At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency calls and provide vital support to the public.
- Company: Join Dorset Police, a supportive team dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, gym membership discounts, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Comprehensive training and career growth opportunities await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Friendly, patient individuals with a positive attitude and decision-making skills.
- Dispatch & Contact
- Officer
Salary: Starts at £27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £29,859 per annum (Earn up to £35,830 per annum)
Vacancy
Type: Permanent, Full Time (37hours per week) You will be booked to attend a two-week dispatch course within your 12-month probation and will not be able to claim the weekend working allowance for these two weeks if you are not required to work weekend shifts during this time.
When proficient (this is subject to pass/fail assessments after completion of 999 training) you will move to the full 24/7 shift pattern and receive Scale D £32,644, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2500 for weekend working*.
Please note, initial training up to the point of becoming proficient in 999 calls, takes from 5 to 7 months on average.
Dispatch training is scheduled after this time frame but well within the probationary period.
Yearly increments will then apply until the top of the scale is reached in order to earn £35,830 per annum, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance.
A unique job for a unique person, this role demands a friendly, patient, broad minded individual with a positive attitude.
You must be able to work as part of a close knit, supportive team and make decisions in situations which may be frustrating or distressing for the caller.
The role of a Dispatch and Contact Officer at Winfrith requires you to participate in the operation of the Dorset Contact Management and provide a high-quality service to members of the public, police officers and police staff.
The focus of the Force Command Centre is on making every contact count by ‘getting it right first time’ and ensuring an efficient and effective customer journey as well as seeking to address the maximum number of calls at the first point of contact within a 24-hour capability.
You will also be responsible for directing officers to the scenes of incidents and controlling incidents via radio and other forms of digital communication.
Prior to your Contact Officer training course (which you will be advised of once you have started in the role) you will be working as a triage operator to familiarise yourself with Contact Centre and the types of enquiries.
The duration of your time on triage will vary depending on when the next training course is due to start.
Your salary and shift allowance will remain as above.
You will act as the first point of contact for members of the public using the 101 and 999 service, utilising risk assessments you will ensure that the most appropriate help and support is established, providing an efficient and reactive response to requests for service from the public.
Please note: Courses are scheduled to be held on the following dates and the course you will attend will be confirmed once in force.
No annual leave will be granted during the training course dates.
- Jan 2027: 4th Jan to 12th March
- April 2027: 5th April to 11th June
- July 2027: 5th July to 10th September
- October 2027: 4th October to 10th December Any leave booked prior to joining the force will be honoured, unless it falls within a training period.
Whilst this role is based at Winfrith, you may be required to travel to the Bournemouth site for training.
Recruitment Timeline You may wish to make a note of some key stages which sets out your journey to the Dorset Police family.
- Eligibility to apply via our e-recruitment portal.
- Situational Judgement Test - You will have 7 days to complete once you have completed your eligibility.
- Virtual Assessment Centre - You will have 7 days to complete once you have passed the SJT.
- Final Interview and telephone assessment.
You will receive a link to book an interview if you have passed the SJT and Virtual Assessment Centre.
This interview will be based on Competency Values Framework (CVF) Level 1.
If you are interested in both roles within Dorset Contact Management.
Please only register for one, as you can confirm which role you would like to be progressed for if successful at interview.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
To Apply If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Dorset Police, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application
Dispatch & Contact Officer employer: Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
Dorset Police is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional development. With the flexibility of hybrid working and opportunities for growth within the organisation, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in their community. The role of Resourcing Supervisor not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to engage in innovative recruitment strategies that shape the future of policing in Exeter.
Contact Details:
Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dispatch & Contact Officer
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police. Check out their social media, read reviews on sites like Glassdoor, and see how they engage with customers. It'll give you clues on their values and help tailor your conversation during interviews.
✨Join Customer Support Communities
Dive into online communities like those on Reddit or LinkedIn where customer support pros hang out. Participating in discussions or asking questions can make you more visible to potential recruiters and help you learn about job openings at companies like Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police before they even post them.
✨Attend Job Fairs or Networking Events
Look out for local job fairs or events specifically for customer support roles. This is your chance to meet hiring managers face-to-face, and you might even get the opportunity to interview on the spot!
✨Show Off Your Skills with Customer Interactions
In the customer support world, showcasing your communication skills is key. Consider creating a short video introducing yourself or even doing a mock call to showcase your abilities. It's a memorable way to stand out, especially if you can share this during your interview process!
We think you need these skills to ace Dispatch & Contact Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Communication Skills:In customer support, clear communication is key. Make sure your CV highlights any experience you've had in customer-facing roles and your ability to resolve issues. Don't shy away from including specific examples of how you've gone above and beyond to help customers – this really shows your potential in the role.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police specifically. Mention any unique aspects of our company that resonate with you and how your skills can enhance our customer support. This personal touch will set your application apart from the rest!
Highlight Any Relevant Tools or Tech Skills:If you've used customer support software like Zendesk or Freshdesk or have experience with CRM systems, make sure to mention these in your application. Being familiar with industry-standard tools can be a big plus for us when we’re reviewing applications, as it shows you can hit the ground running!
Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills:Customer support roles often require a knack for problem-solving. In your application, share examples of past experiences where you've tackled tough situations or resolved conflicts effectively. This will give us a good sense of how you handle challenges—an essential skill for success at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset Police/ Devon and Cornwall Police
✨Show Off Your People Skills
In customer support, it's all about communicating effectively. Prepare to share instances from your past experiences where you handled difficult customers or resolved conflicts. We want to hear how you empathised and found the best solutions, so think of specific examples to back up your stories!
✨Know the Tools of the Trade
Familiarise yourself with common customer support tools like Zendesk or Freshdesk, and make sure to review how you’ve used any similar systems in the past. During the interview, being able to discuss your hands-on experience with software or ticketing systems can really set you apart from the competition, so don’t skip this prep!
✨Show Genuine Enthusiasm
As this is a full-time role, employers want someone who isn’t just looking for any job, but wants to grow within customer support. Make sure to express your enthusiasm for helping customers and your desire to develop your skills. Show them why you're passionate about this field!
✨Practice Common Scenarios
Be prepared for role-playing scenarios where you might have to reassess a solution with a frustrated customer or explain a complex process in simple terms. Practising these common scenarios can help us feel more confident and demonstrate our practical skills effectively during the interview.
