Police Controller - Apprenticeship (Abingdon)
Our teams are the first point of contact for over 1000 emergency, over 2200 non-emergency phone calls and over 100 interactions via our digital platforms daily. As a Police Call Handler you will perform one of the most demanding roles in the modern police force and one which is key to inspiring satisfaction and confidence in the community.
Role
- Handling emergency and non-emergency calls. You will have to be able to remain calm whilst taking control of a call and getting as much information as possible by asking the right questions and recording that information, so it is relayed to the officers responding
- Crime Recording - using our systems to take reports of crime and making sure everything is recorded according to guidelines
- Working with partner agencies to record other incidents in which the police play a role
- Signposting members of the public to more appropriate agencies when it is not a matter dealt with by the police
- Dealing with requests/queries via online platforms
- Managing the despatch of resources and prioritising incidents in line with threat, risk, harm and vulnerability, ensuring that public and officer safety is maintained at all times
- Making sure police officers and other resources have all the necessary information to deal with the incidents they have been deployed to
- Represent the police control Room at various external events such as Reading, Oxford, MK Dons and Wycombe Football matches. Also, to perform your controller duties around other large-scale events such as Reading Festival, Ascot Racecourse, Henley Royal Regatta and other ad hoc events. (subject to extra training, ability and willingness to travel)
Training
- The apprenticeship takes approximately 18-months to achieve. Once complete, you will receive a level 3 apprenticeship in Emergency Service Contact Handling
- During the apprenticeship, you will receive structured on and off-the-job development, which will include classroom training and personalised tutoring, to develop your competence in responding to emergency and non-emergency calls
- The on and off the job development includes the use of communication systems and software, communication skills, risk assessment and decision making, and technical knowledge and understanding of incidents relevant to policing
- The development is predominately delivered in blocks of learning. The first 5 weeks of training will most likely be based at Kidlington (HQ North or South). After this it will be at the location you apply for
Progression opportunities include:
- Those within the department and control room, such as becoming a supervisor or/and/or operational manager
- Becoming a police officer
- Applying for internal roles within Thames Valley Police
- Apprenticeship Standard
- Emergency contact handler (level 3)
- Training Provider
- THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF THAMES VALLEY
- Working Week
- 6 on 4 off. 2 earlies, ranging from 07:00 to 17:00. 2 lates, ranging from 10:00 to 02:00 (Sunday - Thursday) or 03:00 (Friday & Saturday). 2 nights, ranging from 21:00 to 07:00. Exact shifts to be confirmed.
- Expected Duration
- 1 Year 6 Months
- Positions Available
- 30
- Closing Date
- Sunday, 2nd August 2026
- Start Date
- Monday, 2nd November 2026
Desired Skills
- Communication skills
- IT skills
- Attention to detail
- Organisation skills
- Customer care skills
- Problem solving skills
- Analytical skills
- Team working
- Non judgemental
- Patience
Qualifications
- English GCSE, grade 4/C (Desired)
- Maths GCSE, grade 4/C (Desired)
About the Employer
Thames Valley Police
Preventing and thoroughly investigating crime, supporting victims and bringing offenders to justice. This commitment can’t be achieved by any one person alone; it relies upon a team of over 8,000 staff, officers and volunteers, working alongside partner agencies and the public. Together, we aim to build stronger, more resilient communities, providing a modern police force which meets the needs of the public we serve. Exciting challenges lie ahead – new digital technologies and ways of working are transforming the way we protect our communities. To ensure we deliver a high-quality service, we require the very best talent to be a part of the TVP family. This is your opportunity to take on a role with pride and confidence, inspiring change in our communities. It’s a unique and rewarding career. A career worth living.