Published: Apr 10, 2010 @ 18.39

More than a bit special

Choosing to commit to a career in the police force can be a daunting decision at the best of times.  With the competitive, challenging application process in place, you need vigorous determination to succeed, so why not volunteer in the force beforehand?

The West Midlands Special Constabulary is a force of trained volunteers, who work alongside, and support, our local police.  Known as “Specials” the volunteers are equipped with the same powers, training and similar uniform to regular police officers, giving a true insight into the public sector.

Police Constable, Andy Towe, told The Grade why volunteering with the specials is so beneficial.

“I think it’s all valuable experience.  If it is something you would like to see yourself doing it will either cement it is something you want to do full time or you’ll find it’s not for you and you don’t like it.  

“Some forces are virtually saying that you should become a special in order to get in to the force.  In the metropolitan police at the moment they are asking people to go in as PCSO to gain experience before applying.”

With over 14,000 people already volunteering across the country helping to keep our streets safer and prevent crime the Specials force will give you the perfect opportunity to experience life “on the beat” first hand.

Specials spend a minimum of four hours a week supporting the police in their community, which makes it easy to commit the role whilst maintaining studies or employment elsewhere.  The position offers a chance to challenge yourself and show what you’re capable of.

With different schemes available, the Special Constabulary provides an array of experiences, challenges and responsibilities testing your limits throughout. 

The minimalist criteria needed to join the Specials invites people from all walks of life to the role, the main ask is that all volunteers are over the age of 18.

Volunteering whilst at university, or as a step into the police force family, will not only strengthen your CV and experience in the role, but will increase your confidence and familiarity with your community. 

Listen to what current Specials have to say about the role on the West Midlands “Plodcasts” or visit the West Midlands Specials Recruitment site for more information.

 

Published: Mar 19, 2010 @ 16:02

Joining the army

Current military student, Ami Johnson, gives her views on joining the army in our first vodcast.

Studying at Birmingham City University, Ami looks forward to graduating as an Adult Nurse at the end of this year.

Explaining student life under army command, her recent trip to Uganda and her hopes and wishes after graduating, Ami’s ethusiasm for the role is evident.

Joining the army from Georgie Campbell on Vimeo.

 

Published: Feb 26, 2010 @ 17.10

Being on the beat: 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.