OCC Communications Officer

Role overview

Warwickshire Police is building a recruitment pool for future Communications Officer posts starting in 2027. Successful candidates will be placed into one of the planned 2027 intakes, with the current hiring window also covering groups expected over the next six to twelve months.

This is a control room position based in Warwick, supporting a police force that serves an estimated population of almost 600,000 people and handles more than 90,000 emergency calls each year, along with a high volume of non-emergency contacts. The work directly contributes to public safety and trust across Warwickshire’s varied communities.

Working pattern

The role follows 12-hour rotating day and night shifts. The pattern is four shifts on, two days off, two nights on, and then four shifts off. The department operates every day of the year, 24 hours a day, and both full-time and part-time workers are expected to cover the core shift pattern.

What the role involves

As an OCC Communications Officer, you will manage a wide range of calls in a busy and changing control room environment. No two incidents are the same: one call may involve a stolen vehicle, while another may require officers to respond to an armed robbery.

Not every report requires an officer to attend. In many cases, you will be expected to offer clear guidance, gather the right details quickly, and provide reassurance so the caller can be supported without dispatching an officer. The role calls for calm decision-making, empathy, and professionalism during difficult situations.

The role is demanding, but also highly rewarding, as you may help someone at one of the most challenging moments in their life.

Recruitment process

Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis. If shortlisted, you must be available for the earliest assessment date.

The planned assessment centre dates are 3 September 2026 and 10 November 2026. The assessment centre will take place at Warwickshire Police OCC in Warwick Technology Park and may last several hours.

The process includes an initial application form, a paper sift against recruitment criteria, and a multi-part assessment centre covering a spelling test, a listening-based statement test, a mapping exercise, a typing test, a problem-solving exercise, and an example-calls exercise.

The final stage is an interview held on Microsoft Teams and lasting around one hour. You will be asked six questions based on the essential criteria, using both example-based and scenario-based prompts. Preparation should include reviewing transferable experience, researching Warwickshire Police, and understanding the services delivered by the OCC.

A vetting process is completed before appointment. This includes checks involving family details and known criminal associations, and you must make sure any relevant people are informed because they may be contacted as part of the background checks.

Once all stages are completed successfully, a formal offer will be issued.

Training and onboarding

New starters complete six weeks of classroom-based training from Monday to Friday. This stage covers the foundations of the job, including systems use, vulnerability, risk, law, and other essential operational topics. No annual leave can be taken during this training period.

After the classroom phase, you will be assigned a tutor to support you as you begin handling live calls and move into the full Communications Officer role.

Team culture and expectations

The team values respect, inclusion, and cultural awareness. Warwickshire Police welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities and is committed to building a workforce that reflects the people it serves.

People who do well in this role are typically calm under pressure, detail-focused, collaborative, comfortable juggling multiple tasks, and able to support members of the public with empathy and professionalism. There is also an expectation of progression toward a controller role involving direct communication with officers.

Benefits and support

Employees can access a range of benefits and support services, including a local government pension scheme, union membership, an employee assistance programme, occupational health services, free parking, and on-site gym facilities.

The workplace also provides fully equipped kitchen and rest-break areas, internal support networks, coaching and mentoring schemes, health and wellbeing support, eligibility for Blue Light discounts, Warwickshire Police Sports and Social Club membership, access to the Police Perkz discount platform, and a sports club lottery.

Annual leave starts at 24 days and increases to 29 days after five years of service. Additional payments are made for bank holiday working.

Additional information

This recruitment campaign is for future posts rather than immediate start positions. The hiring team is creating a pool of candidates for upcoming intakes, and successful applicants will join one of the scheduled 2027 cohorts.

The job advert highlights that the role is part of a fast-paced, around-the-clock public service environment where good judgement, strong communication, and the ability to support vulnerable callers are essential.

A public information link is referenced in the source advert for more details about working in the control room.