| 1. |
Will joining the Specials help me get into the regular police force? |
Whilst we are not recruiting regular officers at the moment, the experience gained as a Special Constable can help you decide whether police work might be for you as a full-time role sometime in the future. Joining the Specials would not guarantee you a position as a police officer but you would be able to draw upon your experience to support your application. |
| 2. |
What is the annual leave entitlement for a police officer? |
All ranks below Superintendent are entitled to periods of annual leave on full pay. In 2006, officers with less than two years service received 22 days annual leave per year. Officers with two years service received 25 days.
Part-time officers are entitled to the same number of days annual leave as full-time officers with the same amount of service, but the time credited will be on a pro rata basis.
Due to the nature of the initial training period for newly appointed Police Constables, no annual leave will be permitted, other than in accordance with the scheduled training plan issued on appointment. |
| 3. |
Can I be a member of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation? |
The police service has a policy of prohibiting any of their officers or police staff from becoming members of the British National Party (BNP) or similar organisation whose aims, objectives or pronouncements may contradict the duty to promote race equality. If you are, or have been a member of the BNP or similar organisation your application may be rejected. |
| 4. |
How old do I need to be to become a police officer? |
You can apply to become a police officer at the age of 18.
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| 5. |
Should I join the Special Constabulary? |
The Special Constabulary is a group of part-time volunteers, requiring a commitment of at least 16 hours per month. Special Constables work alongside regular officers and have the same powers, making this an excellent way to find out about police work. Although it will not guarantee entry to a role as a regular officer, it provides an excellent grounding. |
| 6. |
Are there any fast track promotion schemes? |
Yes. The high potential development scheme (HPDS) has been designed to develop the future leaders of the police service. The scheme helps to ensure you have the required skills to become highly effective in middle management, command and leadership roles. On the HPDS you get the training, support and opportunities you need to take your police career to the top.
Candidates who achieved the best marks at their assessment centre will also be invited to apply for the HPDS. If you don't qualify at this point there will still be regular opportunities to be considered for the scheme throughout your career. It offers the opportunity to gain either an MSc in police leadership and management or an alternative qualification to an equivalent level. |
| 7. |
Is fitness important? |
Yes. Candidates for police officer roles are fitness tested as part of the recruitment process and will be regularly tested during probation. Fitness levels should be maintained during service.
There are two elements to the fitness test and you must pass both before you can be appointed; these are dynamic strength and endurance. To test your dynamic strength you must perform five seated chest pushes and five seated back pulls on the Dyno machine (similar to a seated chest press and a seated row machine). You need to average 34 kgs over five pushes and 35 kgs over five pulls to pass.
To test your endurance you will be asked to run to and fro along a 15metre track in time with a series of bleeps. If you arrive at the end line before the bleep sounds, you need to wait for the next one before resuming running and adjust your speed.
The timing between bleeps is slow at first but accelerates as the test progresses, making it more difficult to keep up with the required speed. You will run until you can no longer keep up with the set pace. You will need to reach a minimum of four shuttles at level five to pass.
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| 8. |
Can I retake the job-related fitness test (JRFT)? |
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| 9. |
If I fail at any stage of the recruitment process, when can I reapply? |
You will be allowed to reapply after six months from the date of your letter, providing we are actively recruiting at that time. |
| 10. |
What does the assessment day consist of? |
The Home Office national recruiting standards assessment day lasts approximately five hours and consists of (in no specific order):
- a structured 20 minute interview – candidates are asked to give examples of past experiences to show their competence in four different competency areas. 5 minutes is allowed to respond to each of the four questions. In addition, effective communication will be assessed throughout the interview
- two written exercises - two exercises of 20 minutes duration
- role-play/interactive exercises - four exercises split into five-minute parts. The first is the preparation phase and the second the activity phase where the role actor will be met
- police initial recruitment tests (PIRT) - Numerical Reasoning which tests mathematical skills and lasts 12 minutes and Verbal Logical Reasoning which tests English skills and lasts 25 minutes
On successful completion of these, a further date will be arranged for you to complete the physical fitness test and a medical. |
