Sgt - Controller in Lewes

Division / Department - Contact and Control

Status - Full Time

Contract Type - Permanent

Rank - Police Sergeant

Location - Sussex Police Headquarters, Lewes

Chief Constables' Message

We really welcome your interest in joining our Police Force. It is a privilege to lead the teams in Surrey Police and Sussex Police who continuously work selflessly and tirelessly in order to keep people in our counties safe. We are looking for talented and inspirational people who put the needs of the public at the heart of everything that they do and who want to make a difference. If you feel you are that person then we want to hear from you. We wish you all the very best with your application.

The Role and Key Responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for Police officers to become controllers and work as part of the team within FCCCD. PC Controllers within the Force Contact Command and Control Department are responsible for the initial command and control of Sussex Police’s response to incidents. This vital role includes taking 999 calls, appropriately resourcing and resolving incidents reported to Sussex Police, and continuously assessing Threat, Harm, and Risk. Controllers prioritise and review incidents in line with available resources, ensuring officer safety and compliance with Force policy while making timely, informed decisions in a fast‑paced environment.

• Take initial effective Command and Control of incidents, often dealing with these incidents simultaneously.
• Take responsibility for prioritising incidents of a similar grade to ensure an appropriate response to incidents.
• Operate, monitor, review, update and control all radio and other equipment, thus ensuring the integrated command and control systems to deploy, control and ensure the safety and welfare of Operational staff.
• Undertake authorised searches over the radio in respect of all computerised systems for operational staff to support them in the performance of their role.
• Support emergency contact handling by answering 999 calls within the national performance target of 10 seconds to provide a quick and efficient service to the public of Sussex, in accordance with National Call Handling Standards.
• To record, classify and, where directed, update the Command and Control system in respect of all operational matters within Sussex to maintain accurate records.
• To record information and liaise with partner agencies, where required, to advise them of relevant incidents.
• Undertake such other duties as appropriate to the character of the work as may reasonably be required, including specific areas of responsibility of similar or when deemed appropriate.
• Selected staff will be required to undertake duties supporting events and operations and can be deployed to work out of any of our sites.

This is a great opportunity for officers to apply their policing skills to this role to support their colleagues, managing resources and getting the right units to the right incidents. Officers should also see this as a great opportunity to learn new skills, have a greater appreciation and understanding of how the Force operates and to be involved in Force Operations.

Additional Information

The role is based at Sussex Police Headquarters in Lewes but there may be requirements to work from our fall‑back sites across the county including Gatwick and Brighton. You will be required to work a 24/7 shift pattern which consists of 4 days on followed by 4 days off. We welcome applications and discussion with candidates who want to work full‑time or part‑time/flexible hours. Officers must have completed a minimum of 3 years service to be eligible to apply. A full training package is being developed to ensure you receive everything you need prior to starting in the room.

Skills & Experience

• Excellent IT skills are essential
• Strong customer service focus with good written and communication/people skills
• Ability to prioritise/multitask

Why Work With Us?

• National Salary plus £2,000 per annum South East allowance
• 22 days per year annual leave, rising to 30 days (based on full time) a year depending on your length of service
• Opportunity to progress through the ranks and/or specialise in an area of policing that interests you most
• Highly competitive pension scheme
• An Employee Assistance Programme for advice and counselling covering a range of health, well‑being and lifestyle topics
• Access to discounts, savings and cash back rewards including travel subsidiaries, an eye care scheme and more
• Progressive approach to flexible working, enhanced maternity and paternity leave and potential for a career break (after two years’ service)
• Opportunities to join various support networks, staff associations and sports clubs
• Access to subsidised gym (depending on location)

We are only as good as our people. It's important that our officers and staff can be themselves in the workplace and we know that as an organisation we'll grow from the variety of thinking, approach, and the skills that diversity brings; all of which help us to deliver a better policing service. We strive to ensure how we deliver our services, provide information and how we recruit is open and accessible to all. We have multiple staff support groups who help to improve our understanding of minority issues and ensure they are reflected in our work. We are proud members of Disability Confident, hold Race Equality Matters Trailblazer status, are a signatory of the Race at Work Charter and are aligned with the Armed Forces Covenant and the HeForShe movement. We are committed to being an anti‑racist police service. We promise to challenge injustice, ensure fairness and to uphold anti‑racist principles in both our organisation and our communities. We value the differences that people bring from all backgrounds and communities. Regardless of age, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, social status, or religious belief, we would love to hear from you.