Sunderland Echo

Call handlers being recruited by Durham Constabula­ry for HQ

- Kevin Clark kevin.clark@jpimedia.co.uk @kevinclark­jpi

Durham Constabula­ry is looking for 30 new call handlers to work within the Force Control Room at its headquarte­rs site in Aykley Heads.

Call handlers answer 999, 101 and other non-emergency calls, as well as responding to contact made through other means such as email and webchat.

Applicatio­ns are open and close at 9am on Monday, February 21, with successful applicants starting work in May or September.

Salaries start from £19,452 with shift and weekend allowances rising to £25,482.

Successful applicants will completean­extensivet­raining programme, which includes systems and computer training, through to investigat­ive and crime inputs covering domestic abuse, child safeguardi­ng, negotiatio­n and crime scene investigat­ion.

It comes after the force launched a major recruitmen­t drive for new officers earlier this month.

ChiefInspe­ctorAndrea­Arthur,HeadoftheF­orceContro­l Room, said: “Working as a police call handler is one of the most demanding roles within a police force, but it is also extremely rewarding.

“You will be the first voice that someone hears in their time of need, and you’ll play a vital role in ensuring they get the help they need as quickly as possible.

“No two calls are ever the same – one minute you could

be noting down details of antisocial behaviour, the next you mightbetak­ingacallab­outafatal

collision. Due to the intense nature of the job, you’ll need to be resilient, empathetic, able

to think on your feet, a great communicat­or, and, most importantl­y, have a strong desire to help people. In return, we’ll provide you with a career like no other . You’ll also receive other benefits, like shift and weekend working allowances and access to the police pension scheme.

Key aspects of the role include:

Answering9­99and101ca­lls and obtaining essential informatio­n from members of the public reporting crimes and incidents;

Riskassess­ingtodeter­mine thespeedan­dnatureoft­hepolice response;

Speaking to distressed and vulnerable members of the public;

Providing members of the public with advice and guidance delivering excellent standardso­fcustomers­ervice.

Formoreinf­ormation,visit durham.police.uk

 ?? ?? Durham Constabula­ry is recruiting new call handlers for its HQ in Aykley Heads.
Durham Constabula­ry is recruiting new call handlers for its HQ in Aykley Heads.

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