Could you be the voice of reassurance in someone’s time of need? Do you have what it takes to join Sussex Police’s dedicated contact team?
Sussex Police launched its latest round of contact officer recruitment this month; inviting applications from those who can be a voice of reassurance in someone’s time of need.
When the going gets tough, contact officers are there to help. Whether it’s taking a report of a missing person, responding to a burglary or supporting someone in crisis, our contact officers play a vital role in helping keep our communities safe, identifying and protecting the most vulnerable and preventing harm.
Chief Superintendent Paul Betts who leads the Force Control and Command Centre (FCCCD) said: “We were thrilled with the response to our recruitment campaign earlier this year and are delighted to reopen again today. Our contact officers are an integral part of our front-line, supporting us as we keep Sussex safe and feeling safe, and our recent recruitment has allowed us to provide a better service to the public already.”
“Our contact officers are the essential calm reassurance in someone’s time of need. Whether it’s receiving a call from the scene of a road traffic accident, taking details of a missing person from a concerned relative or responding to online reports of crime; our contact officers are empathetic, supportive and informative.
“It’s a challenging role, no two enquiries are the same, yet it’s one which offers a great sense of pride as we help make a difference, together.”
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “Contact handlers
are the first port of call for people reporting crimes and needing
urgent police help, so they need great listening skills, empathy,
professionalism and patience. Fortunately Sussex Police continues to
receive a very high standard of applicants wanting to join the team and I
am sure the next intake will be no different.
“These are essential, unique and fulfilling roles within Sussex Police
and I look forward to meeting the new contact handlers once they have
been recruited and their training starts.”
Being a contact officer is not your typical nine to five call centre
role, ideally you’ll need to be able to work shifts; including nights,
weekends and bank holidays. Flexible working is available Monday through
to Sunday, from 08:00 to 13:00, or as a job share on the full shift
pattern.
You will deal with emergency 999 calls, non-emergency 101 calls, online
reporting and social media. Asking the right questions, making threat
and risk assessments, listening for vital details and recording
information; all while monitoring two screens are vital skills. You will
need to be patient, decisive, dynamic and compassion to provide the
very best service to the public.
Those who are interested in a career within our FCCCD as a contact
officer are encouraged to attend one of the recruitment tours being held
at Police Headquarters (Lewes) throughout the application window. You
can book a place on a tour here.
Chief Superintendent Betts added: “If you want to know what life is
truly like as a contact officer, then we invite you to come and
experience it first-hand on one of our behind the scenes tours. You’ll
get to listen into some of the calls you could deal with and meet some
of the people who work in the contact and command centre. It’s the
perfect opportunity to find out if you’ve got what it takes to work in
this demanding, yet incredibly fulfilling roles.”
As the first point of contact for many, engaging with people of all ages
and backgrounds, we’re looking for those who can build rapport quickly,
show empathy and communicate clearly at all times. Enquiries can
include some of the most difficult situations you can think of so
compassion and resilience are also important. If you can work under
pressure, problem-solve and think quickly then this could be the career
for you.
To apply today click here!