February 26th, 2010
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Rewarding, challenging and fun
Our local police force are beginning the long search for dedicated and inspired recruits in the lead up to the Olympic Challenge of 2012.
Currently standing proud as the second largest police force on the mainland, West Midlands are looking to maintain their title with top quality new recruits to represent and reflect the communities they serve.
Voted into Stonewall’s Top 100 Employers of 2009 and The Times Top 50 places where women want to work in 2008, West Midlands Police continue as one of the best performing forces in the country.
Police Constable Andy Towe told The Grade why he was so proud to be part of a inspirational institute:
“For me, the big selling point is every day is different, during my 28 years service I have been involved in many different incidents and served for 21 years as a firearms officer, so the opportunities are almost endless.”
The application process, although long and gruelling, highlights those really suited to the position. Proving you have what it takes can be considerable hard work, but here Andy helps The Grade understand the process.
Stage One: The Application Form
Unlike many other employers, application forms are only given out at specified events held by recruiting officers. Far from acting as an inconvenience, this stage is designed to target those that may become dedicated to the role.
Making sure your application form is complete is vital. Seeing approximately 1,500 applicants at any one event makes hard work for the recruitment team. If your form is incomplete or scruffy it may not be considered for further scrutiny.
Andy adds, “I can’t stress enough for students to get themselves a sensible email address so that they portray a mature and responsible image. ”
Stage Two: The Assessment Centre
Successful candidates will be invited to an assessment half day at West Midlands Police headquarters in Birmingham. Testing your English, maths and verbal reasoning skills the day is designed to challenge your intellectual and communication skills.
Although the thought of a math test may strike fear into some people’s eyes, they are not there to catch you out.
“It’s just basic, simple questions,” Andy assures, “ we do not insist on high GCSE grades but you will need a good basic understanding of English and maths if you are going to achieve success – there are access courses that can brush up on these skills if required.”
There are then four role play scenarios followed by a final 20 minute interview, which is your chance to really sell yourself as the person for this role – so go for it!
With over a 70% success rate, the assessment centre does seem to present some problems yet Andy assures students that with some preparation, good communication and personal skills a pass is obtainable.
StageThree: The Background Checks
Standard in any sort of police role, including everyone in the organisation, background checks are thorough looking into your finance, motoring and security.
“You are not permitted to have a criminal record,” stresses Andy.
Minor traffic violations should be OK but must be declared on the application form.
Stage Four: The Medical
Being examined for your medical checks seems a key part of the application process. Urine and hair samples are taken which may detect any casual use of prohibited substances.
Stage Five: The Fitness Test
Keeping in shape throughout your application process will make this stage much easier. The test includes three laps of an assault course type circuit, which you have to complete within three minutes 45 seconds.
“If you’re not doing anything you won’t pass, as long as you’re doing a bit of something you’ll be fine,” Andy advises.
From crawling to balancing along a beam, the course is designed to test your limits, co-ordination and speed, yet if you fail to complete any part successfully you will be asked to start that section again, which affects your overall time.
“So if you rush round too quickly, knocking everything over, then you are never going to finish,” jokes Andy.
With an average 78% pass rate the assault course doesn’t appear to live up to its fearful reputation. With most applications taking between 12 and 18 months to complete the journey there is plenty of time to prepare for this stage, as long as you start doing something now.
After the extensive testing, vetting and exercise you may find yourself a little exhausted. The lengthy application process appears to be one of the biggest deterents from joining the force, so The Grade asks Andy why he put up with it:
“It’s fun, it’s challenging, and it’s rewarding. ”
If that’s not a good enough reason, we don’t know what is.
For more information visit www.west-midland.police.uk/recruitment.
Tags: 2012, Andy Towe, Public Sector, West Midlands Police
