Joining the police

[Kim84]

I'm desperate to join the police force, but got turned down first time. They couldn't offer feedback on my application as they had to many applicants and would be impossible to reply to all.

Any tips for next time?

[whiteeagle]

Hi Kim. Could you explain at what stage you failed in your application, because to my knowledge there are three main stages. 1. The PIR test where you are tested on your maths and english, Secondly  you have whats termed an extended assessment, where you are tested on hypothetical situations. Finally you have a fitness test. Some Police Forces will then have a final interview. I would also need to know how old you are, and the Police Force you applied to, before I could supply some advice.

[Kim84]

I didn't even get that far! I sent off my application form, and just recieved a letter saying thanks for your application, blah blah blah! unfortunatly this time you didn't get in etc. I recieved no feedback as of the 'high volume of applicants'.

I'm 20 and applied for the Cheshire police, any advice would be much appreciated.

[Haj]

I know a few officers and none of them got in before their 3rd attempt!!

[floss85]

Hi Kim84.

I sent my application in for the police in February (I applied for Thames Valley) I recieved a letter about 3 weeks ago saying I passed the 'paper sift' section. I now have to attend an Assesment Centre in July.

On the application form I believe they are mainly looking for HOW you answer the competency questions (Section 4). I found a really good book (sorry cant rememeber what it was called/author but found it at Waterstones - there are quite a few that looked quite good). It was really helpful. It explains what they are looking for and gives you good guidlines. You also need to concerntrate on your spelling, grammar etc.

The other thing that it could have been was the 'security check' i.e family etc. But if there wasnt a propblem there I would assume there was a problem on section 4.

I'd apply for another application form (you cant re-apply for 6 months) and really concerntrate on section 4. It took me ages to complete section 4 (I rewrote it about 50 times!)

Hope this helps

Good luck!

Floss x

[HYLAND1ELLEN]

Hello..... I've always wanted to join the force since I was 18. NOW 35 and I'm going for my fitness test in a few weeks ( I applied about 3 times, then met NOW husband and had kids, HENCE the long gap !...... APPLY AGAIN IN 6 MONTHS I believe, don't give up it will happen, just check what you up on your application form, might have missed or put something incorrectly.... I got turned down and checked and my date of bith was wrong !Plonker !, had to wait, just little things. KEEP GOING ! and good luck !