29 replies to this topic

[VickiLouise]

Hi Guys,

I've been studying this forum for weeks and thought I'd finally join in. I recently passed the paper sift and have now been invited for an Assessment & Fitness Test in 2 weeks!

I'm quite confident about the Interview but I'm just wondering what kind of questions they will ask?? I've learnt all the competencies and their definitions just in case!

Also for the bleep test...how hard is it exactly? I'm getting mixed reviews.

Also is anybody applying for Derbyshire Constabulary??
Any advice & tips are welcome!

Thanks

Vicki

[AlexTheKnightUK]

Hi Guys,

I've been studying this forum for weeks and thought I'd finally join in. I recently passed the paper sift and have now been invited for an Assessment & Fitness Test in 2 weeks!

I'm quite confident about the Interview but I'm just wondering what kind of questions they will ask?? I've learnt all the competencies and their definitions just in case!

Also for the bleep test...how hard is it exactly? I'm getting mixed reviews.

Also is anybody applying for Derbyshire Constabulary??
Any advice & tips are welcome!

Thanks

Vicki

Hi Vicki,

Congrats on passing the papersift!

The questions in the interview are similar to the ones in the application form. They are competency based, so make sure you get all the buzz words in with your answers. They ask 4 questions, and you have 5 minutes to repsond to each question.

The bleep is ok. You have to get 5.4, which is equivalent to about 3 mins 40 seconds of running, or 810m. Have you done a bleep test before? I was out of breath at the end, but i'm not really that fit.

I'm waiting on my medical before I start my intensive training course.

Let me know if you have any more questions!


Alex.

[VickiLouise]

<br />Hi Vicki,<br /><br />Congrats on passing the papersift!<br /><br />The questions in the interview are similar to the ones in the application form. They are competency based, so make sure you get all the buzz words in with your answers. They ask 4 questions, and you have 5 minutes to repsond to each question.<br /><br />The bleep is ok. You have to get 5.4, which is equivalent to about 3 mins 40 seconds of running, or 810m. Have you done a bleep test before? I was out of breath at the end, but i'm not really that fit.<br /><br />I'm waiting on my medical before I start my intensive training course.<br /><br />Let me know if you have any more questions!<br /><br /><br />Alex.<br />

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Hi Alex,

Thanks for the reply. Which constabulary are you applying for?

Thank you! I've got to the point where I think..I've got this far so failure is not an option! One of the things that worries me the most is who I am up against..is everyone going to be better than me? And is everyone going to be way fitter than me! I'm not super fit..I've started running but I am better at running short distances quickly as aposed to long distance and I go to the gym at least twice a week. I have been practising the push/pull at the gym and luckily I can pull 42 but can only push 35 at a struggle. Have you had your fitness test yet?

Are the examiners quite laid back or are they really formal?

Thanks

Vic

[AlexTheKnightUK]

Hi Alex,

Thanks for the reply. Which constabulary are you applying for?

Thank you! I've got to the point where I think..I've got this far so failure is not an option! One of the things that worries me the most is who I am up against..is everyone going to be better than me? And is everyone going to be way fitter than me! I'm not super fit..I've started running but I am better at running short distances quickly as aposed to long distance and I go to the gym at least twice a week. I have been practising the push/pull at the gym and luckily I can pull 42 but can only push 35 at a struggle. Have you had your fitness test yet?

Are the examiners quite laid back or are they really formal?

Thanks

Vic

I'm applying for Derbyshire, aiming to be based in Long Eaton. Start my training in May.

Don't think of it as a job interview, everyone has a fair chance. Also if there is one thing I remember from the information evening, it's that they said if they believe you are good enough, you will get in. This is because they are looking to recruit about 100 more specials, this will make the total number in Derbyshire about 400. But they specifically said there is no upper limit, they will take as many as they can get.

I started at the gym too, never exercised in my life, started going everyday after work about a month before the test. With the push/pull, you get a couple of practises to judge it, then they take the average over 5, I got about 45kg. Which bit is worrying you the most so far? I breathed a sigh of relief after the interview stage.

The examiners are good, just depends who you get really. The NPIA comes in to do the interviews, and other staff help out with the other stages, they seemed friendly enough to me


Alex.

[VickiLouise]

<br />I'm applying for Derbyshire, aiming to be based in Long Eaton. Start my training in May.<br /><br />Don't think of it as a job interview, everyone has a fair chance. Also if there is one thing I remember from the information evening, it's that they said if they believe you are good enough, you will get in. This is because they are looking to recruit about 100 more specials, this will make the total number in Derbyshire about 400. But they specifically said there is no upper limit, they will take as many as they can get.<br /><br />I started at the gym too, never exercised in my life, started going everyday after work about a month before the test. With the push/pull, you get a couple of practises to judge it, then they take the average over 5, I got about 45kg. Which bit is worrying you the most so far? I breathed a sigh of relief after the interview stage.<br /><br />The examiners are good, just depends who you get really. The NPIA comes in to do the interviews, and other staff help out with the other stages, they seemed friendly enough to me <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br /><br /><br />Alex.<br />

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I live in Ripley and think when I went to the open evening that I would be based in Chesterfield. I think I need to stop worrying!!! I'm over complicating things and making it seem like I'm trying to get in to MOD lol.

Deep down I know I will be fine, Its just not knowing what to expect that scares me the most. I'm just concerned about not completing the bleep test and it's such a shame that if you fail the slightest thing then you've failed the whole lot.

I had a letter asking me to choose when I wanted to train and I chose May too. So do you think if I get in that we will be training together at Derbyshire HQ?

Vic

[AlexTheKnightUK]

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I live in Ripley and think when I went to the open evening that I would be based in Chesterfield. I think I need to stop worrying!!! I'm over complicating things and making it seem like I'm trying to get in to MOD lol.

Deep down I know I will be fine, Its just not knowing what to expect that scares me the most. I'm just concerned about not completing the bleep test and it's such a shame that if you fail the slightest thing then you've failed the whole lot.

I had a letter asking me to choose when I wanted to train and I chose May too. So do you think if I get in that we will be training together at Derbyshire HQ?

Vic

Haha, yeah, now when I look back on it I wonder why I got so worked up. Are you looking to be based in Chesterfield? Bit of a jaunt from Ripley, lol.

You get a few chances on the bleep, the worse that could happen is your application put on hold. They aren't there to catch you out What made you want to join the specials?

It's good they've given you a training intake of May, especially with it being this close, if you check my signature you can see how long I've been waiting. Also TommyBaz (I think) has been waiting since last November for training!

Yeah, it's possible we might! I'm doing the 2 week intensive, which training you looking to go on?

[VickiLouise]

<br />Haha, yeah, now when I look back on it I wonder why I got so worked up. Are you looking to be based in Chesterfield? Bit of a jaunt from Ripley, lol. <br /><br />You get a few chances on the bleep, the worse that could happen is your application put on hold. They aren't there to catch you out <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /> What made you want to join the specials?<br /><br />It's good they've given you a training intake of May, especially with it being this close, if you check my signature you can see how long I've been waiting. Also TommyBaz (I think) has been waiting since last November for training!<br /><br />Yeah, it's possible we might! I'm doing the 2 week intensive, which training you looking to go on?<br />

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I chose that 2 week intensive thing too but obviously it depends if I get in! The whole process recently seems to have sped up a lot which is good. I mean the 6th of May is only a month away!!!

I went to an information evening and they said I could possibly be based at Chesterfield. Which is miles away but I drive so it's not much of an issue. I've always wanted to be in the police since I was tiny and I know they aren't recruiting again for a while so at least doing this will give me an insight into being a regular and if it's not for me, at least I've got nothing to lose and I will know to look at something different but to be honest I just feel that being in the police is the only career for me lol!

I've got my assessment on the 16th and fitness test on the 19th ...do you think that's enough time to perfect the push/pull?

Do you know anyone else that's applying for Derbyshire or is it just people you've met on here?

Vic x

[AlexTheKnightUK]

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I chose that 2 week intensive thing too but obviously it depends if I get in! The whole process recently seems to have sped up a lot which is good. I mean the 6th of May is only a month away!!!

I went to an information evening and they said I could possibly be based at Chesterfield. Which is miles away but I drive so it's not much of an issue. I've always wanted to be in the police since I was tiny and I know they aren't recruiting again for a while so at least doing this will give me an insight into being a regular and if it's not for me, at least I've got nothing to lose and I will know to look at something different but to be honest I just feel that being in the police is the only career for me lol!

I've got my assessment on the 16th and fitness test on the 19th ...do you think that's enough time to perfect the push/pull?

Do you know anyone else that's applying for Derbyshire or is it just people you've met on here?

Vic x

Awesome, we may just be on the same course then! Reminds me I need to ring up and see if I've got a medical appointment yet.

I'd contact recruitment, I'm sure there are plenty of other local stations you could be based at. Sounds like you definately want to join the service, my story is a bit less interesting, lol. I just wanted to do something useful and different with my spare time, definately looks good on the ol' CV too. Depending on how I like it, I may go for the regulars when recruitment opens up.

Sounds like you are on the right track, I don't have much upper body strength either, just make sure you include weights as part of your workout. You could even get a small dumbell set for home use. What do you do at the moment if you don't mind me asking?

I know a few people in Notts Specials, but the only people I know in Derbyshire so far, are those I've met in the recruitment process and on here.


Alex.

[VickiLouise]

Awesome, we may just be on the same course then! Reminds me I need to ring up and see if I've got a medical appointment yet.

I'd contact recruitment, I'm sure there are plenty of other local stations you could be based at. Sounds like you definately want to join the service, my story is a bit less interesting, lol. I just wanted to do something useful and different with my spare time, definately looks good on the ol' CV too. Depending on how I like it, I may go for the regulars when recruitment opens up.

Sounds like you are on the right track, I don't have much upper body strength either, just make sure you include weights as part of your workout. You could even get a small dumbell set for home use. What do you do at the moment if you don't mind me asking?

I know a few people in Notts Specials, but the only people I know in Derbyshire so far, are those I've met in the recruitment process and on here.


Alex.

Hi,

Yeah I suppose it looks good on the CV that you've done volountary work. I mainly do weights...I can push 35 but at a struggle. It's just the position that my shoulder's are in thats the problem. I've still got just over 2 weeks so at least it gives me time to practice.

At the moment I'm a Receptionist at Mercedes-Benz of Derby .You? I wanted to join a few years ago but I used to have to work every weekend so it would have been impossible but now I don't work weekends anymore so it's the perfect time to do it.
I went to Derbyshire HQ earlier as they wanted me to drop in some ID to speed the vetting process up...I parked in the smaller car park but I couldn't get out!!!!!!!!! It was SOOOOOO embarrassing!!!!!!! 2 officers had to guide me out!
I couldn't believe it! haha...hope that doens't affect me getting in lol

Vicki

[AlexTheKnightUK]

Hi,

Yeah I suppose it looks good on the CV that you've done volountary work. I mainly do weights...I can push 35 but at a struggle. It's just the position that my shoulder's are in thats the problem. I've still got just over 2 weeks so at least it gives me time to practice.

At the moment I'm a Receptionist at Mercedes-Benz of Derby .You? I wanted to join a few years ago but I used to have to work every weekend so it would have been impossible but now I don't work weekends anymore so it's the perfect time to do it.
I went to Derbyshire HQ earlier as they wanted me to drop in some ID to speed the vetting process up...I parked in the smaller car park but I couldn't get out!!!!!!!!! It was SOOOOOO embarrassing!!!!!!! 2 officers had to guide me out!
I couldn't believe it! haha...hope that doens't affect me getting in lol

Vicki

If you are hurting your shoulders you may have it at the wrong height.. try asking someone at the gym if you are doing it correctly.

I work in IT for a manufacturing firm in Ruddington, we make industry strength seals for planes and oil rigs and things. I bet the officers had a chuckle about that That small carpark at the front is a nightmare! At least they will remember you when you come for your training, did you get their warrant numbers?

[VickiLouise]

If you are hurting your shoulders you may have it at the wrong height.. try asking someone at the gym if you are doing it correctly.

I work in IT for a manufacturing firm in Ruddington, we make industry strength seals for planes and oil rigs and things. I bet the officers had a chuckle about that That small carpark at the front is a nightmare! At least they will remember you when you come for your training, did you get their warrant numbers?

Hahaha no I didn't! And yes..they did have a laugh!! They were watching me from the distance then I had no choice but to ask!!! It was impossible because a car had half blocked me in!!! I know and I went the wrong way out! What a nightmare! That place is a maze!

Was very impressed that they asked me to come in with that ID...she said she wanted to make sure I get to train in May and speed up the process. Do you reckon many people have applied?

x

[AlexTheKnightUK]

Hahaha no I didn't! And yes..they did have a laugh!! They were watching me from the distance then I had no choice but to ask!!! It was impossible because a car had half blocked me in!!! I know and I went the wrong way out! What a nightmare! That place is a maze!

Was very impressed that they asked me to come in with that ID...she said she wanted to make sure I get to train in May and speed up the process. Do you reckon many people have applied?

x

Yeah, first time I went I nearly ended up on the helipad when trying to get out!

Didn't know they could do that, I just filled in my forms and brought my passport on the a/c. And a fair few I think, don't know how many have got through though.

Just to let you know i've got a date for my medical and passed my vetting

[VickiLouise]

Yeah, first time I went I nearly ended up on the helipad when trying to get out!

Didn't know they could do that, I just filled in my forms and brought my passport on the a/c. And a fair few I think, don't know how many have got through though.

Just to let you know i've got a date for my medical and passed my vetting

WOW! CONGRATULATIONS!! Just remind me...the vetting process..what exactly is that? I know that's a stupid question to ask and I should know. Is it all the checks they carry out?
When do you usually find out if you've passed? Ive got my assessment on Sat 16th and my fitness test on 19th. Is it true that as part of the medical you have to close your eyes and balance on one leg for a minute? lol
Or is someone winding me up?

[AlexTheKnightUK]

WOW! CONGRATULATIONS!! Just remind me...the vetting process..what exactly is that? I know that's a stupid question to ask and I should know. Is it all the checks they carry out?
When do you usually find out if you've passed? Ive got my assessment on Sat 16th and my fitness test on 19th. Is it true that as part of the medical you have to close your eyes and balance on one leg for a minute? lol
Or is someone winding me up?

Thanks And yeah it's the security CRB checks, to make sure you aren't a "crim" lol. I found out today as I rang up asking when my medical date is, they start the checks when you are confirmed to have passed the assessment centre and fitness test.

And on that last one, I haven't a clue lol.

[VickiLouise]

Thanks And yeah it's the security CRB checks, to make sure you aren't a "crim" lol. I found out today as I rang up asking when my medical date is, they start the checks when you are confirmed to have passed the assessment centre and fitness test.

And on that last one, I haven't a clue lol.

You will have to let me know when you go for yours! When is it?

[AlexTheKnightUK]

You will have to let me know when you go for yours! When is it?

Either next weds or the weds after. I'm also waiting on a call today to arrange my drugs test.

[VickiLouise]

Either next weds or the weds after. I'm also waiting on a call today to arrange my drugs test.

Cool! Keep me posted let me know if you have to stand on one leg so I can start practising lol

[AlexTheKnightUK]

Cool! Keep me posted let me know if you have to stand on one leg so I can start practising lol

Haha, will do

[VickiLouise]

<br />Haha, will do <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

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Got a letter for my medical already?!?!?! for next Friday?!?! Didn't think I had that til I passed everything?

[AlexTheKnightUK]

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Got a letter for my medical already?!?!?! for next Friday?!?! Didn't think I had that til I passed everything?

Got it quicker than I did then lol. My drugs screening is next weds, and my medical the week after that!

They must have spaces left on the May intake, and are fast tracking you.

[VickiLouise]

<br />Got it quicker than I did then lol. My drugs screening is next weds, and my medical the week after that!<br /><br />They must have spaces left on the May intake, and are fast tracking you. <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br />

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I've got my drugs test on the smae ay as the medical. It's all going so fast..there's something in the post from the police nearly every day lol

[AlexTheKnightUK]

<br /><br /><br />

I've got my drugs test on the smae ay as the medical. It's all going so fast..there's something in the post from the police nearly every day lol

Cool, they tried to do that for me put couldn't. Can't believe I'm nearly fully signed off for training. Just got to wait until mid may for training, then mid june for assessment and attestation.

Excited/nervous?


Alex.

[VickiLouise]

<br />Cool, they tried to do that for me put couldn't. Can't believe I'm nearly fully signed off for training. Just got to wait until mid may for training, then mid june for assessment and attestation.<br /><br />Excited/nervous? <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br /><br /><br />Alex.<br />

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I know, I'm suprised at how fast it's going.Got a busy few weeks ahead!

I'm really nervous for the fitness test..the rest doens't bother me as much

you? Bet you're relieved knowing that you're def in. Ive got al that to come yet lol

[AlexTheKnightUK]

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I know, I'm suprised at how fast it's going.Got a busy few weeks ahead!

I'm really nervous for the fitness test..the rest doens't bother me as much

you? Bet you're relieved knowing that you're def in. Ive got al that to come yet lol

I'm sure you'll be alright, just keep your training up at the gym.

Yeah, just want to get the last 2 bits out of the way and get my training started

They must be confident you'll pass if they are fast tracking you like this too.

[VickiLouise]

<br />I'm sure you'll be alright, just keep your training up at the gym.<br /><br />Yeah, just want to get the last 2 bits out of the way and get my training started  <img src='http://www.policespe...fault/smile.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt='' /><br /><br />They must be confident you'll pass if they are fast tracking you like this too.<br />

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Really? Do you think so??