Trainee Police Controller: Abingdon (999/101 Call Handler)

Thames Valley Police; Abingdon; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Thames Valley Police is seeking Police Controller candidates for full-time positions. You will be the first voice communities hear when calling for help, handling a 6-week training course at Kidlington.

No prior experience is required, and you will receive comprehensive training and support as you learn to manage calls from 101 to 999 responsibly. You will learn to prioritise incidents, assess risk, and deploy resources while maintaining public and officer safety.

Qualifications

• No prior experience required; training and support provided.
• Must be able to stay calm and make quick decisions under pressure.
• Attention to detail and clear communication are essential.
• Experience with IT systems is beneficial.
• Ability to handle varied calls from 101 to 999.

Responsibilities

• Manage and control police radio transmissions.
• Prioritise multiple live incidents and deploy police resources.
• Assess risk, threat and vulnerability to grade incidents for appropriate response.
• Communicate effectively with callers during emergencies and incidents.
• Complete apprenticeship programme and achieve Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Service Contact Handling.

Skills

Calm under pressure

Decision making

Attention to detail

Good communication skills

IT systems

Tools

IT systems software

Call handling software

Job description

Full time vacancies As a Police Controller you will help protect our communities by being the first voice theyhear when they call for help and assistance.

Full time vacancies As a Police Controller you will help protect our communities by being the first voice theyhear when they call for help and assistance.

You do not need previous experience – we’ll give you all the training and support to be ready to take that call. But we do ask that you have common sense, a calm head under pressure, high levels of resilience, an ability to make decisions under pressure, attention to detail, combined with good communication skills and experience of using IT systems.

You will be managing and controlling police radio transmissions; prioritising multiple live incidents, deploying police resources and ensuring public and police officer safety. You will need to prioritise incidents identifying the risk, threat and vulnerability within the situation and grade the incident correctly to ensure the right and timely police response.

You need to be ready for the unexpected, with an ability to make key decisions whilst taking information from a caller. The calls you handle will be varied; you could go from dealing with a non‑urgent 101 enquiry to a distressing 999 emergency and sadly you might even receive abuse from someone you are trying to help. It is undoubtedly one of the most demanding yet rewarding roles in modern policing.

If you can demonstrate these skills and have the drive and determination to make a difference to the communities we serve, then this could be the career for you.

For more detailed information on the role, including first‑hand insight from those in the position, important information on shifts and requirements of the role, and importantly the benefits we can offer.

Please be aware all candidates must complete a 6‑week course at full time, this course is likely to take place at Kidlington and whilst we will endeavour to supply assistance in arranging your transport, we cannot guarantee this, and there is an expectation for you to ensure you can attend when applying.

We will be advertising on a rolling recruitment basis, and should you be successful you will be placed into a recruitment pool. Once vetting, medical and other clearances have been received, you will be placed into the next available intake dependent on vacancy availability. Whilst waiting for vacancies to arise, you will remain in the recruitment pool.

For successful candidates who are aged 18 when starting in their new role, and do not hold English and/Math’s GCSE (Grade A‑C / 9‑4 or equivalent), Functional Skills will be offered.

You will receive structured on and off the job training through our comprehensive apprenticeship programme, for more information on what this entails.

On successful completion of the programme, you will be confirmed in post and receive a nationally recognised Level 3 Certificate in Emergency Service Contact Handling.

The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 11th October 2026 (subject to change).

We believe in investing in all of our people and run tailored Positive Action Initiatives to support our colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds in their personal and professional development, ensuring everyone has a level playing field to succeed, progress and feel fulfilled in their careers.

(for on site working)