Work With Offenders - The Choices
Traffic Warden
Traffic Wardens are citizens employed by the local authorities and are there to contribute to the regulation of traffic. Their work is designated to certain areas and they enforce endorsable and non-endorsable fixed penalty notices to drivers who don't adhere to parking regulations.
The day-to-day work involves noting and reporting penalty notices, informing offenders and reporting them to senior wardens; monitoring parking meters around a certain area, addressing issues with controlled parking zones and one-way systems; checking and dealing with vehicles who fail to display a valid tax disc; organising the clamping of vehicles and making accurate decisions as to what should be done to offending vehicle owners; assisting the police with a variety of related duties such as tracking down stolen vehicles; documenting and monitoring suspected owners on the streets, and , on occasion, attending court hearings regarding traffic offenders and giving evidence.
Wardens may be expected to pass a written English test before they are accepted into the role. There are, however, no other relevant qualifications that are needed in order for candidates to be considered for the role. A successful candidate would be in good physical health as a lot of walking may be required, so he or she may be subject to a medical check.
Wardens will receive on-the-job training with the aim of developing their understanding of areas such as health and safety rules and regulations (including basic First Aid), the codes, standard practices and etiquette of giving evidence in court, methodologies of offenders documentation and how to follow up reports and ticket issuing. Candidates would be aware that they are likely to be faced with generally negative behaviour, and although training will be provided on how to best deal with this inevitable eventuality, an ideal position holder would be adept at dealing well with volatile offenders in a civil and diffusive manner.
Qualifications: No specific requirements, on-the-jobs training provided. Also may be asked to pass a written English test.
Experience: Work in a similar role, such as working as part of an enforcement team would be beneficial.
Skills: People skills, First Aid skills would be beneficial, verbal and written communication skills.
