PEOPLE with a strong sense of community and great communications skills are being sought to staff six police enquiry offices which are being reopened across Devon and Cornwall.

The next phase of the plan to reopen 17 “front desks” across Devon and Cornwall will see Police Enquiry Offices opened in Devonport, Honiton, Ilfracombe, Kingsbridge, Looe and Okehampton police stations after a decision by Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Chief Constable Will Kerr.

A total of 18 Police Enquiry Officers are being recruited and trained to help members of the public, some of whom will have been victims of crime.

Commissioner Alison Hernandez said: “Since re-opening the Police Enquiry Offices earlier this year in Bude, Truro, Falmouth, Penzance, Newton Abbot and Tiverton at the end of last year, members of the public have had access to police staff face-to-face to be able to report and discuss issues around crime including advice on victims services.

“These further part time jobs will be made available at these front offices, providing fantastic opportunities for the right people to make a difference in their communities. They 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 two-week rotating shift pattern, which allows for seven days off continuously over the two weeks.

The 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.

Successful applicants will receive a completive salary with yearly increments. £23,100 to £25,353 per annum, pro rata for part-time workers plus a weekend working allowance. Amount varies depending on shift pattern worked.

As well they will get 24 days-a-year leave entitlement, with an increase 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.

There will be supportive training and mentoring for this role, including IT and how to use the police systems.

For a full list of benefits, job description and details of how to apply visit: Police Enquiry Officer - Dorset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police working in Partnership (recruitment-dcp-dp.org) .