We are welcoming applications for the role of Dispatch & Contact Officer with Dorset Police based at the following location(s): Police Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorset  

Salary: Scale D - Starts at £27,204 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £29,859 per annum 
Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part-time or you are appointed on a part-time basis your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon & Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same Scale.

Type of employment: Permanent 

Type of working arrangement: Static-Worker - A Static-Worker has little or no opportunity to work remotely as they need to carry out their work at a specific force premises, this could be for a number of reasons including the location of equipment. 

Hours per week: this role is 37 hours per week. However, we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and we are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need. 

Allowances: This role attracts 20% Shift Allowance, Weekend Working Payment (claimable once necessary training has been completed and the full shift pattern is being worked) . For additional information on allowances please see our "allowances" page 

About the role:  

Owing to the nature of the role, candidates will need to have reached the age of 18 by the start date.

Earn up to £35,830 per annum.  

The starting salary for Scale D is £31,012, which is inclusive of 14% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2,500 for weekend working which is claimable once training is completed and the full shift pattern has commenced. Therefore, this cannot be claimed during Monday to Friday classroom-based training. 

You will be booked to attend a two-week dispatch course within your 12-month probation and will not be able to claim the weekend working allowance for these two weeks if you are not required to work weekend shifts during this time.

When proficient (this is subject to pass/fail assessments after completion of 999 training) you will move to the full 24/7 shift pattern and receive Scale D £32,644, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance PLUS the potential to earn up to £2500 for weekend working*. Please note, initial training up to the point of becoming proficient in 999 calls, takes from 5 to 7 months on average. Dispatch training is scheduled after this time frame but well within the probationary period.

Yearly increments will then apply until the top of the scale is reached in order to earn £35,830 per annum, which is inclusive of 20% shift allowance.

A unique job for a unique person, this role demands a friendly, patient, broad minded individual with a positive attitude. You must be able to work as part of a close knit, supportive team and make decisions in situations which may be frustrating or distressing for the caller.

The role of a Dispatch and Contact Officer at Winfrith requires you to participate in the operation of the Dorset Contact Management and provide a high-quality service to members of the public, police officers and police staff.

The focus of the Force Command Centre is on making every contact count by ‘getting it right first time’ and ensuring an efficient and effective customer journey as well as seeking to address the maximum number of calls at the first point of contact within a 24-hour capability. You will also be responsible for directing officers to the scenes of incidents and controlling incidents via radio and other forms of digital communication.

Prior to your Contact Officer training course (which you will be advised of once you have started in the role) you will be working as a triage operator to familiarise yourself with Contact Centre and the types of enquiries. The duration of your time on triage will vary depending on when the next training course is due to start. Your salary and shift allowance will remain as above.

You will act as the first point of contact for members of the public using the 101 and 999 service, utilising risk assessments you will ensure that the most appropriate help and support is established, providing an efficient and reactive response to requests for service from the public.

Please note: No annual leave will be granted during the Contact Officer training course dates and these dates will be confirmed once you are in force. Any leave booked prior to joining the force will be honoured. Whilst this role is based at Winfrith, you may be required to travel to the Bournemouth site for training.

Recruitment Timeline

You may wish to make a note of some key stages which sets out your journey to the Dorset Police family.

• Eligibility to apply via our e-recruitment portal.
• Situational Judgement Test - You will have 7 days to complete once you have completed your eligibility.
• Virtual Assessment Centre - You will have 7 days to complete once you have passed the SJT.

• Final Interview and telephone assessment. You will receive a link to book an interview if you have passed the SJT and Virtual Assessment Centre.

This interview will be based on Competency Values Framework (CVF) Level 1. 

Career & learning | College of Policing

We are excited to invite you to attend one of our awareness events, where you will have the opportunity to gain additional information about the role, listen to one of our Contact Officers who will share their own experiences within the role and the opportunity to ask any questions. please use the links below to book your tickets:

Tuesday 24th March 2026 18:00 - 19:00 -https://fixr.co/event/dorset-contact-management-contact-officer-tickets-905755502

Tuesday 21st April 2026 18:00 - 19:00 - https://fixr.co/event/dorset-contact-management-contact-officer-tickets-632933674

Please note candidates can only register once per campaign,  so if you have any difficulties with undertaking the assessments please contact: alliance-policestaffrecruitment@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk

If you are interested in both roles within Dorset Contact Management.  Please only register for one, as you can confirm which role you would like to be progressed for if successful at interview. 

Want to know more about this role?

Further detail regarding this role and the essential requirements can be found within the job description attached below.

If you think this may be the role for you and would like further information, please contact: 

Hiring Line Manager: Tony Philbrick - Contact Management Resources Planning Officer 

Email Address: FCCResourceplanning@Dorset.PNN.Police.uk 

Telephone Number: N/A 

What you get if you join us:

If you work for us, you will get access to:

• A competitive salary with yearly increments.
• Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one-off payment of £5).
• Company sick pay.
• Competitive local government pension scheme.
• Job related equipment, as required.
• Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
• Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
• Support networks, free Employees' Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
• Development and training opportunities.
• Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.