999 call handler?

[crazylady7]

Hi there. Was just wondering.. I have always wanted to be a 999 call handler, I know it can be very stressful, but it's something I've always wanted to do, and I feel like I'd be good at that kind of thing. I've done research into it, I know there's a 5 week course you go on before hand etc.

Was wondering if anyone on here has that as a job or knows anyone who is? Wondered if they had any advice or insight into the job before I apply for anything. Thanks 😊

I used to do this role, enjoyed it, loved the variety. Downtime between calls on nights it's hard to stay focused, and be 100% alert when a call drops into your headset.
Testing to even get to interview is tough now, you need to be able to multitask and think laterally. Not only typing speed, but accuracy are important too.
Shift work sucks, as does working Bank Holidays and Christmas etc. Booking leave is difficult as it's a percentage per shift, so if someone has 1 day off, you might not be able to get your fortnight of leave due to that one shift.
If you are the type of person who takes their work home with them, and can't switch off or compartmentalisr then I'd say seriously consider whether it's what you want to do. Some calls you'll take will be very distressing. That said, it's one of the best jobs I've had. Good luck if you apply. Our local force have such a problem retaining staff, that now if you are appointed, you cannot apply for an internal job for 2 years!

don't do the job but know a few people that do

My tips:

• check exactly what role you'll be doing. is it 999/101 or both. Some forces expect you to work as a dispatcher as well rather than keep the two role separate.
• Agree with pp about shift work - but on the other hand it can be good as well, as with the extra days off it can mean you only have to use three days leave to get a fortnight off, iyswim. But yes, be prepared to work at least one christmas day over the new few years.
• where is the location - one of the forces near me is miles from any bus route so if you don't drive you'd struggle to get there for night shifts. another force parking is an absolute nightmare so you might spend another half hour at the end of your shift trying to find whoever's blocked you in - and if they're a cop they could be out on response.
• are you good with IT and multi tasking? It's not just someone calls and you write what they say - they might be distressed/drunk and not making any sense, or just don't know where they are, so be prepared to be speaking to them, typing up relevant information, sending flags to intel, passing the report to the dispatchers and looking up google maps to try and get an address all at the same time
• how resilient are you? Would you be able to cope with someone dying on the end of the phone?
• similarly can you cope with your work being criticised? Lots of the ongoing training involves listening to your calls and getting feedback. Sometimes things can go wrong, and you can be part of an investigation, either internal or IOPC - could be gross misconduct, or even criminal, as a witness or a subject. Don't get me wrong it's rare than things get to that level, but it's a possibility
• if you get to interview, as what support they have?
• also ask what their retention/turnover is like - it's a job with high turnover anyway due to the nature of it (people don't know if they can handle it until they do it) but if they are advertising every few months it suggests they don't have the best support network
• it's often a good gateway to other jobs in the force, or you can switchover to nhs etc. once you have some skills

my understanding is it's a very interesting job, but can be stressful and upsetting too.

hope this helps!