At a Glance
- Tasks: Remove vehicles and assist in maintaining traffic flow at Heathrow Airport.
- Company: Join the Metropolitan Police Service's Aviation Policing team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, shift patterns, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Inclusive employer committed to diversity and supporting applicants with disabilities.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital team ensuring safety and efficiency at one of the world's busiest airports.
- Qualifications: Must hold a valid DVLA driving licence and be capable of manual handling.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
This is an exciting opportunity to join Aviation Policing within Specialist Operations of the Metropolitan Police Service based at London Heathrow Airport. We are looking for Vehicle Recovery Officers (VRO's) who will work alongside our core team officers and be responsible for the removal of vehicles seized or ticketed by officers.
Working in the confines of Heathrow Airport and based at Heathrow Police Station, you will be required to assist the teams with their daily task of ensuring the Terminal forecourts are kept clear by responding to remove any unattended vehicles. It is essential for the security of the airport that any vehicle left unattended, once confirmed non‑suspicious, is removed and taken to our storage compound. Likewise, when officers seize vehicles for driving not in accordance or no insurance, your assistance will be required to relocate the vehicle to our compound where it will later be collected by VRES and taken to Perivale Car Pound. Officers may also call on your assistance to problem‑solve situations which otherwise could bring the road network surrounding Heathrow to a stand‑still.
The role requires working alone as well as with the team, offering solutions to problems that may arise within the road network of one of the world’s busiest airports and working with partners at Heathrow Airport Limited (HAL).
As a valued member of the team you will be aligned to one of four core teams on a 32‑day repeat shift pattern covering hours between 0600 and 0000 hours, comprising of two 0600‑1500 shifts followed by two 1500‑0000 shifts and four rest days.
Your core duties will include:
- Removal of vehicles within the Heathrow road network in accordance with statutory regulations and legislation.
- Responsibility for the loading and unloading of vehicles to and in the designated storage facility at Heathrow.
- Recovery of accident‑damaged vehicles where road clearance is required due to operational need.
- Assist HAL (Heathrow Airport Ltd) with removal tasks when there is an impact on traffic flow.
- Removal of property from vehicles subject to disposal.
- Maintain accurate records concerning vehicle locations.
- Recognise and deal with any health and safety issues that may arise with vehicles stored in the designated area.
- Deal with public enquiries and assist in restoring vehicles seized for being unattended.
Qualifications and experience required include:
- Must hold a DVLA driving licence with a minimum of Categories C+E (HGV Class 1) and have no more than six points on your personal licence.
- Be capable of undertaking manual handling tasks including movement of goods and equipment.
- Be capable of using basic IT equipment, including MS Office, vehicle deployment/navigation systems and MPS Airwave Radio systems.
- Successfully pass all required Vehicle Recovery modules, if you do not currently meet the desired criteria.
- Previous experience of vehicle recovery, particularly in police work.
- Hold relevant Institute of Vehicle Recovery modules.
The following competencies will be tested at sift:
- We take ownership – Level 1.
- We collaborate – Level 1.
Disability Confident Statement: The Met is committed to being an equitable (fair and impartial) and inclusive employer for disabled people, striving to have a diverse and representative workforce at all levels. We encourage applications from people from the widest possible range of backgrounds, cultures and experiences. We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and long‑term conditions, ethnic minority groups and women.
As a Disability Confident Leader, the Met has committed to making disability equality part of our everyday practice. We ensure that people with disabilities and those with long‑term conditions have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations. The Met is committed to making reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure disabled applicants can perform at their best. If you need any reasonable adjustments or changes to the application and recruitment process, we ask that you include this information within your application form. All matters will be treated in strict confidence.
Aviation Policing - Vehicle Recovery Officer ( VRO ) - Heathrow Police Station employer: Metropolitan Police
Joining the Metropolitan Police Service as a Vehicle Recovery Officer at Heathrow Police Station offers a unique opportunity to work in one of the world's busiest airports, contributing to the safety and efficiency of the airport's operations. The role provides a supportive work culture with a strong emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving, alongside opportunities for professional growth through training in vehicle recovery and operational procedures. Employees benefit from a structured shift pattern that promotes work-life balance, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aviation Policing - Vehicle Recovery Officer ( VRO ) - Heathrow Police Station
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the Aviation Policing team at Heathrow. Understanding their values and how they operate will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your problem-solving skills! Think of examples from your past where you've tackled tricky situations, especially in high-pressure environments. This role is all about keeping the roads clear, so demonstrate how you can think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your driving experience! Since you'll need a DVLA driving licence and experience with vehicle recovery, be prepared to share specific instances where you've successfully managed vehicle operations or recovery tasks.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows you're serious about joining us at Heathrow and makes it easier for us to keep track of your progress.
We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Policing - Vehicle Recovery Officer ( VRO ) - Heathrow Police Station
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Driving Skills:Make sure to highlight your DVLA driving licence and any relevant experience you have with vehicle recovery. We want to see that you’re not just a good driver, but also someone who understands the importance of road safety and compliance with regulations.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out your application, keep your language straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Demonstrate Team Spirit:Since you'll be working closely with our core team, it’s important to show us that you can collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in a team before and how you’ve contributed to problem-solving in challenging situations.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and you won’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Metropolitan Police
✨Know Your Role Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Vehicle Recovery Officer. Familiarise yourself with the specific tasks mentioned in the job description, such as vehicle removal and working with Heathrow Airport Limited. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Since the role involves dealing with traffic issues and assisting officers, be prepared to discuss examples from your past where you've successfully solved problems under pressure. Think of situations where you had to think on your feet, especially in a busy environment like an airport.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
If you have previous experience in vehicle recovery or police work, make sure to bring it up during the interview. Discuss any relevant training or qualifications, such as the Institute of Vehicle Recovery modules, and how they apply to the position you're applying for.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Communication
As you'll be working closely with both core team officers and partners at Heathrow, it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Prepare to share examples of how you've worked well in a team and communicated clearly in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations.
