At a Glance
- Tasks: Be the friendly face of Thames Valley Police, helping visitors and providing support.
- Company: Join a respected police force dedicated to community safety and support.
- Benefits: Enjoy 24 days annual leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Mandatory training and awareness session required for all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Stay calm under pressure and show empathy towards others.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 28000 £ per year.
Thames Valley Police is looking to recruit a Police Contact Enquiry Officer.
Role Overview
You will be the first point of contact for all members of the public visiting the police station. You will deal with victims and offenders, manage their expectations, offer support and reassurance to vulnerable people and reason with and calm emotional, angry and aggressive visitors. You will check and record details in police IT systems and provide high‑quality customer service to internal customers and the public. General administration and responsibility for dealing with the receipt and return of property also apply.
Responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact for all visitors to the police station.
- Provide support and reassurance to vulnerable individuals.
- Maintain accurate records in police IT systems.
- Deliver high‑quality customer service in accordance with current legislation, policy and procedures.
- Manage the receipt and return of property.
- Perform general administration tasks.
Qualifications and Skills
- Assertive and able to remain calm in challenging situations.
- Show sensitivity and understanding towards emotional victims.
- Appreciation of confidentiality and diversity.
- Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Physically capable of undertaking Personal Safety Training.
Benefits
- 24 days annual leave per annum (pro‑rata for part‑time employment), plus bank holidays.
- Flexible working conditions.
- Wide range of lifestyle discounts.
- Career development opportunities.
- Option to join a local government pension scheme.
Additional Requirements
A mandatory awareness session (1 hour) via Microsoft Teams is required for all applicants. Session dates: Friday 3 July 2026 at 10:00, 14:00, or 18:00. Applicants must attend one of these sessions; non‑attendance will result in application withdrawal. Applicants must also complete a 2‑week full‑time training course based at Kidlington or Hampshire. If training occurs in Hampshire, hotel accommodation will be provided. Current Thames Valley Police employees with less than 12 months in their present role need line‑manager approval to apply.
Contact & Application
For enquiries, email RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 22355. The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 28 June 2026.
Police Contact Enquiry Officer (Oxford) employer: Thames Valley Police
Thames Valley Police is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment where you can make a real difference in the community as a Police Contact Enquiry Officer. With flexible working conditions, generous annual leave, and numerous career development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive. Located in Oxford, you will benefit from a vibrant city atmosphere while being part of a dedicated team committed to public service and safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Police Contact Enquiry Officer (Oxford)
✨Get to Know the Company Culture
Before jumping into applications, it’s super helpful to understand the vibe at Thames Valley 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 Thames Valley 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 Police Contact Enquiry Officer (Oxford)
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 Thames Valley Police:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Tell us why you want to work at Thames Valley 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 Thames Valley Police!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley 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.
