Thames Valley Police
Full time vacancies
As a Police Controller you will help protect our communities by being the first voice they hear 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 click here
To apply for this post please attach a CV.
Please note the next stage of this application process is a mandatory awareness session. These will start taking place after the advert closes. Please see the below dates; if you’re unable to attend one of these please contact recruitment ASAP.
Please be aware all candidates must complete a 5-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. Given this we will be advertising on a rolling recruitment basis, and should you be successful you will be placed into a recruitment pool. Once vetting and medical clearances have been received you will be placed into the next available intake, which will be starting in early 2026.
You will receive structured on and off the job training through our comprehensive apprenticeship programme, for more information on what this entails please click here
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 15th February 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 more information on how we can support, please click here
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At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities. Learn more About Us.
Working Smart. You will be joining an organisation that strives to improve every day. In the post-pandemic era this means changing the way we work and deliver our services, which brings a number of benefits including a more flexible and capable workforce.
Supporting You. Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we’ll be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card. Learn more about how we will be Supporting You.
Developing You. We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
Vetting. All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
