Police Special Constable References Whilst at University

TBagpuss

Lightning360 said:

k3lvc said:

oh_really said:

Why not get some life experience first?

Exactly this - if you're going to apply in the early years (18/21) you really should have something to bring to the party - experience of uniformed organisations, proof of pushing yourself outside the age 'norms' or some serious life-skills.

If you're worried about who you can ask for a reference rather than what they're going to say to support your application you're probably unlikely to progress much beyond application 

Who says I haven't? I've probably done more than other people at my age, I just don't know what they would accept as a reference. They are clearly two separate issues and acting like not having a reference means I haven't done anything is a bit strange imo. 

Do you have other possible referees? If you've been involved in anything such as Scouts, DofE  etc then it may be worth asking whether your leader / mentor would be willing to be a referee and whether there is anywhere on the application forms you can give their details and the context in which they know you. Similarly if you have done voluntary work then the volunteer coordinator, or the person who managed you would be another option. 

theoretica

While this is new for you it will be far from the first time your tutors will have come across a similar situation. This will be an easy and everyday issue for the University.  Drop an email to your advisor/personal tutor/ or whoever is named as your pastoral point of contact and ask if they would or who they suggest you ask - you may need more than one reference.

The University will also have a careers service who will easily be able to advise on this.

Lightning360

theoretica said:

While this is new for you it will be far from the first time your tutors will have come across a similar situation. This will be an easy and everyday issue for the University.  Drop an email to your advisor/personal tutor/ or whoever is named as your pastoral point of contact and ask if they would or who they suggest you ask - you may need more than one reference.

The University will also have a careers service who will easily be able to advise on this.

Thank you

I'll wait until a get the reply from the police admissions team and then if that is all alright, contact the uni. I kinda forget there will always be students tutors don't really know but have to write references for. It was the same in school. One of our teachers barely knew any of the students so our reports were barely about us. 

Lightning360

k3lvc said:

Lightning360 said:

k3lvc said:

oh_really said:

Why not get some life experience first?

Exactly this - if you're going to apply in the early years (18/21) you really should have something to bring to the party - experience of uniformed organisations, proof of pushing yourself outside the age 'norms' or some serious life-skills.

If you're worried about who you can ask for a reference rather than what they're going to say to support your application you're probably unlikely to progress much beyond application 

Who says I haven't? I've probably done more than other people at my age, I just don't know what they would accept as a reference. They are clearly two separate issues and acting like not having a reference means I haven't done anything is a bit strange imo. 

In which case you need to explain to them that your references come from sources relevant to your application rather than trying to fulfil their normal criteria. I've significant experience in this area - the force you're applying to should have a recruitment officer you can talk to and seek advice about this - they'll look on a pro-active approach far more kindly than an application that just ticks boxes

I've contacted them already with some questions so hopefully they can help with any issues I have. 

How do they know that applicants aren't lying? I have done some really random things during school and as a member of Scouts that have really pushed me out of my comfort zone and people my age probably haven't done them and whilst my application won't be based solely on this, some of them can demonstate some transferable skills. Will I have to include my school as a reference despite me really wanting to avoid them (again, wasn't my fault. They just dealt with a lot of stuff poorly and I'd rather never have anything to do with the school again).

theoretica

Was Scouts recent?  That might be another reference to think about.

Lightning360

theoretica said:

Was Scouts recent?  That might be another reference to think about.

I think I left Explorers in July 2019? The issue with that is that I was quite quiet and didn't bother with sewing any of the badges onto the uniform (I just didn't see the point. Who is going to see them?). These are obviously completely opposite to what is needed for the police (I understand the importance of things like uniform etc for the police and I did follow the rules at school). It is possible for me to not be quiet and for me to be a leader when I need to be e.g. helping lead a few nights at Explorers and Scouts, helping my section in school band, performing with this band multiple times, among other things.

At school, I was literally the model student apart from being quiet, but again, I could work with others, speak in front of people etc if I needed to. I just didn't feel the need to tell everyone I knew the correct answer.

(Scouts I also didn't really want to be there. The leaders were quite disrectpful and I found they treated people incredibly harshly. I liked the more outside activites but we didn't do as many of these in the end).

As you can see, I believe I do process the skills needed but I've had issues with both my school and scouts. The school was 100% their fault and scout's uniform and me being quiet was definetely my fault hence why I would rather references come from university.

(I know this isn't worded the best. If you are confused with what I mean please just ask).

k3lvc

I've contacted them already with some questions so hopefully they can help with any issues I have. 

How do they know that applicants aren't lying? I have done some really random things during school and as a member of Scouts that have really pushed me out of my comfort zone and people my age probably haven't done them and whilst my application won't be based solely on this, some of them can demonstate some transferable skills. Will I have to include my school as a reference despite me really wanting to avoid them (again, wasn't my fault. They just dealt with a lot of stuff poorly and I'd rather never have anything to do with the school again).

Best to wait and see what they say then - whilst there are some specifics they'll look for in references/application they're also well versed on spotting those that will fit in/pass the attitude test irrespective of age/background/experience

Lightning360

k3lvc said:

I've contacted them already with some questions so hopefully they can help with any issues I have. 

How do they know that applicants aren't lying? I have done some really random things during school and as a member of Scouts that have really pushed me out of my comfort zone and people my age probably haven't done them and whilst my application won't be based solely on this, some of them can demonstate some transferable skills. Will I have to include my school as a reference despite me really wanting to avoid them (again, wasn't my fault. They just dealt with a lot of stuff poorly and I'd rather never have anything to do with the school again).

Best to wait and see what they say then - whilst there are some specifics they'll look for in references/application they're also well versed on spotting those that will fit in/pass the attitude test irrespective of age/background/experience

True. And if I do apply the worst thing that will happen is they will say no. I do wish the Police Scotland website was clearer though. I've been looking at the North Yorkshire Police one and that is so much better.

Lightning360

I got a reply and the references are character references and are meant to be from people that know me well. Due to classes being online, I doubt any current tutor knows me well so I'll wait until the next acadamic year before applying (which I was probably going to do anyway as my application is nowhere near ready).

oh_really

Don't you know persons of standing who can provide a testament now?