Six new recruits have joined Herts Police's Force Communications Room (FCR) to answer 999 calls.

The latest cohort includes an ex-postman, a finance manager, and a duty manager of a health club.

They join a team who answer 999 emergency calls and 101 non-emergency calls, webchat and online reports 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Family and friends attended police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City on Friday, September 22, with FCR Superintendent Elaina Usher offering her congratulations to Hertfordshire Constabulary's newest recruits.

She said: “Congratulations on completing your training. You now join the police family, and it really is a family, where we all support and look out for one another.

It takes courage and resilience to work within the FCR and I have no doubt you are all prepared and capable to handle whatever situations you face with confidence.

"It is an extremely rewarding role, and you will have the opportunity to make a difference to people’s lives, when they need us most.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary is currently recruiting for more communications operators with applications short-listed on a weekly basis.

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 £32,772 inclusive of shift allowance, if you work full-time.

Discover the Special Constabulary

Hertfordshire Constabulary is holding an event on Thursday, October 12 from 7pm to 9pm at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City, to discuss and showcase all things Specials.

Specials are volunteer police officers. They come from all walks of life and volunteer their spare time for a minimum of 16 hours a month.

With full policing powers, including the power to arrest, they play an essential role in preventing, reducing and tackling crime.

During the evening there will be the opportunity to:

  • Have an open and informal chat with current volunteers.
  • Participate in interactive sessions to understand the role as a Special Constable and practice your skills.
  • Gain an insight into the application process and training.
  • Find out how employers support police volunteering through the Employer Supported Policing scheme.

Superintendent Chris Hay, from the People and Workforce Development Team, said: “If you have ever thought about joining the police, but didn’t want to give up your day job, becoming a Special could be the right option for you. It gives you the best of both worlds and you can help protect your community.

“This event is a great opportunity to find out more about becoming a Special and network with those who are in the role currently. Come and see what we have to offer!”

Special Superintendent Joanne Reay added: “I’ve been a Special for 21 years and joining the Special Constabulary was the best decision I made.

"I’ve worked my way through the ranks and have worked in a variety of teams.

"I really encourage anyone who has an interest in policing to come down and talk to us to gain an insight to the world of Specials and how you could be the difference.”

If you would like to attend, register at www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/discover-the-special-constabulary-tickets-721893632287 or email SpecialsRecruitment@herts.police.uk