Working as a Police Officer

RedfordML

Just seen the local constabulary has opened applications for Police Officers and just wondered if any lurked on these pages?


Good career move? What is the training like?


Good/bad aspects??


Thanks

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

Whether it is a good career move depends entirely on what career you are moving from.

RedfordML

Teaching...

Silvertabby

If you've got to ask these questions, then I seriously doubt your commitment to a career in law enforcement.

RedfordML

Really? Surely any career you've held, at some point you have asked questions, so you don't apply "blind"


Its a new field, just wanted others experiences.


Thanks for the feedback.

IAmWales

RedfordML wrote: »

Teaching...

A year ago you were asking about teacher training. How long has your teaching career lasted?

ScorpiondeRooftrouser

RedfordML wrote: »

Teaching...

Well in that case I'd say it depends on the person moving. Some people will do better in teaching, some will do better in the police.

So ask yourself first:
1. How successful am I in teaching?
2. Do I enjoy teaching?

You obviously have good information to give firm answers to those questions.

Then
3: Will I enjoy the police?
4 : Will I be successful in the police?

The answers to these are obviously much more speculative.

Given the speculative nature of 3 and 4 then if the answers to 1 and 2 are "Not very", and "No", then the police might be worth considering. If the answers to 1 and 2 are "Quite", and "Yes", then it probably isn't.

Anyone who doesn't know the answers to any of these questions, particularly 1 and 2, cannot possibly advise you.

zaax

Don't forget you will see the worst of humanity, though you might have already seen some of this in school

gettingtheresometime

Why not become a special first and a) see if you're any good at it b) if you enjoy the work.


Would also check that the force doesn't need you to have gained the knowledge of policing certificate before you can even apply.

Fireflyaway

I was accepted into the police but changed my mind just before joining. I'd met my husband and thought it wouldn't be compatible with family life.
My dad was a police officer so I heard a lot of stuff that went on and now I'm actually glad I didn't go through with it. I think its something you really have to want to do. Sure there are rewarding aspects but you will be hated by a great many people and have to deal with drunks / violence / child abuse / death / suicide/ theft / rape / murder and so on. I remember my dad having to pick up body parts after a helicopter crash. The time he was in the shower for ages not being able to get rid of the smell of a decomposing body found in a flat. Having to sit with a decapitated body until it was removed, having his nose broken, receiving death threats and a girl dying in his arms to name a few things. You need to be very resilient ! I second trying out being a special first.

sangie595

In many areas, despite open recruitment, if you haven't been a special or a PCSO, then you have no chance as the jobs go to them first. And they're will be other "unofficial" criteria around too - I know, for example, the the police locally wish to especially recruit from minorities; and the local fire brigade, who are also recruiting, are looking for women. That doesn't mean they'll get any preferential treatment, but when it comes down to it, they'll be first to be chosen from amongst all those who pass the selection.

However, with any job like this there is one question that separates the candidates. Are you willing to die in someone else's place? Because it may not happen often, and it may not be something most are ever in a position to have to do. But it is the job. The policeman killed last week was not in the wrong place at the wrong time. He was in the right place and his job was to do what he did. If you can't go to that place and do the same thing, you are not suitable.