9 replies to this topic

[Luther.]

Its sad and shocking that only a few weeks/months ago I could at least apply to become an sc knowing that it was the only route to chase my career.. but now with the force not even accepting any applications what so ever.. what can one do except wait? i feel slightly idle.. I wanted to apply whilst studying my degree at uni (finding time to work around it.. building my credibility)..but now all i can do is.... wait lol..

Seriously.. when do you guys think the drought will be over.. The cuts, the pension scheme scraps and the increase in difficulty to be accepted is really disheartening towards young people such as myself (18) who had fixated on chasing the juridical job...

Any advice for someone such as my self?

p.s -.. its the Sussex police force

[Lucas North]

I seriously doubt much is going to happen until after the Olympics / Jubilee / Euros / Etc.

Plus, although forces don't have to pay Specials, they still have to pay for training & equipment... and with it being the beginning of a new "Financial Year" they're probably too busy trying to replace red ink with black ink.

But... I could be wrong. You never know they could open up recruitment tomorrow. In this day & age it's anyones guess

[azzy]

You could see if they're accepting police volunteer applications. These are people who help with administration, front counter, publicity (talking to schools etc.) and other such jobs. Being on the inside, you also have the opportunity to go on observer attachments in many forces, letting you see front Lin policing whilst providing a useful service to the community. I don't really understand the role as I jumped straight to SC, but have a friend in your position and he loves the civi volunteer role whilst he preps his SC app. It's a useful and underestimated role (as proved by the fact that one of my best friends is one but I know little about it)

Edited by azzy, 16 April 2012 - 11:53 PM.

[harrogate_al]

A lot of forces are studying the books now the new financial year has started and I wouldn't be too suprised if a few are planning on having a SC recruitment drive in the summer, I know some forces are actually going to recruit some regulars this year!

[skylark]

You could see if they're accepting police volunteer applications. These are people who help with administration, front counter, publicity (talking to schools etc.) and other such jobs. Being on the inside, you also have the opportunity to go on observer attachments in many forces, letting you see front Lin policing whilst providing a useful service to the community. I don't really understand the role as I jumped straight to SC, but have a friend in your position and he loves the civi volunteer role whilst he preps his SC app. It's a useful and underestimated role (as proved by the fact that one of my best friends is one but I know little about it)

This! I'm a community volunteer and I love it. Some forces are still taking them on.

[richr]

The cuts, the pension scheme scraps and the increase in difficulty to be accepted is really disheartening towards young people such as myself (18) who had fixated on chasing the juridical job...

Any advice for someone such as my self?

p.s -.. its the Sussex police force

Don't fixate. Other jobs are available - you have 47-odd years of work ahead of you. Go travel, see the world. Officers retire, recruitment will always re-open in the future.

[theoldbill]

I would echo much of what is said above. A lot of force's recruitment pages have been updated recently with recruitment statements regarding what they plan to do and when, giving prospective applicants an idea of when recruitment is likely to open up but nothing is set in stone, as it hardly ever is with police recruitment. Now is the time to look out for more accurate predictions from forces as the next financial year has begun.

Similarly to the above, especially with forces closer to the capital, I wouldn't expect much movement before the Olympics and the Jubilee, things might start to get rolling once the summer is out of the way.

My advice to you would be to expand you horizons slightly, maybe pick three or four forces rather than just the one, provided they are all within reasonable reach for working shifts etc. This gives you a much better chance of getting in. University will probably give you a bit of 'life experience' but it would be worth seeking out any voluntary work you can find in order to build your credibility, as you say - especially with the police force itself, as mentioned above.

All in all, it really isn't looking very hopeful at the moment, once the police have ridden the cuts and assessed Winsor properly, things may return to a more favourable position for the prospective applicant such as yourself. I'm afraid until then, it really is a waiting game. Hope this helps and keep us all informed.

[Mr So Special]

Don't panic or rush in to being a reg, Slowly take your time to be a Special. I have seen a couple of years ago people turned down for the regs due to lack of life experiance. In 2008 the average age seemed to be 28-33. I'm 35 and just joined as a special, I'm not even a dead cert for an application form when the recruitment opens (Due to not just internal), but I'm not going to cry, even though I want to do the regs and currently looking at 37 by the time I join!
It has taken me since Oct 2008, from 1st reg application, failed assessment, wife had baby, then applied specials, failed medical, took nearly a year to sort that out.
The longer it takes, the better it will be and the greater person you will be for living through that process to get where I am - Passing out as a Special on 1st May.
In Oct 2012 it will be 4 YEARS since my first attempt to join and I might not be that much closer. But hey, Life is there for you to keep trying at.

Don't give up, but don't leap before you look.

Edited by Ex donkey man, 18 April 2012 - 10:41 PM.

[Luther.]

Appreciate all the replies to this thread.. Never forgot about it.. just thought i'd wait a while till the olympics finished etc.

A quick update as to how and where I am now.. I sort of have my eyes fixed on the graduate scheme for when I finish university (as it seems near the only option).. if the SC's open up or any volunteering spots open up then il jump on the wagon but as for now all looks pretty dry....and as for the "other jobs are available" comment.. that's a bit disheartening but I can see your point.. who knows. Wonder if anyone is in the same boat I am.

Edited by DKpaper, 14 August 2012 - 11:35 PM.

[policey_man]

I agree with what's been said... the volunteer role is a useful insight into policing, and you'd be surprised at the sort of things they get involved in. At least it's a stepping stone until Specials recruitment opens up. I'm not trying to tell you to forget about the regs, but what I will say is your degree will be very valuable no matter whether you're joining the police or decide to do something else... a lot of the officers I work with have degrees. So, don't think you are just passing time with uni, it will actually be a very valuable experience that provides you with excellent opportunities and will help your police career so make the most of it.

Edited by Andy_Met, 15 August 2012 - 07:33 PM.