Twelve new recruits have joined Herts Police's call handler team. 

The new call handlers – nine women and three men – include an ex-hotel receptionist, two teaching assistants, office supplies salesman, an NHS 111 call handler, and a dog groomer.

Responding to callers needing police assistance is challenging and demanding work, which is why every operator in the Hertfordshire Constabulary Force Communications Room (FCR) has completed a comprehensive six-week training programme.

The new FCR team members were welcomed with a graduation ceremony attended by friends and family at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City.

They have been trained in a wide range of areas including communication techniques, trauma awareness, types of crime and information recording systems, to enable them to quickly respond to 999 emergency and 101 non-emergency calls.

 

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FCR Chief Inspector Steve Alison attended the graduation and spoke to the new communications operator recruits, who will continue to receive structured learning as they progress in their roles.

“Congratulations on completing your initial training and exams,” he said.

 “This is the beginning of your careers at Hertfordshire Constabulary and I’m confident that the training you have received will enable you to make a real difference, helping us to deliver a modern and efficient policing service for our communities in Hertfordshire.

“Demand for our services is high and your training has prepared you to be the first point for contact for people who really need our help, safeguarding them and potentially saving lives.”

                                                                                                                                

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The force is currently recruiting for more communications operators to join the team.

Call handlers work flexibly, including weekends, and evenings/nights, to answer emergency and non-emergency calls and direct resources across the county.

The starting salary is £29,331 inclusive of shift allowance, if you work full-time.