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- Tasks: Be the first point of contact for emergency and non-emergency calls, providing vital support.
- Company: Join the Dorset Police family and make a difference in your community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, flexible working options, and gym membership discounts.
- Why this job: Help people in need while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Must be 18+ with strong communication and empathy skills.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and training within a dynamic team.
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
Type of employment: Permanent
Closing Date: 27/02/26 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. The commencing salary will be Scale D £31,012 to £34,039 per annum inclusive of a 14% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2,500 weekend working allowance, which is claimable once you have completed your classroom-based training and are working your shift pattern.
Acting as the front line of policing as one of our Contact Officers at Bournemouth HQ, you will be responsible for receiving non-emergency and emergency calls, and online contact from members of the public. Your role will be ensuring the most appropriate help and support is established, handling every call with empathy, whilst remaining calm when dealing with potentially sensitive and upsetting calls.
The focus of the Dorset Contact Management (DCM) 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 service calls at the first point of contact within a 24-hour capability.
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 the 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: No annual leave will be granted during the training course dates and these dates will be confirmed once you are in force. Any leave booked prior to joining the force will be honoured. Whilst this role is based at Bournemouth, you may be required to travel to the Winfrith 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.
We are excited to invite you to attend one of our awareness events, where you will have the opportunity to gain additional information about the role, listen to one of our Contact Officers who will share their own experiences within the role and the opportunity to ask any questions.
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.
DCM - Contact Officer in Bournemouth employer: Dorset Police
Contact Detail:
Dorset Police Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land DCM - Contact Officer in Bournemouth
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the role inside out! Familiarise yourself with what a Contact Officer does and the skills needed. This will help you shine during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your situational judgement skills. Think about how you'd handle different scenarios that might come up in the role. This will prepare you for the SJT and show you're ready for the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t miss out on those awareness events! They’re a great chance to ask questions and get insights from current Contact Officers. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. And remember, if you find out about the role through LinkedIn, make sure to mention it when applying!
We think you need these skills to ace DCM - Contact Officer in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for helping others and your commitment to making a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to tailor your application to the role of Contact Officer. Highlight any relevant experience or skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to handle sensitive situations with empathy.
Keep It Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to read and understand your key qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and the application process there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Dorset 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 your responses. This will help you demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, showcase your active listening skills. This is crucial for a Contact Officer as you'll need to assess situations quickly. Practice summarising what the interviewer says and responding thoughtfully to show that you can handle sensitive calls effectively.
✨Prepare for Situational Questions
Expect situational judgement questions that assess how you would respond to various scenarios. Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve had to remain calm under pressure or provide support to someone in distress. This will highlight your ability to manage challenging situations.
✨Show Your Commitment to Community Service
Express your passion for helping others and your commitment to community service. The role is about making every contact count, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your dedication to providing excellent support and assistance to the public.