Much of Counter Terrorism Policing’s work happens behind the scenes: gathering and assessing intelligence, investigating complex cases, and protecting people, places and critical national infrastructure from evolving threats. The work spans both physical and online environments, and often involves close coordination across multiple organisations.
Rather than a single standalone force, Counter Terrorism Policing brings together specialist officers and staff across the UK, with a national headquarters function hosted by the Metropolitan Police Service and regional counter-terrorism teams in different parts of the country. Public reporting and awareness also forms part of its mission, including campaigns that help the public recognise and respond to potential terrorist activity, alongside practical security guidance.
Because the threat landscape changes quickly, Counter Terrorism Policing places emphasis on adapting how it operates, improving services and making the best use of specialist skills. Its teams include people with a mix of professional backgrounds, from operational policing to technical and corporate functions that support complex investigations and protective security activity.
For students and graduates, early-career opportunities typically include year placements and entry-level roles in areas such as technology and digital, change and project delivery, strategy and performance, communications, business engagement, and wider corporate services. The work can involve supporting new tools and platforms, improving processes, helping deliver change programmes, contributing to analysis and reporting, and producing clear communications for internal teams and external audiences.
