Devon and Cornwall Police are looking to recruit new staff ahead of reopening five police station front desks again.

It will mean that members of the public will be able to go into the stations' enquiry offices to report crimes, drop in documents and receive support.

Now the force says it is looking for people "with a strong sense of community and great communications skills" to staff the offices.

The front desks are being reopened at Falmouth, Truro, Penzance, Newton Abbot and Tiverton police stations after a decision by Devon and Cornwall’s Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Chief Constable Shaun Sawyer.

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A total of 20 police enquiry officers will be recruited and trained to help members of the public, some of which will have been victims of crime. More jobs have been promised to follow, as further stations are reopened next year.

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."

The 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 starting salary of £8,852 to £9,792 for a 15-hour week (£21,837 - £24,156 full time equivalent) and a weekend working allowance of between £735 and £813 approximately a year.

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 https://recruitment-dcp-dp.org/jobs/