Police Sergeant
Julian Collinson (25), Police Sergeant, Metropolitan Police
How did you get into the job? I have near enough always wanted to become a Police Officer. I know this is a bit of a cliché, but I wanted to have a job where I could make a difference to people's lives. It's something I can see myself enjoying in the long term. I applied to the police service while studying Modern History at university, and just over two weeks after my last exam, I joined the police service.
Job history: After my 18 weeks of training at Hendon Police College I started at Paddington Green as a Constable in October 2001. My promotion process from Constable to Sergeant started with an exam that tested my knowledge of crime, road traffic, general police duties and evidence and procedure. When I had completed the exam successfully, I was assessed in a series of timed scenarios. In May 2004, I was promoted to Sergeant, and moved to Hackney Station. My current role involves supervising the Hackney Central Safer Neighbourhood Team, which includes asking the team to deal with the various issues on Hackney Central Ward, meeting with our partners in the Council and other agencies to try and find solutions to our long-term problems, and going out on patrol with the team.
Best bits/worst bits: For me, the problem-solving process is the best part of the job, especially when you see the result of your contribution. The best bit is when, presented with a problem, you are able to take a step back and have a look at the wider implications of what has happened. By putting actions into place, you are able to solve that problem. This goes for any cases, from a small-scale problem, like two people having a minor dispute, to more serious cases.
The worst part is the frustration you feel when you're offering help to someone and they don't want it. This is especially a problem when it comes to drug users; you know that there are people and places they can go to for help for their addiction, but if they don't want to be helped, there's nothing you can do. It makes me feel very frustrated and helpless.
Advice for wannabees: Firstly, I would advise people to have a look on the internet for websites about the police; Met Police Careers answers many questions about what is required, and what you can expect from a career in the police service. If you want to get more of a real sense of what the job will be like, you can go into your local police station, ask to talk to someone there and maybe even see if you are able to go out on patrol with them for a few days.
There are also opportunities to become part of the police service without becoming a police officer, either as a volunteer in the Special Constabulary or as a Police Community Support Officer. Both of these roles will give you some of the training a police officer goes through, and will give you a useful insight into what being a police officer is like.
CV essentials: There are no formal educational requirements for recruitment to the police service, but you will have to take written tests to ensure that your English is good enough, as well as a numeracy test. You will need to be able to pass the selection process and complete initial training. A fitness test is also part of the recruitment process.
Application process
Before you apply, you should check if the police service you are interested in is recruiting. Details of Official Police Forces in the UK can be found on the UK Police Service portal.
An application form containing questions about yourself, your family, any previous dealings with the police, your education history and your medical history is the first step in the application process. If you pass this initial application you will be invited to have a written test in basic maths and English literacy. If you successfully complete these tests, you will then be invited for an interview. This is followed by a fitness assessment and an examination by a police doctor.
When all the tests and assessments have been completed, and the police authority know you have the necessary skills, potential and ability to become a well-adjusted police officer, you will be invited to complete the police recruitment training. Through your training, you will learn about all aspects of your job as a police officer. These include dealing with criminal offences and road traffic offences, investigative interviewing techniques, officer safety, some basic fitness, first aid training and diversity training; basically everything you would need to set you on the course to become a good police officer.
Job description
Your responsibilities will include protecting the public from crime and antisocial behaviour, supporting victims and witnesses and working with other agencies to reduce crime in your community. Every day will be different, and you have to be prepared to handle anything from traffic offences to attending a murder site.
Skills/experience/training
There are no formal educational requirements for recruitment to the police service, but you will have to have a good level of English and be numerate. You will need to be able to pass the selection process, complete initial training and pass a fitness test. There are some requirements relating to personal details such as age and nationality.
Personality/Who would it suit
Diversity is a key word, as the police force needs people who can represent all parts of the population. It would suit someone who is open-minded, flexible and professional; people who are inflexible and stuck in their ways would not be suited for this job.
Career prospects
Everyone within the service starts off as a police constable. You will have many opportunities to work hard and go up for promotion. It is up to each individual how quickly and how far up the ladder you want to progress.
Pros and cons
- • You have a chance to improve life in your community.
- • Every day will be different.
- • There are many opportunities within the force, and you can branch out into an area that interests you.
- • Policing can be dangerous, and you may find yourself in situations where your own life or the lives of others are at risk.
- • Unsocial hours.
