Police Graduate Schemes

[al1991]

I'm a 1st year English Literature student and whilst thinking about many careers which I could potentially aim for, the idea of joining the police ran through my head.

I'm not saying it's my definite go-ahead choice but I thought it might be worth considering?

The 30 years in service and then pension appeals.

The 'politics' side of things, and general public attitude towards the police doesn't.

Any of the BIB on here care to share some of their experiences?

More specifically, anyone on here completed a grad scheme for their local constabulary?

Any pointers, guides, or general information gratefully received.

[gti tim]

Most forces do not have a 'grad scheme'. Our force has a high potential scheme designed for graduates (why they think that a totally irrelevant degree will make you a better officer I have no idea, but they clearly do).

Candidates must apply during their two year student period. This means you have to apply just like everyone else, and if you are successful at becoming an officer, you can apply for the scheme. It is intended for people who wish to climb the ranks ie sgt in 4yrs, inspector in 6 or less etc, heading for the Chief Officer Group ranks.

If you want to become a Police Officer, apply. If you are good enough to pass the netrance scheme, by all means apply for the scheme. I know of one person who was offered a place on the sheme, but turned it down. I know of one who thinks because he went to uni and has a degree, he should be on it and climbing the ranks, but isn't. Each to their own.

[JakeS]

I am half way through the prcess at the moment. I have already done it all before for special constable. The majority of the forces have no scheme for graduates. Even if your degree is "Police Sciences" you still don't really have any increase in chance of getting a job. The process is a long and complicated one so well worth taking your time to research. As far as I know there are very few forces in the country recruiting at the moment. The process basically stands like this at the moment.

- Application Form
- Assessment Day 1
- Interview
- Maths Test
- Written English Test
- Role Play
- Verbal Reasoning
- Another Interview
- Fitness
- Medical
- Drugs Test
- Vetting to check you & your family for a criminal record
- Appointment

I hope that helps.

[Elroy Blue]

And the 'free' pension is unlikely to survive much longer, so don't join for that either.

[GSP]

And it's not free as 10% of your yearly salary goes towards it.

[WeirdNeville]

There is no 'graduate fast track'. The higher potential development sheme is a nationwide scheme designed to select people with potential and develop them to chief officer ranks and it's potential based - no degree needed. I know of a guy on the scheme without a degree, but he has a management background.

Join the police because you want to do the job, not because of promotion or a fast stream. It's a brilliant job, I can't recommend it enough if it's something you want to do.
However, now really isn't the time to be applying - you'll find most recruitment schemes are shut down due to expected lasting cuts in publc services.

Also, look into the pension, it's just got a bit 'worse' for new joiners. It's now a half final salary scheme and 35 years service, not 30 years. Ignore the 'haters' who bang on about it- they're just bitter that their taxes fund retirement for those who chose their career wisely! All being well, I'll retire at 52 with 2/3rds of my final salary!

'Politics' in policing? I think you'll find that there's a refreshing cycnicism in most forces. Most people just want to get the job done with the minimum of fuss, and whilst the politicians set targets, the management in the force are quite wiley when it comes to meeting them.
Public Perception? Well, you're either part of the problem or part of the solution, you will deal with people who have a very negative attitude to the police - sometimes for good reason. If you can be part of changing that, then you'd be welcome in most forces. If they're hiring, that is.

Edited by WeirdNeville on Tuesday 6th April 09:11

[tangent police]

This sort of thing is stupidly oversubscribed at the moment.

My advice to anyone with this sort of idea is to have a long hard look at the job market. It's not very rosy at all. Pretty terrible in fact.