What Skills Do You Need To Be A Police Officer
While you may not be required to hold many formal qualifications, you will have to demonstrate proficiency in a number of skills before your candidacy is accepted. This will include:
- Exceptional levels of personal integrity, honesty and impeccable conduct.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken.
- Strong community and customer focus, with a personable and approachable attitude to better serve the community you work within.
- Excellent team working ability, with the ability to respect and understand the importance of diversity and equality.
- Strong physical fitness in order to pass the physical health examination.
- Emotional resilience to deal with distressing and highly stressful situations
- Well-developed problem solving skills, and the ability to think on your feet at speed in response to quickly evolving situations.
It doesnt matter where you come from, we want you to join us.
Chief Inspector Mark Khan, Criminal Justice Department
Career Path And Progression
After joining a police force in the UK, you will spend two years as a student officer, after which you become a constable. Thereafter, you can opt to join any of the following special branches of the police:
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The criminal investigations department , road traffic or anti-fraud
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Air support or underwater search
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Firearms or drugs
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Mounted policing or dog-handling
With sufficient experience, you can be promoted to become a sergeant, inspector or chief inspector. When you join the CID, you will instantly become a detective and the title will follow even after your promotions and you can be identified as a detective sergeant, detective inspector or detective chief inspector.
Salary figures reflect data listed on the quoted websites at time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidateâs experience, academic background and location.
Please note that none of the companies, institutions or organisations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
Force Has ‘fully Supported The Investigation’
Should the alleged offences against the two men be found proven then they would fall far below those expected of Derbyshire Constabulary employees.
The force referred the alleged offences to the Independent Office for Police Conduct and have fully supported the investigation.
Rosemary Ainslie, the head of the special crime division of the CPS, said: The CPS has authorised Derbyshire Constabulary counter corruption unit, led by the Independent Office for Police Conduct, to charge ex-police officer Daniel Nash with 13 offences of misconduct in public office.
The CPS has also authorised one charge of misconduct in public office against serving police officer, Matthew Longmate.
The alleged offences took place between 2015 and 2020.
The function of the CPS is not to decide whether a person is guilty of a criminal offence, but to make fair, independent and objective assessments about whether it is appropriate to present charges to a court to consider.
The Crown Prosecution Service reminds all concerned that criminal proceedings against Daniel Nash and Matthew Longmate are active and that they have the right to a fair trial.
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Do You Need A Levels To Be A Police Officer Uk
Youll generally need A levels or an equivalent level 3 qualification, or experience in a related area like the military. Youll usually apply to one police force at a time. If your application is successful, youll be invited to an assessment centre where youll: have an interview.
Be Completely Honest When You Apply
This should go without saying but it is worth stressing the fact that complete honesty is expected from all prospective trainee police officers, regardless of age, experience, ethnicity, background or educational qualifications. Whilst it may be acceptable to embellish your curriculum vitae when applying for a regular office job, any fictional content found in your application to become a police officer in England and Wales is likely to disqualify you permanently. If you are at all unsure about any of the dates and details of your school and career history, we recommend double and triple checking them before submitting your application.
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Man Threatened To Rape Female Police Officer And ‘bury Her On The Moors’
Steven Cooper tried to bite the officer after becoming abusive, a court heard
- 08:01, 18 AUG 2022
A man threatened to rape a female police officer and ‘bury her on the moors’, a court heard.
Police were called after Steven Cooper abused staff at a bank then locked himself inside with them, Stoke-on-Trent Live reports. Staff at the Barclays in Leek alerted officers after he started smashing on the doors and windows.
Later, after he was arrested, Cooper became ‘fixated’ on a female officer who was dealing with him. He then tried to bite her, before threatening to attack her, the court was told.
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He said he would bury her on the moors because ‘no-one would find her there’. Cooper avoided jail after his defence lawyer told the court he was acting ‘out of character’.
Magistrates at the North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard police were called to Barclays Bank in Haywood Street at 9.45am. Prosecutor Emily Pybus said: “Police received reports that the defendant was banging on the windows and doors of Barclays Bank and been verbally abusive towards staff.
“He then locked himself inside the bank, preventing customers from entering and staff from leaving. Officers arrived and spoke to the defendant.
“He was advised to leave the area and not to return that day. Less than an hour later, a further call was received stating the defendant had returned to the bank.
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Join Us And Make A Difference To Your Community
A career with South Yorkshire Police is the chance for you to take on a challenge that will change lives. Whether youre a school-leaver, a graduate or searching for new opportunities, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities. There are three different entry routes as part of our Policing Education Qualifications Framework , which you can take to join the police. For a guide on all the different entry routes click the link below.
If you dont have a degree:
You can earn as you learn, and complete the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship . Over three years youll combine on-the-job learning and academic theory to become to a police constable with a degree in Professional Policing Practice.
Applications are open to join our PCDA until 31 August 2022. Click on the link below to apply.
If you already have a degree:
The Degree Holder Entry Programme combines a work-based programmed and off-the-job learning as you spend two years being a police officer and probationer. After completion, youll achieve a graduate diploma in Professional Policing Practice.
South Yorkshire Police offers two DHEP courses – one for those who want to be a Police Constable and one for those who want to be a Detective.
.Applications are open until 31 August 2022 for our DHEP. Click the link below to apply.
If you want to study first:
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A Workforce That Reflects Our Communities
Our ability to build trust, understand problems and support our communities across a range of policing matters, relies on us having a workforce that is reflective of our communities and all the unique individuals that exist within them. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity within our workforce and to eliminating discrimination.
We are very keen to encourage applications from those that have never considered policing as a career. Representation within our workforce from black and minority ethnic communities and females is currently much lower than we want it to be by improving this we will be better able to serve our local communities and our work place will benefit from all the differences in thinking, points of view, and approaches that diversity brings.
In order to achieve this we are proud to pursue a policy of positive action.
For further information and to register for this scheme please click the button below.
Is The Role For You
While being a police officer is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, its also hugely varied and incredibly rewarding. Of course, its vital that youre the right person for the job. This tool will help you to explore your suitability and make a reasonably informed decision about whether or not to apply.
Please note, this tool is a guide, not a definitive statement about your suitability.
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Joining Through A University Course
Some universities offer a Professional Policing degree that can you can take before joining a police force. You can also have any degree and apply to:
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The Police Now leadership scheme for graduates
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The degree holder programme
You typically require two to three A levels to get a degree or their equivalent.
How To Join The Police
The selection process to join the police will normally consist of the following elements:
Competency-Based Application Form
Briefing exercise
If you have already taken the SJT as part of the SIFT, you will not be required to undertake the OAC SJT and will move on to stage 2 competency-based interview.
The pass mark for the Online Assessment Centre is usually an overall score of 55% remember, throughout the assessment centre you will be assessed against the core competencies.
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Will Being A Member Of The Territorial Army Or Volunteer Reserve Forces Affect My Application Or Career With The Mdp
Individuals who have reserve responsibilities are not prevented from applying to join us. However, once serving, there are a number of posts where it has not been deemed appropriate to have reserve responsibilities due to the nature of the role. These include the Special Escort Group, Operational Support Unit, Tactical Firearms Unit and Nuclear Guard Force. Officers in the Force who have reserve responsibilities are therefore not eligible to apply for posts within these specialisms.
Complete The Assessment Centre And Checks
If successful at the initial stage, you will be invited to attend an assessment centre. This will be a day of written tests and other exercises that will aim to establish whether you have the correct competencies to serve as a police constable. If you pass the assessment centre, you will be invited to a fitness test, and also be expected to undergo security and further background checks to ensure you are suitable for the role.
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Police Community Support Officer
Although they do not have the same powers as a police officer, PCSOs play a key role on the frontline of neighbourhood policing. According to the College of Policing, the job involves:
- dealing with minor offences
- providing support to police officers
- conducting house-to-house enquiries
- guarding crime scenes
- providing crime prevention advice.
Starting salaries are generally around £19,000, although North Yorkshire Police states that their trainees currently earn £21,135, which rises to £23,406 with experience.
This is a uniformed role, and you’ll work shifts including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.
Apply for PCSO positions directly through the police force that you want to join. You do not generally need any formal qualifications, but you’ll need to meet the basic eligibility requirements set by individual police forces. Check their websites for details.
The application process typically involves an application form, online tests, an interview and assessment centre. You’ll also have to demonstrate your fitness and pass a medical test. Successful applicants will then undergo a training programme lasting between three weeks and three months.
You may later decide to apply to become a police officer, or continue as PCSO.
Bring Your Skills To Derbyshire
This is an exciting time to be working for us. Policing in Derbyshire is a challenge like no other, and will bring new opportunities for even the most experienced officer. Expand your skills and build an exceptional career here with us, set against the backdrop of working in one of England’s most exciting counties.
The size, diversity and importance of our organisation means that we have a huge range of potential career paths, spanning different areas of policing and specialisms. Working with you to understand your skill-set we will post you based on your needs and ours.
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From Training To Station And Whatever Lies Next What To Expect
Once youve been accepted as a probationary constable, the next step is training.
Youll learn what it takes to be an Authorised Firearms Officer and youll also learn a lot about yourself and where your future could lie in the MDP.
Highly experienced police trainers will demonstrate how to use your wits, and not just physical force, to handle situations as a police officer. Those could range from dealing with a struggling peace protestor to a potential terrorist threat.
Applying For An Officer Position
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What Are The Requirements For Being A Police Officer
Each UK police force has slightly different requirements for being a police officer. However, there are a number of universal requirements. These are:
- Good vision this may have to be authorised by an optician, and will be tested during the application process.
- Must be at least 18 you must be at least 18 years old to serve as a police constable.
- Nationality requirements you must be a British citizen, a European Community/ European Economic Area national, a commonwealth citizen, or a foreign national with no restrictions on your stay in the UK.
- Financial status you cannot be a bankrupt person when applying to join the police. If you were previously bankrupt, you must prove you are no longer bankrupt.
- Physical fitness you must be able to meet the minimum fitness standards to join.
- Health applicants must have a history of good mental and physical health.
What About Policing Work Experience
It will help your policing ambitions to have experience of working with individuals or groups in the community. This might include coaching sports or helping with local youth groups.
You might also gain useful experience by volunteering with groups like the Volunteer Police Cadets. The Metropolitan Police has its own specific site for London volunteers. You could equally volunteer as a police community support officer or a special constable.
Special constables, also known as Specials, are paid expenses to volunteer and after full training have the same powers as a police constable. As a special constable you would help manage public safety at major events or combat city-centre disorder.
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What May Hold You Back
You cannot apply to become a police officer with us if you:
- Have had an application turned down by a police force in the last three months at any stage of the national process. The national process includes Online Assessment, fitness test and pre-employment checks.
- Have been or are a member of a group or extreme political organisation such as BNP, National Front or Combat 18 that stirs up racial hatred and violence, a proscribed terrorist organisation/group or a similar organisation.
- Are waiting to appear in court or have any serious convictions or recent cautions, bind-overs or findings of guilt.
- Misuse drugs, solvents or anabolic steroids. But each case is considered upon its own merits.
- Have tattoos on your face, neck or hands that could cause offence. If you have a tattoo, youll be asked to provide a description and photographs of the tattoo. The nature, location, size, prominence and appearance of tattoos will be considered. They must be in line with the College of Policings Code of Ethics and Standards of professional behaviour
- Have any current County Court Judgements against you, or are the subject of an Individual Voluntary Agreement . If youve been registered bankrupt, you may only apply if it is at least three years since the date your debts were discharged.
What Is The Interview Like
There is an assessment centre all candidates have to go through. The interview will be trying to tease out why you are joining policing and will include role play. We are trying to understand how you make decisions and assess your values and communication skills.
The role play can be interesting and is not usually set in a police environment. For example you might be asked to role play someone who is working in customer service in a shopping centre. It is all about seeing if you can recognise the issues and solve problems.
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