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What's the main function of the Force Communications Room?
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It's twofold. The team in the Force Communications Room receive all emergency and non-emergency telephone calls from the public, transferring incidents to control and dispatch when necessary. In addition, the team are responsible for recording crime within Hertfordshire in accordance with the National Crime Recording Standards and Home Office counting rules. Following an initial telephone investigation, crime reports are taken over the telephone from members of the public for all non-mandatory attendance crime. Crime reports are also taken from Police Officers for mandatory attendance incidents.
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What kind of calls will I be handling?
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You'll handle 999 emergency calls and other non-emergency calls. A 999 emergency call is usually made when a crime is in the process of taking place, or the suspect is still in the area. Another reason why people call 999 is because someone is injured, or life is at risk. The non-emergency line is there for members of the public to report incidents that have already happened. They may be less urgent, but are no less important. Non-emergency calls could be about almost anything, from noisy neighbours and stolen property to vandalism and fly-tipping.
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Where will I be based?
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The Force Communications Room is based at the Hertfordshire Constabulary Headquarters. These are to be found on Stanborough Road, in Welwyn Garden City.
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Can I visit the Force Communications Room before applying?
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Yes. You can organise a visit yourself by clicking here.
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Am I ineligible if I have a criminal record?
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Not necessarily. Depending on the nature of your conviction, it may still be possible to apply successfully. Remember, any caution or conviction must be declared on your application form. If you're not sure whether you're eligible, please email our recruitment team at policerecruitment@herts.pnn.police.uk and they'll be able to advise you.
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Can I apply if I have a tattoo?
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On the whole, yes. However some tattoos may be deemed offensive or unacceptable. If you're concerned, please email a picture of your tattoo to our recruitment team at policerecruitment@herts.pnn.police.uk for advice.
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What kind of skills will I need to apply?
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You'll need to be a confident and enthusiastic person, with great listening skills. Able to remain calm under what can sometimes be pressurised situations, you'll need to be comfortable talking to a caller while they wait for police assistance to arrive. You'll also need to be a natural problem-solver who works well as part of a team, and can provide excellent customer service. A background in retail or a call-handling environment would be useful, but is not essential as we offer plenty of training and support.
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How quickly can I reapply if my application is not successful?
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If you're not successful in your application, you can reapply to Hertfordshire Constabulary six months after the date of your assessment centre day, providing that we are still recruiting at that time.
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What are the hours like?
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The shift pattern runs 24/365, so you can expect to work earlies, lates and nights. We run a Work/Life Balance scheme which allows you to request a variation to the core shift pattern and where operationally feasible, we endeavour to approve these. Nonetheless, those wishing to work Monday to Friday, nine to five are unlikely to be accommodated – shift work is an essential part of this role.
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How will my shift allowance be calculated?
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Shift allowance is calculated based on your span of hours, number of weekend shifts and weekday nights. Nine spinal column points is the maximum and can be achieved working the core shift pattern. If you reduce your hours, number of nights or weekend shifts etc. this will impact on your salary.
We hope this page has helped answer your queries, however please feel free to email us at policerecruitment@herts.pnn.police.uk where we will be happy to respond to any additional questions you may have.
