It's the thin blue line serving almost three million people and covering nearly 350 square miles.
And now's your chance to Join West Midlands Police, which has a number of jobs up for grabs.
Here are the 15 vacancies open right now.
Special Constable
The job advert reads: "Our Special Constables are a huge part of the West Midlands Police family. Last year they volunteered over 20 thousand hours to support the service we offer the public.
"They are integral members of our neighbourhood teams, our front-line response teams, helping to support our most vulnerable victims in Public Protection, Force CID, Operations, Motorway Policing- the opportunities are endless.
"Now we are looking to increase or numbers as we gear up for some of the biggest events seen in the West Midlands, like Coventry becoming City of Culture in 2021 and, of course, Birmingham hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2022.
"We need to get ready and we need people who want to volunteer their time to support us with both day to day policing and large scale operations."
Rewards and benefits:
- Volunteering role
- Making a difference to local communities
Police Officer - New Recruit
The job advert reads: "Want to be a police officer? Entry into the service has changed – and West Midlands Police is one of the first to recruit student officers to study for a degree or post graduate diploma while they work.
"During your training as an officer you will also earn an degree apprenticeship or post graduate diploma, which will be recognised internationally. Your formal training will take place alongside your practical work in one of our many policing teams across the West Midlands. After an initial training period, you’ll get your uniform, join a team, and begin three years of practical learning - or two if you join on our post graduate diploma - that will shape your police career.
"When you’re not studying you’ll be working alongside your colleagues, on a neighbourhood policing team – being the face of West Midlands Police in our local communities, on a response team – on the frontline of our emergency service, or in one of our investigations teams – helping to solve some of the most serious crimes and catch those responsible.
"Our officers play a vital role in ensuring that the communities of the West Midlands are kept safe. It isn’t easy but it is rewarding and can be a career like no other. We want people to join us who have a range of life experiences and backgrounds; it is vitality important that we represent all of the communities that we serve."
Rewards and benefits:
- Working on the frontline
- Actively working to prevent crime
Digital Architect
The job advert reads: "The Architecture function within the IT & Digital department is responsible for all solution design on the technology estate. This team contains architects that shape the technical way forward for our organisation, ensuring that all solutions adhere to our principles, standards and future blueprints.
"The Digital Architect, reporting to the Head of Architecture is responsible for designing how new applications and services will interact to enable a first class user experience. They will champion application design (interface and functionality) with strong emphasis on digital technologies such as Cloud, Big Data, Social Media and Mobility. Ensuring that associated documentation is updated and enabling the organisation to achieve its target application architecture state.
"This is a role where you can really make a difference to the officers and staff of West Midlands Police through the use of technology as an enabling platform."
Rewards and benefits:
- Engaging with customers
- Liaise with user departments
- Assist with training others
Service Desk Analyst
The job advert reads: "The IT & Digital Service Desk aims to provide a range of services to offer a more customer-focused approach. The service desk provides a single route for end users to interact with all IT processes, and handles all incoming Incidents and Service Requests.
"The role offers the opportunity to develop excellent customer service skills through a significant amount of verbal and written contact with customers across the organisation, using a variety of digital media to prioritise the service requests."
Rewards and benefits:
- Part-time position
- Customer-facing role
Specialist Resourcing Bank
The job advert reads: "Here at West Midlands Police we have a wide and varied range of roles and from time to time we need a little extra help when demand is high to make sure that we are supporting our communities and meeting their needs.
"Our Specialist Resourcing Bank has been set up to provide a bank of people with specific skills who can work for us on a short term contract basis at fairly short notice as and when their expertise and skills are needed.
"The roles can vary, we are currently using associates in training roles and across the investigative portfolio."
Rewards and benefits:
- Supporting the community
Diverse work schedule
Police Staff Investigator
The job role reads: "As a Police Investigator, you will interview the victims of crime either in their own home, at a police station convenient to them or over the telephone. The crimes will be varied and would include incidents reported of criminal damage, assaults, burglary, and harassment among just a few.
"You will obtain initial details from victims of crime and take formal statements from witnesses, if required. If a crime has been committed then it is the responsibility of the Police Investigator to record it appropriately and conduct a thorough investigation. You will be a key part of an investigation team determined to bring offenders to justice and protect our communities from harm.
"You will manage a portfolio of investigations; taking personal responsibility for your case load. Your investigations will include completing crime reports, conducting house to house enquires, taking statements from witnesses and locating, securing and preserving evidence, for example CCTV. You will also be responsible for assisting with the preparation of files for court."
Rewards and benefits:
- 12-month fixed term contract
- Working on a range of different types of crime
- Part of diverse team of police constables, detectives and other investigators
Business Support Officer
The job advert reads: "The West Midlands Police Economic Crime Unit has responsibility for a number of functions, one of which is to deal with financial enquiries made via the UKCA, Home Office from foreign jurisdictions.
"Role Requirements:
"You will need to detailed review collation and submission of requests from foreign jurisdictions (via the UKCA, Home Office) for financial information.
"You will prepare and submit PACE Production Order requests to the Crown Courts, subsequent onward transmission of the authorised Production Order to the financial sector.
"You will process and check the results material received from the financial sector and transmission of said material to the Home Office.
"You will be preparing detailed reports, therefore you must be able to collate, evaluate, structure and process information to identify financial audit trails."
Rewards and benefits:
- 10-month maternity cover
- Part of a team of police officers and police staff
Facilities Operations Assistant - Counter Terrorism Unit
The job advert reads: "West Midlands Counter Terrorism Unit (WMCTU) has an opportunity for you to join us as a Facilities Operations Assistant.
"Duties include portering, cleaning and driving duties to support all WMCTU buildings and associated premises. The post may require you to work outside of normal business hours due to Operational requirements, this may include some weekends or evenings.
"Specific Duties:
"Assist with the moving of furniture, stationery, equipment, foodstuffs, materials and waste, completing any relevant paperwork/record sheets.
"Collect and deliver post, furniture and parcels from a number of locations.
"Remove, shred, store and dispatch confidential waste and to remove all rubbish including recycling from the buildings to skips
"Assist with cleaning duties at all WMCTU sites as necessary and to monitor and restock cleaning consumables
"Escort contractors and visitors."
Rewards and benefits:
- Training will be provided for use of mechanical aids
- Working largely under your own initiative
Intelligence Learning & Development Officer
The job advert reads: "We are seeking an experienced and motivated staff member for a National Training role within the National Counter Terrorism Police Headquarters Operational Development Unit (NCTPHQ ODU).
"You will work closely with the National Training Manager and team to ensure the training, development and provision is relevant for the CT Network to meet its objectives.
"You will be responsible for the delivery of a range of comprehensive Intelligence learning and development programmes for the ODU in accordance with the National Training and Development Strategy. The post also provides an excellent career opportunity for a motivated and flexible staff member who is capable of identifying training needs and developing innovative training solutions. "
Rewards and benefits:
- Working under own initiative
- Opportunity to travel and deliver training nationally
Cadet Leader
The job advert reads: "As a Cadet Leader you volunteer your own time to be part of a cadet unit across the West Midlands. Locations includes Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall and Solihull.
"Cadets Units meet one evening a week and the Cadets gain insight into various departments within the force and learn a wide range of skills. Cadets take part in community and sports activities."
Rewards and benefits:
- Volunteering role
- Helping cadets prepare for their future careers
- Shifts primarily during term-time weekdays
Digital Media Investigator - Counter Terrorism Unit
The job advert reads: "You will be required to provide specialist technical advice and undertake the interrogation and investigation of digital devices to obtain intelligence and evidence in accordance with national best practice and relevant legislation to support Regional, National and International Counter Terrorism investigations.
"You will be responsible for the forensic acquisition, examination, analysis and investigation of evidence from a variety of digital devices which have been used in the commission, preparation or instigation of acts of terrorism and associated criminal offences including cyber crime attacks. Be able to interpret and explain digital forensic data in a non-technical and accessible manner to Investigating Officers, Prosecutors, Defence experts and to Court; including the presentation of recovered digital evidence, to assist with the investigation process. Provide evidence packages and statements, and attend court when necessary."
Rewards and benefits:
- Opportunities to travel
- May get to report findings nationally
Communications Officer
The job advert reads: "West Midlands Police is looking to recruit a communications officer to join our friendly, welcoming and award-winning Corporate Communications team to support corporate internal, external and campaign activity across the organisation.
"Your role will include working creatively and innovatively to seek out new opportunities and channels to maximise internal and external engagement opportunities. Producing innovative, accurate and engaging information, the team works closely with our partners, colleagues and the public to support the Chief Constable’s vision of preventing crime, protecting the public and helping those in need."
Rewards and benefits:
- Be part of the corporate travel scheme
- Access to exclusive clubs and associations
Network Services Analyst
The job advert reads: "West Midlands Police are seeking a competent individual to join our Network Services Team. Part of the innovative IT & Digital Department based at Lloyd House in Birmingham the team are responsible for providing highly available secure data, voice and radio networks.
"Among other responsibilities the successful candidates will manage and support a variety of Network Services Technology and maintain standards for security and availability of information."
Rewards and benefits:
- Relatively flexible hours to meet family needs
- Communicating directly with Senior Managers
Infrastructure Services Team Manager
The job advert reads: "The Service Management function within IT & Digital is responsible for the effective operation, support and maintenance of existing, operational technology systems, including but not limited to all Force applications, technology infrastructure (e.g. servers, databases, networks) and end-user devices (e.g. desktop PC’s, smartphones, tablets, Airwave terminals).
"This function manages, and has responsibility for, the security, capability, availability, and performance of all operational technology in the ‘live’ environment whether it is delivered via internal resources or by external suppliers.
"This function is also responsible for ensuring existing technology remains fit-for-purpose and reflects continuously evolving requirements from the force. "
Rewards and benefits:
- Developing relationships with third parties
- Representing West Midlands Police at local, regional and national conferences
Police Officer - Transferees and Rejoiners
The job advert reads: "We are seeking experienced officers who are up for a challenge and wish to join the following specialist teams with the majority of roles being based within Birmingham.
"Enthusiastic PIP 2 qualified Detective Constables are invited to apply for an exciting opportunity to join us within our Investigation Teams. We are particularly interested in applications from those that have experience within a Public Protection Unit and have completed the Specialist Child Abuse Investigation Development Programme (SCAIDP).
"We are also seeking experienced officers that wish to join our Neighbourhood, Response and Economic Crime teams throughout Birmingham."
Rewards and benefits:
- Engaging with both victims and offenders
- Chance to transfer to West Midlands Police's vibrant team
The full list of jobs available at West Midlands Police, can be found here.
