Advice on joining the police (UK)?

Question

A career in the police service is always something i have wanted to do, along with other jobs.

Can you offer me some advice? I'm 18, off to Uni (Warwick) next year to study Biomedical Sciences. When i leave, what are my best options for joining the police? - eventually i would like to specialise in anti-terrorism or firearms or something. hence i was considering perhaps the Met, they would surely offer the best prospects of specialisation in areas such as intelligence? please bear in mind, i don't fancy being a PCSO for any length of time, it looks boring in comparison to regular police work.

all advice is appreciated (including negative) , even from our american friends

thanks,

chris.

Answer 1

Develop a fondness for coffee and donuts.

Sitting on you @rse for hours on end filling in pointless paper work.

Learn to shake your head in dispear as the scum bag walks away scott free or with a police caution.

Answer 2

Just retired from a midlands police force, UK. I got out the very first day I could. The police have been swamped by red tape, human rights, and the idiot PC and race brigades. Frightened to say boo to a goose as it may offend someone. You are welcome to it if they accept you, thank God it's all behind me, I can now enjoy my pension. Moving abroad to France. By the way before you become a high flier, you will have to do your time as an ordinary bobby. that's when you learn the job.

Answer 3

Whilst you are at Uni, take a part time job as a special constable.

Whilst they are not trained to do all jobs, it will give you a good insight into what is required.

It is hard to give advise to someone interested in joining. I have been in a few years and I am now cynical, so I wouldnt paint a pretty picture.

Go out there and see for yourself.

Answer 4

Get a bit of life experience first.  They are looking for a mature outlook, common sense and good people skills above all else.  Academic qualifications are fine if you just want to climb the ranks but you will get a lot more respect from your colleagues if you have been at the sharp end first.

Most forces will only recruit people who are 18 and a half so you are too young (with respect) at present anyway.

Get your university course out of the way first and then submit your application.  Make sure you fill in the forms as neatly as possible and give all of the information asked of you, including a full run down of your family members for the security checks.

Most of all, keep your nose clean whilst you're at university!  Partying is one thing but don't ruin a future career by making silly drunken mistakes!

Good luck with the future application.

Answer 5

Most police forces have a website with details about joining. You have to do a probationary period before you can apply to specialise.

Have a look at the psychometric web site to give yourself an idea of the police test.I wouldn't think that the Met has any better opportunities than any other force as the competition will probably be greater as it is a bigger force.

Being a PCSO would give you an inside look as to how the officers work and although you may think it is boring it is to some a learning process..

If you have always wanted to be in the job go for it as you may regret not applying in years to come.

Answer 6

My bf is in the police.

Contact your local force and see what times of the year they recruit. First you apply, most people get knocked back the 1st time but don't give up. If you go to uni you can go on a fast track scheme to become a sargent quicker but it's not advised as you don't end up with much experience (or respect). Once you have been accpeted you have to pass a fitness test. If you pass that you go away for training. Once training school is finished you are a probationary PC for 2 years, all the way through the 2yrs you do exams and a development portfolio. Once you are signed off probation you can do attachments with all different sections if you choose. And then you can specialise. It will take many years to get into firearms or anti terrorism and you probably won't get in at a PC level, especially not anti terrorism (like the dogs and air sections it is what everyone wants to do and not many places come up). Anyway you do it you will have to work your way up, if you're not prepared to work your way up and think the rest of the work is boring then it certainly not the job for you. For a few years you will be dealing with druggies, shoplifters, burglaries, drunks and domestic violence. Its not all exciting guns and terrorists x x

Answer 7

Read Filth by Irvine Welch before you make your mind up!

Answer 8

Just apply and see how far you get.

Obviously you need to make sure you are fit enough to pass the fitness test and medical but aside from that theres not much we can help you with really.

Just try you're best.

Heres a website containing the Police selection process details. This should give you an idea of what you should expect.

The website also contains contact numbers if you would like to further you're understanding of joining the Police.

http://www.fife.police.uk/default.aspx?p...



All Police stations have the same selection process unless joining a specialised unit (which you cannot join until completion of the 2 year probationary period).

Hope this helps.. Its far from easy!

Good luck.