We’ve welcomed 12 new recruits to our Force Communications Room (FCR) and we need more!

Have you ever wondered where the people answering Hertfordshire’s 999 emergency and 101 non-emergency calls work?

They are based at the purpose built Force Communications Room (FCR) located at police headquarters in Welwyn Garden City and teams work in shifts to ensure 24 hour a day, seven day a week response to calls throughout the year.

On an average day, Hertfordshire Constabulary receives more than 500 999 calls and over 1,000 101 non-emergency calls and it takes six weeks of intensive training to prepare new communications operators for their role.

The FCR formally welcomed 12 new call handler recruits on Friday 14 July at a graduation ceremony to celebrate their achievement in passing the training programme.

Family and friends attended at police headquarters, with FCR Chief Inspector Steve Alison offering his congratulations to them. He said: “You should all be proud of what you have achieved so far, your graduation ceremony brings together weeks of your dedication and hard work. It does not mark the end of your achievements here, it is the beginning of an amazing career in policing with Hertfordshire Constabulary. The training you have received will enable you to meet the challenges you’ll face, with the support of our policing family.

“You will be the first point of contact for members of the public who need our help and you’ll be dealing with people at some of the worse times of their lives. This may include those who have just witnessed a traumatic incident or they may have been attacked or injured. You will be giving them that initial piece of advice which will help keep them safe before police officers arrive. That is immensely rewarding and provides a massive opportunity to have a positive impact on peoples’ lives.”

The eight women and four men include a former teacher, a funeral director and a swimming instructor.

We are 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 £29,331 inclusive of shift allowance, if you work full-time.

You’ll be supported by a friendly team and welcomed, whatever your background.

Find out more and apply now: Communications operator (opens in a new window)