Recruitment is underway to hire 50 call handlers to help with emergency call volumes experienced across Northumbria, Tyne and Wear.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, says the move will help with high emergency call volumes experienced across Northumbria, Tyne and Wear.
Call-handlers are the first point of contact when people pick up the phone and dial 999 in an emergency or 101 in a non-emergency. Based at call-centres in Ponteland and South Shields, they also deal with matters reported online.
Northumbria Police has dealt with a significant rise in the number of calls over the last year, receiving an average of 880 calls per day in the period July to September 2021 compared to 676 in the same period in 2020.
The call handler recruitment drive is part of ongoing plans to improve the service the Force provides to local residents. As well other as extra phone operators, other planned improvements include new technology and call back features.
Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Kim McGuinness, said: “The police undoubtedly need more people. In Northumbria, the Chief Constable and I recognise this – that’s why we are recruiting well above and beyond Government targets to get officers on the streets but the recruitment of officers is only half the battle. The bottom line is we need more people answering the phones too – it’s a frontline job.
“And, there’s no two ways about it, it is a demanding job but call handlers tell me it’s a very rewarding one. They are at the heart of the action and are that reassuring voice at the end of the line often when people need someone most. It’s a job with real purpose and with the bespoke training that comes with it, it’s a real opportunity.
“Building the team will be a real boost for our contact centre teams. It will help meet growing demands and improve overall efficiencies. It’s crucial that our emergency services are properly resourced.”
To learn more about the role and to apply visit: careers.northumbria.police.uk
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