At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing support with empathy.
- Company: Join the Dorset Police team in a supportive and flexible environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, subsidised gym membership, discounts, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns and hybrid options available after training.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with strong communication skills and a calm approach.
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: Bournemouth Police Station (OC)
Type of employment: Permanent
Closing Date: 05/06/2026, 12:00.
Hours per week: 37 hours per week. However, part‑time applications are welcomed and flexible working patterns may be considered subject to business needs.
About the role:
Owing to the nature of the role, candidates must have reached the age of 18 by the start date. Commencing salary will be Scale D £30,604 to £33,591 per annum inclusive of a 12.5% shift allowance. This opportunity is Monday to Friday between 08:00-20:00 shift pattern.
Your role as a Contact Officer will involve receiving non‑emergency and emergency calls, as well as online contact from the public. You will ensure appropriate help and support is established, handling every call with empathy and calmness when dealing with potentially sensitive and upsetting situations. The focus of the Dorset Contact Management (DCM) is to make every contact count by 'getting it right first time' and to achieve an efficient and effective customer journey, including addressing the maximum number of service calls at the first point of contact within a 24‑hour capability.
Before your Contact Officer training course (which will be advised once you start), you will work as a triage operator to familiarise yourself with the Contact Centre and types of enquiries. The duration of your time on triage will vary depending on when the next training course starts. Salary and shift allowance remain as above.
You will act as the first point of contact for members of the public using the 101 and 999 services. By utilising risk assessments, you will ensure the most appropriate help and support is established, providing an efficient and reactive response to requests for service from the public.
Note: No annual leave will be granted during the training course dates, which will be confirmed once you are in force. Any leave booked prior to joining will be honoured. This role is based at Bournemouth, but travel to the Winfrith site for training may be required.
Benefits:
- A competitive salary with yearly increments.
- Heavily subsidised gym membership with access at police sites across the counties.
- Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one‑off payment of £5).
- Company sick pay.
- Job‑related equipment supplied as required.
- Free onsite parking at many police sites across the counties.
- Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
- Support networks, free Employee Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
- Development and training opportunities.
- Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check‑ins during the initial period.
- Flexitime, allowing hours to be undertaken flexibly in line with business need.
- Hybrid working, including remote work at times during the week once approved.
DCM - Contact Officer (Mon - Fri) employer: Devon and Cornwall Police
Join Bournemouth Police Station as a DCM - Contact Officer and become part of a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and development. With competitive salaries, excellent benefits including a government pension, and opportunities for flexible working patterns, this role offers a meaningful way to serve the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. The commitment to training and growth ensures that you will be well-prepared to handle sensitive situations with empathy and professionalism.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DCM - Contact Officer (Mon - Fri)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Contact Officer does, especially the importance of empathy and calmness in handling calls. This will help you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be the first point of contact for the public, being articulate and clear is key. Try mock interviews or role-playing scenarios to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current employees! Reach out on LinkedIn or through community events to get insider tips about the application process and what it’s really like working as a Contact Officer.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job openings and updates directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace DCM - Contact Officer (Mon - Fri)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Contact Officer. We want to see how you can handle sensitive situations and provide support, so don’t hold back on sharing relevant examples!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As a Contact Officer, clear communication is key. Use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively. Keep it concise, but make sure your personality shines through – we love a bit of character!
Highlight Your Empathy:This role involves dealing with potentially upsetting situations, so it’s important to show us that you can handle these with empathy and calmness. Share any experiences where you’ve had to support others in challenging times – it’ll really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, you’ll find all the info 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 types of calls you'll be handling and the importance of empathy in those situations. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, show that you can listen actively. This is crucial for a Contact Officer, as you'll need to assess situations quickly and respond appropriately. Practise summarising what the interviewer says to ensure you understand their questions fully.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss scenarios where you've had to think on your feet or resolve conflicts. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, highlighting how you can handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the training process, team dynamics, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
