Staff sought as police force prepares to reopen Ilfracombe Police Enquiry Office

People with a strong sense of community and great communications skills are being sought to staff Ilfracombe’s Police Enquiry Office.

The office is one of six being opened by Devon and Cornwall Police in the third phase of a project led by Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez, with the others being at Devonport, Looe, Okehampton and Kingsbridge police stations.

A total of 18 Police Enquiry Officers are being recruited and trained to help members of the public in this phase. Response has been positive around the force area but more applicants for flexible and part time roles in Ilfracombe are being sought. Applications are open until August 29, 2023.

Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “I know people across Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly really value their police stations. They are places of safety where people can report crime, get help and advice on preventing crime and access support services.

“These part time jobs represent fantastic opportunities for the right people to make a difference in their communities and will suit those looking for rewarding part time work that is of real value.”

These Police Enquiry Offices will be accessible from 10am to 3pm, six days a week, with staff working three five-hour days a week following a three-week rotating shift pattern.

In 2022-23 Tiverton, Falmouth, Penzance, Bude, Newton Abbot and Truro enquiry desks were opened, with Newquay opening in 2020.

The Police Enquiry Officer role includes being the first point of contact for reported crimes and police incidents, responding to a wide range of enquiries from the public and other agencies, receiving and recording information and dealing supportively with witnesses, victims and the public.

The force says it is looking for people with a proven customer focus approach, excellent communication skills, the ability to work under challenging and difficult circumstances and effective team working skills.

Benefits include 24 days’ annual year leave entitlement, increasing to 30 days after five years’ continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time workers) and membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Full training will be provided.

For a full list of benefits, job description and details of how to apply visit www.recruitment.devon-cornwall.police.uk