Police Force

[e5]

I'm adamant about joining the police when i'm older - always have done since a young age, and i've done alot of research on them.

I'd just like to know if anyone on here has any personal experiences or can give me some information based on other family members that may be in the police that they don't tell you about on the websites, also it isn't very clear what grades you need, it sort of said that you don't need grades, but take a seperate test within the police force.

All help and information( don't want copy and pasted information you've found from a website, because i've probably read it before) will be greatly appreciated :).

Thanks.

[James!]

I wanted to be a policeman, but then I got arrested for a stupid reason so I didn't want to anymore.

[Wizzdom]

I'm adamant about joining the police when i'm older - always have done since a young age, and i've done alot of research on them.

I'd just like to know if anyone on here has any personal experiences or can give me some information based on other family members that may be in the police that they don't tell you about on the websites, also it isn't very clear what grades you need, it sort of said that you don't need grades, but take a seperate test within the police force.

All help and information( don't want copy and pasted information you've found from a website, because i've probably read it before) will be greatly appreciated :).

Thanks.

Joining the Police force is a very tough process. Hundreds apply at a time and most forces have a waiting list. It's best to wait until you are around 22/23 so you have some life experience. Having said that, 18/19 year olds do get in if they can show the qualities needed to become a Police Officer,

To answer your question, you don't need any formal qualifications or grades. You will have to first complete a papersift, which is the first stage. A detailed application form where you will demonstrate compentencies in all areas. To name a few, community and customer focus, diversity etc. If you pass that, which may i add alot fail and continue to do so. You will then be invited to an assesment which normally involves role plays, interviews and written tests. If passed, vetting, fitness and medical.

As for 'inside knowledge' it's best to go to your local police station and ask to go out as a observer. Ask questions there.

My advice would be to join the Specials as soon as you can, that'll give you an insight!

PM me if you require any more info.

[James!]

I was speaking to a police officer for a work experience thing and he said out 100% who take the test to get in, only 20% of them pass.

[efq]

At 16-23/24ish do the little things like experience it. Most Police Forces will let you start and learn. Like at work experience you can get to know it and so on.
You have to be extremely fit and able to reach like 10-13 on the bleep test, I've got it before but its hard work.

[Wizzdom]

I was speaking to a police officer for a work experience thing and he said out 100% who take the test to get in, only 20% of them pass.

Depends how many officers they require. Normally as little as 10%. The Met is a good place to apply if your young and keen.

Edit:

And Sam, the bleep test varies throughout all forces and tends to be around the 5.5 mark. lol Where on earth did you get 12-13?

[DiscoPat]

I'll PM you ;)

Edit PM'd. And yeah Cadets etc good way.

[Favourtism]

Same but im focusing on getting a degree in law or criminology first before I apply so I have an advantage. Im more interested in being a Detective than a patroling officer anyway.

My cousin is a officer and said cadets and stuff helped him :]

It's good to speak to your schools conexion person who might be able to get you work exp of somekind within the police.

[Immenseman]

Same but im focusing on getting a degree in law or criminology first before I apply so I have an advantage. Im more interested in being a Detective than a patroling officer anyway.

My cousin is a officer and said cadets and stuff helped him :]

It's good to speak to your schools conexion person who might be able to get you work exp of somekind within the police.
same as me baby! well something related to crime anyway, i'd be quite content writing crime reports for a firm that aids the police or summet :D

[Wizzdom]

Same but im focusing on getting a degree in law or criminology first before I apply so I have an advantage. Im more interested in being a Detective than a patroling officer anyway.

My cousin is a officer and said cadets and stuff helped him :]

It's good to speak to your schools conexion person who might be able to get you work exp of somekind within the police.

Having a degree does not give you an advantage to get into the police force. It may give you some deeper knowledge but is not taken into account when you apply.

[e5]

I wanted to be a policeman, but then I got arrested for a stupid reason so I didn't want to anymore.
That's not the type of reply I wasn't expecting :S


Joining the Police force is a very tough process. Hundreds apply at a time and most forces have a waiting list. It's best to wait until you are around 22/23 so you have some life experience. Having said that, 18/19 year olds do get in if they can show the qualities needed to become a Police Officer,

To answer your question, you don't need any formal qualifications or grades. You will have to first complete a papersift, which is the first stage. A detailed application form where you will demonstrate compentencies in all areas. To name a few, community and customer focus, diversity etc. If you pass that, which may i add alot fail and continue to do so. You will then be invited to an assesment which normally involves role plays, interviews and written tests. If passed, vetting, fitness and medical.

As for 'inside knowledge' it's best to go to your local police station and ask to go out as a observer. Ask questions there.

My advice would be to join the Specials as soon as you can, that'll give you an insight!

PM me if you require any more info.
That's good to hear, hopefully i'll get my grades anyway to open more doors if the Police thing doesn't go down well. I'm not looking to jump straight into the police, because my cousin applied and she was told she reject on the, what I believe, was the sole reason of not having enough life experience, which made me want some before I apply, because I don't want to get rejected - It definately puts people off.


I'll PM you ;)

Edit PM'd. And yeah Cadets etc good way.

Thanks for your PM. I have replied :)


Same but im focusing on getting a degree in law or criminology first before I apply so I have an advantage. Im more interested in being a Detective than a patroling officer anyway.

My cousin is a officer and said cadets and stuff helped him :]

It's good to speak to your schools conexion person who might be able to get you work exp of somekind within the police.
I recently spoke to 2 officers and they informed me that work experience wasn't available :(.


At 16-23/24ish do the little things like experience it. Most Police Forces will let you start and learn. Like at work experience you can get to know it and so on.
You have to be extremely fit and able to reach like 10-13 on the bleep test, I've got it before but its hard work.
Work experience isn't available, unfortunately, which is leaving me with the tricky the decision of not knowing what else to do. I am looking to start later, because I might not by mentally ready at that age, well I probably will be, but I mean, they might feel I am ready, and I would hate to be rejected like that.

Thanks for all of your helpful replies, they're appreciated and respected :).

[Wizzdom]

People have been rejected numerous times, nothing to be down about. It's a hard career to get into. Only a low percentage pass all stages.

[Favourtism]

Having a degree does not give you an advantage to get into the police force. It may give you some deeper knowledge but is not taken into account when you apply.
I know but you have to serve as a basic officer for a while and then apply to become a detective from what I have been told. Even if they don't know, when it comes to training a levels and degrees can only help.

Police Constabs Site for me says they reccomend waiting till your 20-22 etc too which means you have time to get a levels/degrees.

Criminology/Law etc facinates me which is why reason im going to do it anyway, and it can only help in the police, it wont mark you down and will provide experience in training.

Oh Elliot, I also strongly reccomend (once your 18) you join the community support officers etc as that does help you in becoming an officer as well as giving in insight on the job.

[e5]

People have been rejected numerous times, nothing to be down about. It's a hard career to get into. Only a low percentage pass all stages.
Which is why i'm looking for more life experience before I jump in there because it seems a bit silly applying, knowing I won't get in with having enough life experience.

[Wizzdom]

I know but you have to serve as a basic officer for a while and then apply to become a detective from what I have been told. Even if they don't know, when it comes to training a levels and degrees can only help.

Police Constabs Site for me says they reccomend waiting till your 20-22 etc too which means you have time to get a levels/degrees.

Criminology/Law etc facinates me which is why reason im going to do it anyway, and it can only help in the police, it wont mark you down and will provide experience in training.

Oh Elliot, I also strongly reccomend (once your 18) you join the community support officers etc as that does help you in becoming an officer as well as giving in insight on the job.

Yeah thats right. You will probably have to do atleast 5 years before applying for a speciliast job like detective. Could be longer, depends if they are demanded. Could take 1-2 years for just applying, its a lengthy process! :)

Yeah getting experience first is the best option. That way they won't come back with the excuse of 'lack of experience'

Best of luck anyway :D

[Jordy]

One thing I do know is that Australia needs lots of Police Officers, it's a very good way to get a visa for the country if you ever fancy emigrating there.

[Favourtism]

One thing I do know is that Australia needs lots of Police Officers, it's a very good way to get a visa for the country if you ever fancy emigrating there.
Really? Seriously ty for that :D

[Judge Judy]

My aunty was in the force (not on the beat like) but she said it was good... better than what shes doing now.

Anyway if I was in the police I'd be a traffic cop.

[DiscoPat]

Yeah thats right. You will probably have to do atleast 5 years before applying for a speciliast job like detective. Could be longer, depends if they are demanded. Could take 1-2 years for just applying, its a lengthy process! :)

Yeah getting experience first is the best option. That way they won't come back with the excuse of 'lack of experience'

Best of luck anyway :D

It's two year probation period which you do as a regular uniformed officer. Once passed you have the option of going into specialst sections such as Firearms, Dog Unit, Detective and so on. Generally the ex militans get into Firearms though as only the best of the best get the job.

[RandomManJay]

If you get qualifications such as policing degrees, masters etc, when you get a position, you have a higher chance at starting higher up on the chain of command since your qualifications show a higher understanding and training showing that do dont need the most basic training and have greater skills than those beneath you. So its good to go into further education because it gives you more time for additional training and a greater chance of getting more power and responsibility. My cousin is training as a pathologist in the police, and hes told me a bit into how he applied and what he was told during his application.

[e5]

One thing I do know is that Australia needs lots of Police Officers, it's a very good way to get a visa for the country if you ever fancy emigrating there.
Yeah but the aussies/americans have a seriously bad policing way

[Imnotpure]

Depends how many officers they require. Normally as little as 10%. The Met is a good place to apply if your young and keen.

Edit:

And Sam, the bleep test varies throughout all forces and tends to be around the 5.5 mark. lol Where on earth did you get 12-13?

knew youd be on this topic :D

[PaulMacC]

Apparently you get 18k when you first join training, after that you get 30k a year.

[CJW93]

Old Bill, Old Bill, they Really Make Me Ill.
they Jump On Your Back, And Tickle your Crack,
Old Bill Old Bill.

Just joking, my sisters other half is in the met in London. At college apparently a course called community services covers that sort of career

[e5]

I know but you have to serve as a basic officer for a while and then apply to become a detective from what I have been told. Even if they don't know, when it comes to training a levels and degrees can only help.

Police Constabs Site for me says they reccomend waiting till your 20-22 etc too which means you have time to get a levels/degrees.

Criminology/Law etc facinates me which is why reason im going to do it anyway, and it can only help in the police, it wont mark you down and will provide experience in training.

Oh Elliot, I also strongly reccomend (once your 18) you join the community support officers etc as that does help you in becoming an officer as well as giving in insight on the job.
Yeah, i'll look into that. I just need to life skills in knowing how to support families etc on a regular basic if I went into any sort of policing business which is why I need to take policing courses etc at my 6th form.

Apparently you get 18k when you first join training, after that you get 30k a year.
That's good pay, not it should be more like £300,000 a week, so we beat footballers. ;)

[Crimson]

If you have just one criminal offence you cant join apparently. And also... 300k a week? Errr.. cookoo land? :P

[Jamie!]

AstonVilla -

When it comes to applying for university (if you complete 6th Form etc), then have a look at the FdSc Policing degrees. It's only a foundation degree so it only lasts two years, but as part of the course you get taken on as a Special Constable (well, if you're successful in applying).

Also, like Wizzdom said... you only need to get past Level 5 on the Bleep Test and be able to do reps of 34kg for the strength test.

[Caution]

i'm sure you'll get on fine considering you keep everyone right on here.

[Wizzdom]

One thing I do know is that Australia needs lots of Police Officers, it's a very good way to get a visa for the country if you ever fancy emigrating there.

Experienced police officers. Not starting off


It's two year probation period which you do as a regular uniformed officer. Once passed you have the option of going into specialst sections such as Firearms, Dog Unit, Detective and so on. Generally the ex militans get into Firearms though as only the best of the best get the job.

Well good luck getting into specialist after finishing your probation. They take on minimal amount of people because they are not required all the time. When they do open, they look for someone who has served a good length of service and can demonstrate all the skills they need.


If you get qualifications such as policing degrees, masters etc, when you get a position, you have a higher chance at starting higher up on the chain of command since your qualifications show a higher understanding and training showing that do dont need the most basic training and have greater skills than those beneath you. So its good to go into further education because it gives you more time for additional training and a greater chance of getting more power and responsibility. My cousin is training as a pathologist in the police, and hes told me a bit into how he applied and what he was told during his application.

Wrong. It may be beneficial to have a qualification but everyone starts at the same position. Which is a Police Officer.


Apparently you get 18k when you first join training, after that you get 30k a year.

21k at training and after probation 23k which increases yearly. More with overtime and other things etc. Met would be higher.


If you have just one criminal offence you cant join apparently. And also... 300k a week? Errr.. cookoo land? :P

Depends on what you done

[leah]

When I was in the brownies this police officer came in with a dog and got to see him, he was cool lol :)

[IceNineKills]

I've been looking into becoming a Police dog trainer, seems alot more fun that actual policing but don't think the pay will be close to what they earn.

[Immenseman]

me and you can work together ell, detectives :8

[Virgin Mary]

Join the manchester one, the only criteria is being a BNP member.

[Cypher-]

If you are white and straight, chances are you wont get in :)

[Disaronno]

I'm adamant about joining the police when i'm older - always have done since a young age, and i've done alot of research on them.

I'd just like to know if anyone on here has any personal experiences or can give me some information based on other family members that may be in the police that they don't tell you about on the websites, also it isn't very clear what grades you need, it sort of said that you don't need grades, but take a seperate test within the police force.

All help and information( don't want copy and pasted information you've found from a website, because i've probably read it before) will be greatly appreciated :).

Thanks.

My cousin said for me to join the cadets, then instead of going straight for the bigger constabs, i.e the met, go for something like the London Community police officers. that way the exp is better than anyone with a degree or anything like that. Im applying for the police in about 3-4 months. I have also had customer exp in sports direct and im still part of a team "football" so things like that make a huge difference when they evaluate you. You dont need any grades unless it specifically says you do.

Also, all these people are saying similar things but it depends where you live as well. You might live in Huddersfield and have no chance or you might live in London and have a bigger chance because they 75% of the time are recruiting. (Huddersfield was an example people)

Also, if you cant get into community support, and you have to wait to get into the specials or officers, try Police Staff, which is calling out where a report has come from etc.