Regular Police VS Police Now

Arsenal2019

Hi guys,

I am currently interested in becoming a police officer.

I have seen that there is the standard route of becoming a police officer, via your local / chosen police force.
On the other hand, I’ve seen that there is a programme called Police Now.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on the differences, pros/cons of each as I’m trying to figure out which would be best for me.

Note - GMP would be my chosen force.

TIA

elsien

Starting point - are you a graduate?
It looks to be their fast track/leadership programme so have you checked any differences in the eligibility criteria between the two?
Their FAQ also say applications started mid August till Feb 19 and each force will fill on a first come first served basis, so you may need to wait for the next lot of applications.

Comms69

Richardroberts1 wrote: »

Hi guys,

I am currently interested in becoming a police officer.

I have seen that there is the standard route of becoming a police officer, via your local / chosen police force.
On the other hand, I’ve seen that there is a programme called Police Now.

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge on the differences, pros/cons of each as I’m trying to figure out which would be best for me.

Note - GMP would be my chosen force.

TIA

I think that in many cases - from people I know who are serving police officers - recruitment give priority to people who have been employed as PCSOs and for people who volunteer as Special Constables.

TadleyBaggie

So what happened when you applied last year?

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5859314/police-officer-english-qualification

snapdoodle

Since last year have you studied and taken your GCSE in English? For someone with a degree already taking GCSE English should be fairly easy. I did mine via an online course and took the exam at my local college in less than five months - outcome a B.

There seems little point in applying again without the basic qualifications needed.

Arsenal2019

You’ve done well to dig that one out. Haha!

Got through to final interview in July but unfortunately failed. Had to wait until January to resubmit my interest. However, there isn’t a current recruitment window open and gmp, or Lancashire don’t know when they’ll start recruiting again

Arsenal2019

Yes , I am a graduate

Arsenal2019

And yes passed my English last year

Frozenace

Some places are moving onto the 'get your degree while you train' scheme (not sure exactly what it's called). In Essex, after 2020, that's what you need to do if you don't have a degree, I guess each area is different.
I'm joining the Special Constabulary here for some extra pain in my spare time...

Arsenal2019

Yes, I’ve heard the same! I think all forces are expected to change.


Has anyone had any experience with Police now? Just so I can weigh up the pros/cons.

I know you can apply for both at the same time. But I don’t want to waste my/police now’s time if it wouldn’t be right for me.

snapdoodle

Richardroberts1 wrote: »

And yes passed my English last year

Congratulations! In time I'm sure GMP or your other chosen force will open for recruitment again. In the mean time just prep for the next time. And Good luck.