Established in April 2007, CTPNW exists as one of five Counter Terrorism Units (CTU's) within a National Counter Terrorism Policing (NCTP) framework, designed to strengthen the UK's response to the threat from terrorism.

In April 2018, the North West Counter Terrorism Unit (NWCTU) was rebranded to Counter Terrorism Police North West (CTPNW), reflecting a collaborative restructure in operations. This follows a review undertaken in 2015 of how the Force Special Branches operate, as a result, changes have been actioned to streamline processes across the NW region to ensure they are consistent, maximise opportunities and deliver unified working.

The CTPNW manages and coordinates the operational counter terrorism response on behalf of the 5 North West forces: Cheshire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Merseyside. It also offers CT assistance and guidance to the Isle of Man Constabulary.

Operational governance is managed by ACC Russ Jackson and the Head of CTPNW is Detective Chief Superintendent Dominic Scally, who coordinates and delivers the four strands of the CONTEST strategy (Prevent, Protect, Pursue and Prepare) in collaboration with local policing teams and other partner agencies.

The Head of CTPNW is assisted by 7 Senior Responsible Officers (SROs) who are responsible for leading one of each of the seven thematic strands covering Investigations, Operational Support, Intelligence, Borders Policing, Prevent, Protect & Prepare and Business Services.

In addition to protecting the communities of the North West the CTPNW also works hand in hand with the CTP South East, CTP North East, West Midlands CTU, Counter Terrorism Command and a network of Counter Terrorism Intelligence Units (CTIUs) to ensure that the United Kingdom is able to manage the threat from terrorism.

The opportunity has arisen to work as a Prison Intelligence Officer within the Prison Intelligence Unit, CTPNW. You must be prepared to travel and may be based at FHQ at Greater Manchester, Merseyside or Lancashire.

You will conduct and participate in national security investigations whilst ensuring effective gathering of intelligence from HM Prison Service and other associated establishments relating to national security issues. You will ensure that all relevant intelligence in relation to counter terrorism and domestic extremism is shared between law enforcement agencies and other relevant services.

To make a success of this role it is essential that you have a proven investigative and/or intelligence background and strong verbal and written communication skills. You should have a keen interest in national and international affairs and a basic knowledge of Terrorism legislation. An understanding of the diverse communities reflective of the North West region and the ability to build strong and lasting relationships is essential for this role.