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.

CTPNW are looking to recruit a Counter Terrorism Security Advisor (CTSA). The main responsibilities of this position will be to identify and assess critical sites across the NW region that might be vulnerable to terrorist or extremist attack, devising and developing appropriate counter terrorism strategies and protective security plans to minimise the impact to the sites and the surrounding communities and promote awareness of such threats by engaging with partnership. The successful candidate will also be required to assist Command with policy relating to counter terrorism and allied matters.

The ideal candidate will have an adequate level of education in a subject relevant to the post being offered or alternatively will have a minimum of 2 years' experience working within a community safety, crime reduction or counter terrorism role. Candidates must have experience presenting/speaking to large audiences and will have Knowledge of current local, national and international affairs, particularly relating to terrorism and extremism, and social and geo-political contexts.

By joining GMP, the successful candidate will also have the opportunity to join GMP's Sports and Social Club. For a nominal monthly sum, a wide range of activities are available such as indoor football, tennis, squash and badminton as well as an extensive gymnasium. There is also bar and restaurant facilities with function rooms that can be hired for private events.

Other benefits include Blue Light discounts from many high street retailers and a Credit Union which offers financial products exclusively to the Police Family.