Cumbria Constabulary Recruiting
 

1. How old do I have to be?  

You can apply to join the Police at age 17 or over but cannot take up appointment until you are 18 years of age.  Many people now join the Police in their 20’s and 30’s having gained life experience.

2. Do I need academic qualifications?

There are no specific qualifications required to join the Police.  However, it would be useful to have GCSEs in English and Maths.  In addition, any further qualifications such as A-Levels, NVQs, a degree etc, will be advantageous.

3. What skills do I need?

A successful applicant will be able to demonstrate their abilities in the seven Policing Competencies.  These are:-

• Community and Customer Focus
• Effective Communication
• Personal Responsibility
• Resilience
• Problem Solving
• Respect for Race and Diversity
• Teamworking

4. How can I prepare to apply to the Police Service when I leave school?

The Police Service is looking for applicants who have ‘life skills’ and can confidently deal with people.  Therefore it is a good idea to get a part-time job where you are working with the public e.g. in a shop/café/restaurant.

Also try to do some voluntary work in your community e.g. helping with a school group, working in a care home, competing in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

It is important that Police Officers have a good level of fitness – so keep yourself fit and take part in any sports that you enjoy. 

As a member of a sports team you will also be developing your skills in terms of team-working, problem solving, self-motivation and, perhaps, leadership.

Work hard at passing your exams and do the best that you can.  Do subjects that you enjoy as you are more likely to do well.

Talk to any Police Officers that you meet and try to find out as much as possible about the work of a Police Officer, so that you fully understand the role you are applying for.  Police Officers will be keen to tell you about their job – they know best about what it involves and will point out both the positive and negative aspects of their work.

5. What does the training involve?

All new recruits have to do two years probation during which time they receive thorough training to prepare them for the job they have to do.  For the first few months the training is classroom-based with role-play exercises and self-defence training.  After that you will be based at a local police station and will deal with real incidents working under the guidance of a Tutor Constable.  After about six months you will patrol alone.  During your probationary period you will be continually assessed and, on successful completion of your two-year training, your appointment will be confirmed.

6. Are there any fast–track promotion schemes?

Yes.  The High Potential Development Scheme is a programme for police officers delivered with an academic partner, resulting in a nationally recognised Masters qualification. It uses a range of innovative approaches to challenge and equip future leaders. Participants will have to demonstrate their desire, commitment and the potential to reach senior officer levels and progress to Chief Officer level.  The scheme is open to all Constables and Sergeants.  It is anticipated that whilst on the scheme, (five years) participants will be promoted at least twice.

7. What types of work can I do after my probation?

Once you have completed your two year probationary period you can apply for specialist roles. Some of these include:-

• Roads Policing Unit (Traffic Officer, Tactical Support Group (TSG),
• Criminal Investigation Department (CID),
• Dog Handler,
• Community Officer/Local Policing Teams,
• Collision Investigation
   

8. Where will I be posted?

On appointment to Cumbria Constabulary you will be assigned to one of the three Areas - North, South or West Cumbria.  Your posting will be decided according to the operational need for Police Officers in each Area at the time of your appointment.  It is important to remember that you are applying to Cumbria Constabulary and as such, you are a county resource and can be posted to any of the three Areas.  We will, however, ask you for your preferred choice and try to accommodate this if at all possible. 

9.  Will I be able to choose where I will be stationed?

As explained in the above question, you will be assigned to one of the three areas. Prior to your appointment date, the Resourcing Department will post you to a station from which you will work.

10. Should I join the Special Constabulary?

The Special Constabulary is a group of part-time volunteers who work alongside regular officers and deal with the same things.  It is, therefore, an excellent way to find out about Police work.  However, it is a big commitment and it will not guarantee entry to Cumbria Constabulary as a regular officer.  It is not a short cut to becoming a full-time Constable.  You have to be 18 years of age to join the Special Constabulary.

11. How do I get more information?

For Police Officer/Police Community Support Officer/Special Constabulary packs please contact The Recruiting Team on 01768 217095.