Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Officer

Job summary

Information about the Command

The role of Intelligence is to develop the right operations, which target and disrupt - by the most effective means - the offenders who seek to cause the highest harm to the UK.
A diverse directorate with a wide variety of unique functions and specialist skillsets in our ranks, some of which we deliver as the national provider for the wider Serious Organised Crime (SOC) system. From our niche technical capabilities, to our overseas network of International Liaison Officers (ILO) and our Tasking teams, there are many component parts which contribute to the efforts of the directorate and the National Crime Agency (NCA).

Information about the Business Area

The National Intelligence Hub (NIH) is responsible for delivering tactical intelligence and strategic assessment for the NCA and Serious Organised Crime (SOC) system, in order to understand and articulate the threat from SOC and generate the most impactful opportunities for disruption and reduction of that threat. Working closely with other departments, the NIH is at the heart of the NCA, analysing and exploiting all source intelligence to deliver opportunities which drive NCA and partner activity. The NIH continually develops the intelligence picture of SOC that impacts on the UK, so we can flex law enforcement’s collective resources against changing threats.

Job description

The post holder will be responsible for the administration and management of the National ANPR Service (NAS), maintaining the integrity, effectiveness and compliance of systems used by more than 600 Officers and staff across the NCA. A key aspect of the role involves ensuring that ANPR capabilities continue to meet operational requirements, providing expert support and guidance to users, and promoting the effective use of ANPR technology in support of operational activity.

Working closely with operational and intelligence teams, the ANPR Officer will undertake analytical activity using ANPR systems and associated intelligence tools to support investigations, intelligence development and law enforcement operations. They will be required to complete analytical research requests, interpret complex findings and produce high quality intelligence reports and assessments for dissemination to stakeholders across the Agency and partner organisations. The role also requires the post holder to identify intelligence opportunities, support operational decision-making and contribute to the development of intelligence products that assist in disrupting serious and organised crime (SOC).

The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that ANPR data is retained, managed and handled in accordance with current legislation, national standards and local policy. They will produce evidential packages and supporting documentation for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings, ensuring that all material is accurate, evidentially robust and compliant with disclosure and data management requirements.

As part of the ANPR Bureau’s 24/7/365 support model, the post holder will participate in an out-of-hours on-call rota, providing specialist advice and guidance in response to incidents, urgent operational requests and emerging issues. This will involve assessing priorities, directing resources where appropriate and ensuring that critical ANPR support is available to operational teams whenever required. The current rota requires the post holder to provide on-call support for 1 week in 4, but this may change as the team expands.

The role offers a unique opportunity to work within a specialist area of law enforcement where no two days are the same. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong analytical skills, sound judgement, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively under pressure whilst managing competing priorities. They will be proactive in building relationships with internal and external stakeholders, promoting the value of ANPR capabilities and contributing to the continuous development and improvement of the service.

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for an individual who enjoys problem-solving, thrives in a dynamic operational environment and is committed to delivering high-quality intelligence support that makes a tangible contribution to protecting the public and tackling serious and organised crime.

Note: If not already based in Leicester, the successful candidate will be required to travel to our Leicester office frequently for training purposes throughout their probationary period. The NCA's Flexible Working policy will apply once probation has been successfully completed.

Duties and Responsibilities

ANPR Service Management - Manage and administer the National ANPR Service (NAS), ensuring the system remains effective, compliant and operationally focused. Maintain user access, system integrity and governance processes, supporting over 600 Officers and staff across the Agency.

Intelligence Development - Conduct analytical research using ANPR systems to support operational activity, investigations and intelligence development. Complete analytical requests, interpret findings and produce high-quality intelligence reports and assessments for dissemination to internal and external stakeholders.

Compliance & Assurance - Undertake audits of ANPR users, system activity and retained material to ensure compliance with legislation, national standards, policy and governance requirements. Identify and address risks, discrepancies and areas for improvement.

Data Management - Manage the retention, review and disposal of ANPR data in accordance with statutory obligations, organisational policy and information management requirements, ensuring the integrity and lawful handling of sensitive information.

Evidential Support - Produce evidential packages from the NAS system for use in criminal investigations and court proceedings, ensuring all material is accurate, auditable and evidentially robust.

ANPR Subject Matter Expertise - Act as a subject matter expert for ANPR-related matters, providing advice, guidance and support to operational and intelligence teams. Promote the effective and compliant use of ANPR capabilities across the Agency.

Operational Support - Support the delivery of the ANPR Bureau's 24/7/365 service, including participation in the out-of-hours on-call rota. Provide timely advice and assistance in response to incidents, urgent operational requests and emerging issues.

Stakeholder Engagement - Develop and maintain productive working relationships with key internal and external partners, including NPCC, Police Forces, HMRC, ROCUs and Agency operational and intelligence teams, ensuring effective collaboration and information sharing.

Vehicle Tracking Support - Provide specialist support for vehicle tracking activities through the use of SMART tracking systems, assisting Agency teams and partner organisations in the deployment and management of tracking capabilities.

Representation & Collaboration - Represent the ANPR Team at regional and national meetings, working groups and forums as required. Contribute to the development of ANPR policy, best practice and capability enhancement across the law enforcement community.

Person specification

ANPR Awareness - Basic knowledge of ANPR capabilities and an understanding of how ANPR systems support operational activity, investigations and intelligence development. Awareness of the benefits, limitations and governance considerations associated with the use of ANPR within a law enforcement environment.