at all ranks/grades across the organisation. Ensure compliance with appropriate legislation, such as the Investigatory Powers Act, Data Protection laws and Court orders. Provide a professional service and maintain integrity when dealing with sensitive issues protecting covert methodology and tactics. Protect West Midlands Police from reputational damage and loss of public confidence as a consequence of serious errors. Ensure errors are investigated and recorded/reported accordingly to the Investigatory Powers Commissioners office (IPCO) and the West Midlands Senior Responsible Officer (SRO). Provide evidence in court regarding the acquisition and disclosure of communications data where required. Propose changes in procedures, processes and systems to improve operational efficiency and service delivery. Engage in local and regional communications data meetings and share knowledge and learning with peers. Proactively develop personal expertise and knowledge taking a keen interest in evolving/emerging technologies, further understanding the effects this has on data acquisition tactics and the capabilities of telecommunications/postal operators. Mentor and coach less experienced members of the unit. Deputise for the CDIU Supervisors in their absence for administration and technical matters. Assist the CDIU SPoC Manager with compiling management reports for annual quality assurance inspections by the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO). Maintain excellent relationships with key external partners including the communications industry and Home Office departments such as the Investigatory Powers Commissioner’s Office (IPCO). Essential Skills: A good working knowledge of how people communicate utilising both telephony and the internet including social media platforms and over the top applications. Proven computer literacy and keyboard skills to include a basic working knowledge of Excel. Effective communication skills. Evidence of using initiative and being innovative. The ability to work in a high-pressure environment and successfully prioritise workloads. The ability to solve problems in a logical and systematic manner. Experience of risk assessment and decision making in a dynamic environment and a good working knowledge demonstrating the use of the National Decision Model (NDM) and THRIVE An awareness of the law and procedures relevant to the role to include IPA, CPIA, PACE, RIPA, Human Rights Act, Data Protection Act, Terrorism Act. A willingness to learn about interpretation and analysis of complex data sets. Desirable Skills: Existing College of Policing Communications Data Investigator – Single Point of Contact accreditation held. Specific working knowledge of the Investigatory Powers Act 2016. Effective training and presentation skills Experience in the intelligence arena and/or investigative skills. Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Management Vetting and CTC scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process. Medical: Appointment to this role will be dependent upon successfully completing medical checks, which may include a drugs test and if required a fitness test. Hours: Core hours Monday-Friday with some requirement to work outside of normal office hours. Interviews: Interviews are likely to take place end of February/beginning of March 2026. Candidates who are successful at the initial application stage will be invited to attend an assessment centre and competency-based interview. As part of the assessment centre candidates will be asked to prepare and deliver a ten-minute presentation on a mobile device of their choice, explaining to the panel what features it has and how these features may assist law enforcement officials in their day to day enquiries, utilising their knowledge/research of the Communications Data Investigator role and the Investigatory Powers Act (IPA) 2016. Benefit Statement By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including: Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme. Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements. Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities. A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs. West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment, we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants. "Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities