26 replies to this topic

[Detritus]

Cambs now operate a 1 day assessment centre for entry to the special constabulary.

this involves the Police initial recruitment test (PIRT),the Job related fitness test,and an interview.

assessment centres will be held at force HQ bi-monthly.

[MaW]

That sounds good. Shame I can't apply yet, I could test it out (if I got in, it'd mean the system works :-))

[SC2PC]

Is it the same for regs, as in test, fitness test and interview in the same day?

[Detritus]

Is it the same for regs, as in test, fitness test and interview in the same day?

nope mate.
you do your a/c if you pass that then you are called for your fitness then medical both different days.
sadly cambs do not have a final interview anymore for regs

[MoPsta]

It's now Interview, Written Exercise and PIRT at the Cambs SC A/C, would you be able to edit your original post, just so people don't think they'll have to go for a run that day? Then there's two medicals separated by a fitness I believe.

[Detritus]

cheers for that..mind you observation is a good thing ( a 2005 post!) when they make their minds up I'll stick the upto date info up, mind you nothing wrong with a serving Cambs special posting correct info. again cheers for pointing out an old post.

[MoPsta]

Yeah it was just because it was pinned I thought people might think it's current. Are they thinking of changing it? ("when they make their minds up ")

[4217]

Cambs continue to recruit Special Constables... as per previous posts, but assessment centre now held at Monks Wood facility

[Harry Callahan]

Having completed (and passed) the Assessment Centre last Thursday I can confirm that the structure is currently:

 

Writing test - 20 minutes

 

Interview - 30 to 45 minutes

 

PIRT - 45 minutes (Approx)

 

They may not be in this order as interviews are being held continuously, that was just the order mine were in.

 

There wasn't much waiting around and you get your names called so that you know when you are going to be taken off for each part.

[timtim]

Well done for passing have you been given a date yet for your training? You'll love it. I do

[Harry Callahan]

Thanks! The next intake is in May but I have to get all of my vetting, medical and reference forms back by the 4th of March so this week is pretty hectic!

[alexd]

Thanks! The next intake is in May but I have to get all of my vetting, medical and reference forms back by the 4th of March so this week is pretty hectic!

 

Presumably starting the week after my lot attest? Good luck with the rest of the process!

[djben9]

I have my application for latest recruitment drive ready to send, now its been extended until June, getting back into shape so hopefully, all being well, i'll get through the selection process.....and start living my dream,,,,,hopefully

 

Any tips, advice for the various stages as mentioned above??

 

PM or email?

[Harry Callahan]

Offer letter and collar number came through today and training starts on the 22nd.

 

[alexd]

Offer letter and collar number came through today and training starts on the 22nd.

 

 

Congrats. You start a week after my lot attest. Rolling us through pretty quickly! 

[Harry Callahan]

Thought that I would edit and expand on my post to give a breakdown of both days and the final stages:

 

DAY 1: Written test, PIRT & Interview

 

Writing test - 20 minutes

 

Interview - 30 to 45 minutes

 

PIRT - 45 minutes (Approx)

 

They may not be in this order as interviews are being held continuously, that was just the order mine were in.

 

There wasn't much waiting around and you get your names called so that you know when you are going to be taken off for each part.

 

Following successful completion of Day 1 you will be asked to complete a medical questionnaire (Your GP may charge for this, mine was £35) and have an eye test (Again, you will have to pay for this, it is around £25)

 

Once your forms have been received and checked you will be invited back for Day 2. You will also have been asked to complete and submit your vetting forms by this stage.

 

DAY 2: Initial Medical & Fitness Tests

 

This is a two part day.

 

The fitness test comprises a 15 metre shuttle run or "bleep test" to a minimum of 5.4. You will be expected to continue until you can no longer keep up though. About 8 or 9 seemed to be the norm.

 

Push/Pull tests. This is to test your general upper body strength. You will need to achieve an average of 35kg over three attempts on each. 60 to 70kg seemed to be the norm here though.

 

You should be done in about an hour depending on the size of your group. Mine was about 10 so the run was done in two smaller groups.

 

The medical was straightforward.

 

You will be asked about any information that you have put on your questionnaire (if necessary) and be given a hearing test and very simple eyesight test.

 

This took about 30 mins but there may be some waiting around.

 

Second Medical - Meeting the Force Medical Advisor & Urine Test

 

Assuming that all was okay with the medical and fitness tests then you will be asked to attend to provide a urine specimen (drink plenty of water!) which will be tested on the spot. You will be told if it is a pass.

 

Finally you will have a brief meeting with the FMA who may carry out a few tests (reflex, breathing, etc) and subsequently pass you "Fit for duty"

 

 

Uniform Fitting, Fingerprints & Warrant Card Photo

 

Once all of the above have been completed then you will have to wait for your vetting and references to be completed.

 

When these are back and clear you will receive an email from recruitment asking you to book an appointment for a uniform fitting and you will be advised of your collar/shoulder number.

 

The uniform fitting takes about 1.5 hours and also includes you having your fingerprints taken for elimination purposes and your warrant card photograph. You will be in a "uniform" for this (white shirt, tie/cravat, trousers and blank epaulettes) that you will have been provided with by the stores.

Edited by markie888, 12 May 2013 - 04:34 PM.

[timtim]

Nice post there, markie888!

 

[omoplata]

Great post markie888.

 

It's useful to note on the bleep test that there is an initial warm-up to level 4 before running the "real" test. Easy for most people but one girl in my fitness test didn't make it up to 4

[alexd]

Good post. I hope you guys enjoy training. I passed my final assessment yesterday and attest on Wednesday. Getting a first shift planned right now, I'm rather excited. Hopefully meet some of you soon if I pop into training to assist

[Harry Callahan]

Great post markie888.

 

It's useful to note on the bleep test that there is an initial warm-up to level 4 before running the "real" test. Easy for most people but one girl in my fitness test didn't make it up to 4

We must have done our fitness tests on different days but I am starting on the 22nd as well, see you then. 

[tango2082]

Good post. I hope you guys enjoy training. I passed my final assessment yesterday and attest on Wednesday. Getting a first shift planned right now, I'm rather excited. Hopefully meet some of you soon if I pop into training to assist

Congrats

 

Where are you posted to?

[omoplata]

<blockquote class='ipsBlockquote'data-author="markie888" data-cid="2432076" data-time="1368456530"><p>
We must have done our fitness tests on different days but I am starting on the 22nd as well, see you then.  </p></blockquote>

Yes, there was only 1 other guy during our fitness test. See you on the 22nd I'll keep an eye out for you!

[alexd]

Congrats

 

Where are you posted to?

I'll give you a PM

[Spoony86]

After a bit of guidance, I passed my medical and fitness last week and had my meeting with the FMA today and he has said I am fit for duty and I passed the drug test.
How long does the vetting normally take?

[alexd]

How long is a piece of string is the usual answer! Mine came back in around 6 weeks I think. But it varies for everyone.