The MI5 secret service is on a recruitment drive to find people who can foil emerging terrorist attacks and keep Britain safe from serious threats of attack
MI5 is on a spy recruitment drive with sleuths keen to find people with one key talent.
The Security Service launched a recruitment drive for candidates to fill mobile surveillance officers roles. The sleuths follow terrorist suspects around the UK on foot or in cars – and needs people who can blend into the background.
MI5 bosses say the job is vital and uncovers terrorist operations with those successful applicants playing a leading role in foiling terrorist attacks. Surveillance officers are used in a majority of covert operations and have played a huge role in capturing some of the most dangerous people in the country.
MI5 said in an advert shared on Instagram: “Can you blend into the background? Being a mobile surveillance officer means every day is different. You don’t need any qualifications.” Officials said it would be the first time spy hopefuls would need to pass a six-month training course which has been described as “physically and mentally exhausting.”
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On its website, MI5 said: “Being an MSO means every day is different. Surveillance is one of MI5’s key investigative resources in protecting against threats to national security from terrorism and espionage.
“You could be out on foot or in a car, and where you are and what you are doing depends on who you are following and why. It’s about blending into the environment naturally.
“As an MSO you will enjoy huge variety every day and know that you are helping to keep the country safe.”
MailOnline reported one surveillance officer, a psychology graduate who recently passed the course, said on the MI5 website: “My first day was a whirlwind and I had no idea what I was letting myself in for.
“It’s not every day you walk 25,000 steps a day around London over two weeks and have someone on your shoulder assessing your every decision. It can be physically and mentally exhausting.”
It comes after it emerged in the summer that Russia and Iran are grooming children and convincing them to carry out attacks in the UK as part of a sophisticated proxy network, according to Scotland Yard officials.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Vicki Evans told journalists: “Ultimately we have children and adults in these environments, particularly online environments, where they can easily be targeted, be groomed into conversations into tasking, some might be disenfranchised and be looking for something message to people like parents and teachers is be vigilant, understand the risk that exists in these spaces, talk, educate, report your concerns, that helps us to protect people.”