MORE contact handlers have joined Northumbria Police.

Last week, 18 new recruits joined the force, and a further 15 who have completed their initial eight-week training started answering calls for the first time under supervision from more experienced colleagues.

The contact handlers are someone’s first point of contact in an emergency - the voice at the end of a 999 or 101 call.

Primary Contact and Customer Service Manager Rachel Walters, who oversees the contact staff, said: “Our dedicated staff in our contact centres do a truly amazing job.

“They never know what situation or who is at the end of the phone when they answer a call and they have to show unwavering levels of professionalism and compassion when responding to people in emergency situations – they are very much on the front-line.

“I want to wish each and every new starter all the very best in their role. This is an extremely rewarding career where you can make a real difference to people’s lives.”

Northumbria Police have taken on 65 new contact handlers over the last 12 months – with plans to continue their recruitment drive throughout the remainder of 2022.

They aim to reach 125 new contact handlers within a 24-month period.