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- Tasks: Handle emergency and non-emergency calls with empathy and professionalism.
- Company: Join the Devon and Cornwall Police, a supportive and community-focused organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, government pension, gym membership, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+, with strong communication and emotional resilience.
- Other info: Comprehensive training provided, with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27204 - 29859 £ per year.
Salary: £27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £29,859 per annum + Excellent Benefits including Government Pension
Location: Plymouth, Crownhill, Police Headquarters, Exeter
Type of employment: Permanent
Closing Date: 31/03/2026 at 12:00.
Hours per week: This role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need.
About the role: Owing to the nature of the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date. Please read the shift pattern before applying to ensure you will be able to undertake the required shift pattern. The shift pattern is set and there can be no adjustments to this.
Training for the role is at Police Headquarters, Exeter for seven weeks, Monday to Friday. Please ensure you are able to commit to this before applying.
Salary: The commencing salary is £32,644 per annum inclusive of the 20% shift allowance, plus a maximum of £2500 weekend working allowance (which is claimable once working the attached shift pattern after the training period). There is a potential to earn up to £38,330; this includes 20% shift allowance and up to £2500 Weekend working allowance (which is claimable once working the attached shift pattern) when you have reached 4 years service.
We are looking for friendly, patient, broad-minded and positive individuals to join our Exeter and Plymouth Contact Resolution Centres, where you will play a critical role in our response to both emergency and non-emergency calls within Devon and Cornwall. You will handle calls professionally with empathy and patience, listening to vital details and asking the right questions to log information quickly and accurately. You will be part of a wide team with extensive training and ongoing support provided. This role can be challenging at times but is very rewarding.
It’s important to have emotional resilience within this role, as you will at times be answering calls from distressed individuals. No two calls are the same and at times you will handle sensitive information. You will be the first point of contact for our community and will provide help for people when they need it most.
We are looking for flexible individuals who are open to working shifts, including nights, weekends and some bank holidays. On top of your salary, you will qualify for enhanced shift allowance of up to 20% of your salary, as well as weekend working allowance.
Training Programme: You will join starting with the Initial training Course Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm for the duration of 7 weeks at Police Headquarters, Middlemoor Exeter. You will then begin your Contact Officer shift pattern and will be assigned a Tutor within the Contact Centre who will support the second phase of your training. There is an additional 2 week training course, again at Exeter Headquarters, before returning to the Contact Centre. You must be willing and able to travel to Exeter Headquarters regardless of your base station. Dates will be confirmed closer to the time of conditional offer. A Force pool car / a hire car, or accommodation at Police Headquarters, Middlemoor, Exeter may be available to those who live 30 miles from Police Headquarters, Middlemoor, Exeter. No annual leave will be granted for the duration of the training courses due to essential learning. There will be no exceptions to this.
Part-Time Working: The role of Contact Officer is a full-time role. Requests for Flexible Working Patterns can be submitted once you are in the role, however these cannot be guaranteed and are reviewed against the operational needs of the Department.
Tenure: This role is subject to a minimum two year tenure period. This means that due to the essential training required for the role of Contact Officer successful candidates will be unable to apply for any internal vacancies for a period of two years from the commencement of their appointment.
What you get if you join us: If you work for us, you will get access to:
- A competitive salary with yearly increments.
- Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
- Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one-off payment of £5).
- Company sick pay.
- Competitive local government pension scheme.
- Job related equipment supplied, as required.
- Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
- Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
- Support networks, free Employees' Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
- Development and training opportunities available.
- Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
- Flexitime, with the ability to undertake your hours flexibly and in line with business need.
- Hybrid working, with the ability to work remotely at times throughout the working week (once signed off the training plan).
Contact Officer employer: Devon and Cornwall Police
Contact Detail:
Devon and Cornwall Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contact Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Watch the informative video on the Contact and Resolution Command recruitment pages. It’ll give you a real feel for what’s expected and help you stand out in interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be handling sensitive calls, it’s crucial to show empathy and patience. Role-play with friends or family to get comfortable with different scenarios.
✨Tip Number 3
Be flexible and open-minded about shifts. The role requires working nights and weekends, so make sure you’re ready to embrace that. Highlight your flexibility in your conversations with us!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you can find all the details you need about the role and training there.
We think you need these skills to ace Contact Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. It’s important to understand the role of a Contact Officer and what’s expected of you, especially regarding shift patterns and training commitments.
Tailor Your Application: When writing your application, don’t just send a generic one. Tailor it to highlight your skills and experiences that match the requirements of the Contact Officer role. Show us how you can bring empathy and resilience to the team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so let us know why you’re passionate about this role in a way that’s easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to apply through our official website. This ensures your application gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all candidates. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Devon and Cornwall Police
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Contact Officer. Familiarise yourself with the shift patterns, training requirements, and the emotional resilience needed for the role. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Contact Officer, you'll be handling calls from distressed individuals. During the interview, demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and empathetically. Use examples from past experiences where you've successfully managed difficult conversations or provided support to others.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and emotional resilience. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as dealing with an upset caller or managing multiple calls at once. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process during the interview.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, take the opportunity to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the training programme, team dynamics, or how they support staff wellbeing. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
