Applying To Become A Police Officer

When was the last time you felt safe walking the streets at night? Even in broad daylight, today, crimes are committed. Criminals do not choose a certain place or time to commit crime. They do not choose who they will commit crime against. It can be your little brother or sister, it can be your mum, it can be your wife or husband and it can be your child who will be the next targets of criminals.

It can also be you. Crimes are escalating to such a degree that there was a need to promote police recruitment to all people who are interested in making the world a safe place once again.

People campaign against crimes but not everyone can face criminals in an arm to arm combat. Guns are such dangerous weapons that a special training is needed in order for people to use it responsibly. Not that being a police officer is all about guns but most criminals are armed and dangerous that civilians should not be encouraged to attempt a fight against them. Not everyone can become a police officer but if you have the makings of one then you are encouraged to join the force.

A police officer’s duties will include dealing with anti-social behaviour, reducing street-related crimes including robbery, fighting against organized crime, countering terrorism, assisting victims and giving the community a general sense of security. All these duties are challenging and if you decide to be a police officer you will have to be prepared to be on the frontline of the fight against crime. As much as the excitement of being a police officer will convince you to join the force, you should also keep in mind that the job is more about protecting people and upholding justice.

There is no minimum or maximum height requirement to become a police officer nor is formal education required. You can join the force at 18 if you decide that University life is just not for you. Any skills and background that you have gained at this point in your life will be welcomed by the police force. You can also join the force if you feel like you need to take another career path at 40. As long as you are dedicated to serve and protect, you will be welcomed by the force and the police recruitment staff.

You will, of course, need to apply to become a police officer. After filling up the application form and you are deemed eligible to join the force, you will be called for an assessment where they will undergo physical and mental tests. This assessment will last for, approximately, four to five hours and is standardized across 43 forces in England and Wales. This means that regardless of what particular force you are applying to you will take the same tests.

After completing and passing the assessment you will then be asked to accomplish a questionnaire regarding your medical history. After a medical officer evaluates your medical history and is satisfied, you will be asked to take a full medical including alcohol and drug tests, which are mandatory. If you have not completed a fitness test in the assessment centre you will complete one at this stage.

After all of the tests are accomplished, your force will send you a “candidate feedback” detailing how you did in the test. If you passed everything then you should be welcomed into the force and be a police officer. If you failed then check the web for tips on how to pass the tests and where you should start from.

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