Royal Navy Police Operations Room Watchkeeper - Call Handler (ZigZag)

02/03/2026, 23:55 

Royal Navy Police Operations Room Watchkeeper (Call Handler) 

JPAN: 2132417 

Grade: Leading Hand (OR4) 

Location: Southwick Park, Portsmouth 

Contract: 40 hours per week (shift pattern), three-year fixed term with no mobility. 

Security clearance: UK Security Clearance and Non-Police Personnel Vetting (NPPV) Level 2.  

Closing date: 02/03/2026 23:55

All offers of employment are subject to UK security clearance. To gain this clearance applicants normally need at least five years’ UK residency. 

Overview 

The ZigZag Career Pathway is an innovative Defence initiative that offers novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces. It’s a pilot programme that opens the door for people from a range of backgrounds to apply their professional skills in meaningful Defence roles. 

This opportunity is open to civilians, veterans and reservists. Whether you’ve never served before or are looking to return, the ZigZag Career Pathway offers you the chance to work in fixed term military roles that are matched to your qualifications and experience.  

ZigZag roles may be offered with a range of mobility commitments. Successful candidates will be supported with tailored onboarding, the right level of training, and a structured and supported induction into the Armed Forces environment.  
 
The Royal Navy Police provide a wide-ranging policing and investigative service to the Royal Navy and Defence, both at home and abroad. They support units with prevention and investigation of crime and provide specialist advice to Command. 
 

The role 
The role of Royal Navy Police Operations Room Watchkeeper (Call Handler) is to act as the first point of contact for enquiries about Service personnel from internal and external agencies. The duties of the role support efficient and effective police-related processes 24/7 throughout the year. 

Key Responsibilities  

• The monitoring of contact facilities for internal and external agency enquiries relating to Service personnel for defined periods within a shift pattern. 

• The receipt, processing and response to enquiries, intelligence reports and administrative issues in accordance with current policy and legislation. 

• The interrogation of specialist military and civilian information systems to extract and dispatch assured data. 

• Assisting with the Absence Without Leave and Warrant execution processes. 

• Liaison between military and/or Home Office police forces. 

About You 

You will: 

• Be a UK citizen or British Dual National, having lived in the UK for a minimum of five years continuously prior to application. 

• Possess a proven track record of policing experience within either military or Home Office police forces as a police officer or police staff. 

• Possess a passion for helping people, strong communication skills, a team ethos and the ability to think independently. 

• Either hold or be able to hold a UK Security Clearance and NPPV Level 2. 

• Be able to undertake shift pattern style employment as part of a team of watchkeepers.  

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. 

Training 

• Royal Navy Familiarisation Course  

• Armed Forces Act Powers and Legislation – Defence School of Police and Security  

• Public and Personal Protection Training -   Defence School of Police and Security 

• Workplace Induction and specific accredited training as required. 

Personal  

Salary & benefits 

• Salary: £35,531 – £38,154 per year.  

• Pension: automatic enrolment in the non-contributory Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 (optout available) 

• Leave: 30 days’ annual leave plus eight UK bank holidays.  

Application process 

• Application: submit a CV via the SERVE portal. Eligibility checks are completed, and applications are sifted for suitability.  

• Interview: shortlisted candidates are invited to an interview covering technical skills, qualifications and suitability for military service (command, leadership and management experience).  

• Officer Selection & Medical Assessment: candidates who are not already commissioned must attend the Army Officer Selection Board and pass a medical screening.  

• Offer: successful candidates receive terms and conditions, and a job offer letter.  

Don’t meet all the requirements? Get in touch anyway – we are keen to hear from talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. For questions or more information, contact: People-Tx-ZigZagCareers@mod.gov.uk.