Police Constable

A unique and challenging opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual, to join the Royal St. Helena Police Service (RSHP) on Ascension Island. The Royal St. Helena Police Service covers both Ascension Island and St. Helena and, at full strength, consists of 34 officers. We are seeking to recruit a Police Constable to serve on Ascension Island on a contractual basis for a period of two years in the first instance. The successful candidate will join a small detachment of officers responsible for policing and immigration needs of this small British Overseas Territory.

About the role

A unique and challenging opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and dynamic individual, to join the Royal St. Helena Police Service (RSHP) on Ascension Island. The Royal St. Helena Police Service covers both Ascension Island and St. Helena and, at full strength, consists of 34 officers.

We are seeking to recruit a Police Constable to serve on Ascension Island on a contractual basis for a period of two years in the first instance. The successful candidate will join a small detachment of officers responsible for policing and immigration needs of this small British Overseas Territory.

In line with the requirements of the Police Service Ordinance 1985, the post holder must be under the age of 60 on the date of appointment.

What you’ll do

The key duties and objectives of the post of Police Constable are as follows:

• Play a front-line role in the prevention and detection of crime and the criminal justice system.
• Work in partnership on a day-to-day basis with the local community, stakeholders (notably U.K. and U.S. military personnel based on Ascension Island) and colleagues in order to promote law and order, reduce the fear of crime, provide reassurance and build confidence to improve the quality of life for citizens.
• Exercise legal powers to enable the maintenance of law and order.
• Make autonomous decisions in accordance with the National Decision Model and Code of Ethics, exercising professional discretion, as appropriate to the role, in line with legal frameworks and policy guidelines.
• Meet and maintain the highest professional standards required of their role, by conducting all actions in a legal, balanced, proportionate and justifiable manner to uphold the law and achieve the best outcomes in a wide range of situations/incidents.
• Undertake the role of Immigration Officer for Ascension Island and support the Ascension Island Government (AIG) in any other relevant tasks.

You will help to develop, shape and influence the development of policing on Ascension Island in order to deliver RSHP and AIG strategic objectives and ensure consistency of approach, delivery and enforcement. More information is contained in the job description.

What you’ll bring

You’ll have operational experience as a U.K. (or U.K. Overseas Territory) police officer and a full and clean driving licence for a motor car. You must be fluent in English (written and spoken).

Experience of interviewing witnesses and suspects and a working knowledge of PACE is desirable. It will be an advantage for you to be able to demonstrate strong evidence of your investigative skills, witness/victim statement taking, knowledge of roads policing and drink/drive procedures and community policing and problem solving skills.

What we offer

In addition to an annual salary of up to £18,434 (taxable on Ascension) for an officer with 5+ years’ experience on successful completion of a 6 month probationary period, the role attracts an accompanied status contract and the following benefits:

• Rent free furnished accommodation worth up to £3,000 pa (taxable benefit)
• A food allowance of £7,560 pa accompanied or £3,780 pa single status.
• An electricity allowance worth £3,140 pa.
• A water allowance worth £3,088pa accompanied or £1,852 single status.
• Relocation costs for your personal effects, including assistance with the shipment of a vehicle for a two year contract from Jamestown, St Helena, Cape Town, South Africa or Southampton, UK.
• One mid-contract return journey to your country of recruitment
• A gratuity payable on the successful completion of a 2 year contract
• 30 days’ annual holiday (with an additional 9 days public holidays).
• Free primary dental and medical care and medical referral or medivac provision if required.
• Free schooling of dependent children from 4 to 16 years.
• Free annual travel insurance for employee and dependants.
• Death in Service insurance

The appointment will be subject to:

• Satisfactory employment references
• Criminal Records Check/Police Clearance
• Satisfactory Medical and Dental Clearance

What’s it like to work on Ascension?

Ascension is a small volcanic island, situated in the South Atlantic, with a warm stable climate (26-34°C). We are part of the wider UK Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha, situated approximately 1,000 miles from the mainland of Africa and 800 miles from our nearest neighbour, the island of St Helena. To thrive here in this high-profile role, you must be resilient, adaptable and able to live and work in an incredibly small community.

Closing date: 25 April 2025

Interviews: Week commencing 05 May 2025, via Teams if off island

Required start date: As soon as possible.

If you have any queries about the role, email Inspector Mark Coombe (mark.coombe@sainthelena.gov.sh ).

Application forms and Job Profile are available from: Central Human Resources or the SHG website at: www.sainthelena.gov.sh/government/vacancies Applications should be submitted to Human Resources by e-mail recruitment@sainthelena.gov.sh