Our busy control room is the start of our response to members of the public. You will receive calls about missing persons to road traffic incidents, burglaries to assaults - no two days will be the same.

This is an unpredictable and sometimes challenging role that is hugely rewarding - you will help play a part in keeping people safe. At times, you'll be talking to people in potentially dangerous or vulnerable situations, who may be distressed or panicked. It will be down to you to stay calm, focused and gather as much information as possible to help our officers deal with the incident.

We need flexible people who can work shifts, including overnight, at weekends and some bank holidays, at our control room based in Maidstone. We will reward you with salary enhancements to reflect the shift and weekend working.

We offer a competitive salary, starting at £23,541 rising to £27,171 with experience. (Pro-rata for shifts under 37 hours) and a range of benefits:
• discounts and cash-back rewards at major high street stores, retail outlets, food establishments and other organisations nationwide through the Blue Light card and Kent Police Recreation Association (KPRA) for a small monthly fee
• Cycle2Work Scheme
• free on-site parking
• canteen
• gym facilities
• free eye tests and if required may receive funding for glasses for using a computer

Shift preferences are subject to availability at the time of offering you a contract. This may mean what is available at this time may be different than at the time of your application. We are currently recruiting for 33 and 37 hour contracts. Further details about the shift patterns can be viewed on our website - www.kent.police.uk/police-forces/kent-police/areas/kent-police/c/careers/police-staff-roles/contact-handlers-and-dispatchers/shift-patterns/

You will be offered and supported on a fantastic training programme to give you the skills and confidence to successfully undertake the contact handler role.

All applicants must be a United Kingdom, European Union or commonwealth citizen, with no restrictions on your stay in the United Kingdom. You must have lived in the UK continuously for the last three years (this does not apply if you've been abroad with the British Armed Forces).
Be aged 18 or over on date of submitting your application.

Applicants will be assessed against the following:
• passion for helping people and providing an excellent customer service
• strong IT skills and competent with Microsoft Office packages
• good keyboard skills (minimum 30 words per minute) and accuracy are required
• working well under pressure, but maintaining a reassuring manner and be able to respond to people in a calm manner
• use own initiative while following procedures
• work as an individual and as part of a team
• adaptable and effective communication skills
• ability to accurately extract and record information

You must also:
• not be registered bankrupt or subject to a County Court Judgement or an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
• not be a member of the British National Party or similar organisation
• declare any previous criminal convictions or cautions (including those spent), fixed penalty notices, traffic offences or any involvement with the police as they may affect your application

Apply today and start your rewarding career with Kent Police.