A major police force in the Midlands is offering a significant career opportunity for the new year, recruiting for a vital emergency services role with a starting salary of £31,000 and minimal formal entry requirements.
A Critical Role in Public Safety
West Mercia Police is seeking new 'contact handlers' to be based at its Hindlip headquarters near Worcester. This position is the crucial first point of contact for the public, managing both emergency 999 calls and non-emergency 101 inquiries.
The force has described the job as 'fast paced', requiring individuals who can remain a calm and reassuring voice during people's most distressing moments. Successful applicants will be tasked with asking precise questions, listening for critical details, and accurately logging information to ensure police officers are deployed effectively.
Accessible Entry Requirements
In a move that opens the profession to a wider pool of candidates, the essential academic requirement for the role is just five GCSEs at grades A to C (or grade 4 and above), which must include either English language or mathematics. Equivalent qualifications are also accepted.
While previous customer service experience is viewed favourably, police officials confirm it is not an essential prerequisite. The key attributes sought are innate: the ability to make swift decisions under intense pressure, highly developed problem-solving skills, and the resilience to manage calls from distressed, angry, or upset members of the public.
Skills Needed for the Front Line of Communication
The ideal candidate will be organised, able to prioritise a heavy workload, and capable of working both independently and as part of a close-knit team. A police spokesperson elaborated on the role's importance, stating: "You’ll play an integral role in making sure that our police officers are at the right place at the right times."
The advertisement, posted in January 2026, emphasises that this is not a street patrol position but a demanding desk-based role that forms the backbone of the force's operational response. Those interested in applying for this police contact handler job in Worcester are directed to the force's official recruitment portal.
