Police Force

[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

[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

[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

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.