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A little back story first.

I graduated from Uni 5 years ago with a degree in Forensics, but I struggled academically and came out with a low degree (for various reasons: just wasn't ready for Uni, didn't cope well with the shift from structured learning to independent learning, the course was too academic for me and I'd have been suited to something more vocational and hands on etc), so I struggled to build a career in Forensics and drifted into manufacturing and warehousing, and I've been a Forklift driver for the last couple of years.

But I've always hated that sort of work, and then in June this year I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (diagnosed as high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UK) which explained a lot including my struggle to adapt to Uni. So I made a mid-year resolution to give my original dream another shot and try to pursue a career with the Police, but this time aiming for actual Police roles rather than Forensics: Police Constable, Police Community Support Officer, Special Constable etc.

Does anyone on Dakka (especially people with experience in Policing) have any tips on how to prepare for and pursue a career in Policing?



Things I'm already doing:

Studying:
I'm studying a Mental Health Awareness course, and there are lots of free online courses with the Open University I can do.
I've also got the Blackstones Policing Students 2018 Guide book.

Volunteering with the Police
I submitted an application to volunteer with my local Police force this week, just waiting for a response from the Inspector.

Considering careers with the Armed Forces:
I've made an appointment with an Armed Forces careers advisor to learn about roles with the RAF Police.

Improving my fitness:
I've been running alone several times a week since April, then joined my local running club a month ago. I'm running about 9 miles a week and slowly increasing it.
I might also join a gym.

Karate and Jiu Jitsu:
I've been practicing Karate for 2 years ever since I decided to learn self-defence after an experience with bullying in the workplace years ago (I was threatened). I'm now a 5th Kyu Blue Belt (nearly halfway to Black Belt) and because the club is short staffed on instructors they've been relying on me to help teach and supervise the beginner students. So I've been taking on some responsibilities lately.
I also began practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 2 months ago.



Things I'm considering:

Horse riding
I recently began dating someone and for our third date she's invited me to come Horse riding with her. (For our second date she came to my Karate Dojo). Could be a handy skill one day if I ever want to be a Mounted Police Officer.

Volunteering with social charities
I know someone who works with Age UK, and they're crying out for volunteers for their befriending services with elderly people. Could be a good way of getting out and about in the community. I also know someone else with works with a mental health charity, and she was the one who persuaded me to study the mental health course, and consider working for her charity as a low level outreach/support worker.



Things that aren't really relevant but I'll mention anyway.

Archery
I'm beginning a beginner's Archery course this week. Not directly relevant but its part of my move to reinvent myself and start pursuing more sports and activities that get me out and socialising a lot more.

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:
Considering careers with the Armed Forces:
I've made an appointment with an Armed Forces careers advisor to learn about roles with the RAF Police.

Can't talk too much about police, my older brother tried decades ago and was turned away as his character simply didn't fit what they are after. I've a cousin who's rather successful in the cops, but haven't spoken in years.
The RAF on the other hand, if you'd like to PM for more info I'd happily help out.

Sure, that'd be a big help thanks.

Two things I can tell you from my own experience in a law enforcement agency (I'm not actual law enforcement myself, just support staff)
1. Customer service skills are important. You'll be dealing with the pubic, often when they're at their worst, and you'll have to be ready to handle it professionally.
2. Know the policy. Know your policies and regulations backwards and forwards. Never assume what someone else tells you is correct, because you alone are responsible if you fail to follow written policy.

 Henry wrote:

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:
Considering careers with the Armed Forces:
I've made an appointment with an Armed Forces careers advisor to learn about roles with the RAF Police.

Can't talk too much about police, my older brother tried decades ago and was turned away as his character simply didn't fit what they are after. I've a cousin who's rather successful in the cops, but haven't spoken in years.
The RAF on the other hand, if you'd like to PM for more info I'd happily help out.

I sent you a PM.

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:
A little back story first.

I graduated from Uni 5 years ago with a degree in Forensics, but I struggled academically and came out with a low degree (for various reasons: just wasn't ready for Uni, didn't cope well with the shift from structured learning to independent learning, the course was too academic for me and I'd have been suited to something more vocational and hands on etc), so I struggled to build a career in Forensics and drifted into manufacturing and warehousing, and I've been a Forklift driver for the last couple of years.

But I've always hated that sort of work, and then in June this year I was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (diagnosed as high functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder in the UK) which explained a lot including my struggle to adapt to Uni. So I made a mid-year resolution to give my original dream another shot and try to pursue a career with the Police, but this time aiming for actual Police roles rather than Forensics: Police Constable, Police Community Support Officer, Special Constable etc.

Does anyone on Dakka (especially people with experience in Policing) have any tips on how to prepare for and pursue a career in Policing?

What does the admission exam looks like? If it's anything like here expect a lot of law, a psychometric test and a physical. That's the first barrier and the one that probably weeds out the most.

I you have struggled in the past with structuring your own time I'm sure there are especialised centers and tutors/coaches who will help you preparing for the exam (won't be cheap though). Check future dates for the exam, make a roadmap and consider this your full-time job. If you need your current job make a good assessment and take as much study time as possible.

I've known and worked with a lot of cops in the states but I have no idea how similar the hiring processes are in the UK. In the states you have to be certified by a state board which almost always includes completing an academy. You can either put yourself through one or your agency will put you through theirs if you are hired. There are a number of tests and examinations, including fairly in depth character interviews and a polygraph test.

In terms of preparation, your time will most likely be best spent on physical fitness and researching the policies of the department or agency you plan to apply to. Most departments will have a policy book which you should be able to obtain upon request.

First, there is a big difference between being a police officer and a PCSO. Huge difference, massive. Don't to be shoehorned into a PCSO role if it's touted as a stepping stone to full police status, it is not, it's a dead end in most circumstances. Police seniors are loath to convert low cost PCSO's into more expensive police officers, even if the savings are illusory, and being a PCSO is like being a special constable you are off the promotions ladder which is competitive enough, so nobody on the inside will bust a gut to help you move on. Known one decent competent PCSO who have been caught in a career loop for 12 years, joined as a working mum, but promotion out to police constable never came even though she is good at her job.

Note here a recurring theme about UK civic employment, competence is no guarantee of success, it can be counterproductive, people like to keep notably competent people where they are, as underlings making their (boss) job easier and also not becoming a rising star and thus a promotion rival. This BS is rife in the civil service, if you want to stand out it is in your loyalty to the service and a bit of bravery, not in outshining your peers.

Second, where do you want to join, different police services have different reps and standards. For instance expect big differences between the Met and City of London police. f you live in London the latter is likely also a better option, more contained and generally easier.

As for services police don't just limit yourself to RAF, there will be more opportunities in army police anyway. Either of those is a shorter step away from counter-terrorism if you want to go down that route.

In any case police will open up avenues for gun training, for civilian police this will be optional. However the UK has strict laws now on gun handling if you have ANY form of mental health condition. Lines are blurred for those in service though sometimes, so you will be handled on a case by case basis.

A handicap will not prohibit service though, The police are equal opportunity employers, and if your condition limits you from any form of service it cannot be used as a limiter on your career. Some officers dont do street work for cultural reasons, yet cannot be discriminated against in comparison to those who put time on a beat.

Also location is important, more and more police stations are being closed or used as outposts only. The police is being very centralised to cover urban areas, so rural policing is thin. Expect to be heavily overworked as a rural cop if that is your thing. Also note that by and large police officers don't police the community they live in for obvious reasons. So expect a lot of commuting even without the mass call ins of police for security events and football matches etc.

I’m not in the police, but I know a couple of people who are (two civilian staff and one officer) and I did a lot of research in to volunteering for the specials and was close to doing it until my son was born (now I have no time).

Two options to consider that most people don’t:

Civil Nuclear Constabulary. Guarding the uk’s nuclear sites. All firearms officers, so their bar for entry is high, but the pay is better (I’m not going to say good) and no community policing, which may be a good thing or not, and the fitness and training demands are higher than your average, less running after crims and no Friday night in town or policing the local Darby, but lots of standing on guard. Swings and roundabouts and different to your local force.

British Transport Police. Different again. Very short on numbers, small budgets, and free rail travel. Available in most areas as an alternative to your local force.

As said, some forces will try and tell you jointing the PCSOs and specials is a way in to the police. Ignore it. They both do very important and valuable work, and the specials have exactly the same duties and powers other officers, but they are not a way in, they are a volunteer force. Seeing them as a way in is both exploitative of those who believe that and insulting to the PCSOs and specials who want do it as volunteers.

 Orlanth wrote:
In any case police will open up avenues for gun training, for civilian police this will be optional. However the UK has strict laws now on gun handling if you have ANY form of mental health condition. Lines are blurred for those in service though sometimes, so you will be handled on a case by case basis.

Autism is not a mental health condition (though many people on the spectrum do suffer from mental health issues relating to their difficulties with Autism) . Its a development disorder, a little bit like a learning disability. The RAF medical disqualifications document (on the recruitment website) states that ASD is considered on a case by case basis (this has actually changed recently, a year ago it was an automatic disqualification).

I don't have any mental health disorders currently diagnosed, though I have been seeing a mental health support worker, but only because her charity overlaps with Autism and they also help support people on the spectrum. Really so far she's just been there as someone for me to confide in, as I didn't feel comfortable confiding in my family. Talking to a stranger helped, and has helped make massive improvements in my confidence according to my family.

For US departments they tend to do a very in depth background check, it's ok if there's things in your background that might not appear good on the surface so long as you are upfront and truthful about any legal misdeeds in the past. They also ran a polygraph test with the department I worked for. If you get caught in a lie or are shown as withholding information it's instant disqualification. But depending on the circumstances they might be willing to overlook black marks in the past based on how relevant they are to your current situation and what role you'll be doing within the department. I had a squeaky clean record and scored a perfect on the entrance exam they thought that I was omitting information and somehow "looked too good" to be possible, but being raised in a military family, being a black belt in karate and an actual eagle scout (and not just a boyscout) I am that stereotype do-gooder super achiever who had the helping other people as my primary motive which they hear a lot from applicants but usually as they determine by interviewing you and close associates that most people have other more realistic worldly motives like money, family history, or wanting a badge for ego etc. Mind you that none of that is wrong, just be upfront about what actual reason you have to want to be a cop.

One of my friends had a past history with drugs and while it'd seem that would disqualify him from service he had in fact cleaned up his life in the years since highschool and it actually helped him land his job as he gave a full accounting of what he had been involved in and they thought that the experiences would be of benefit with their vice and gang units. That's not something I would have done well in, being too straight edge I would stick out like a sore thumb in undercover vice work. Now I wouldn't expect for that to be a preferred avenue to pursue in order to get hired but it shows that a checkered past isn't something that automatically results in rejection, but lying about that past will get you booted since they can and will find out anything in your background.

They want to know that your finances and personal life are in order, they know from experience that new officers under heavy financial stresses are usually the quickest ones to go bad and end up on the take as they owe money or favors to people and bend their police authority to help leverage those debts.

Also being a local to your district is a huge help, it helps maintain and foster a bridge of trust between the police and the locals when you are one of them. Many departments will require that you live locally once hired. Being involved with any community outreach or volunteer projects is also a huge positive boost for your resume, that part about me being an eagle scout helped me land my job and I was up against 730 other applicants. If you are in a metro area there's a ton of people applying so prepare to do it several times and it helps when you show then that you have a reason to stand out and that you are a good fit for the community. Get to know some local cops and see if you can do a couple ride along patrols, that will help you decide if it's the job and more importantly the lifestyle for you as it's not a job that ever turns off at the end of the day.

If you are in an urban or poor area you have to deal with some heartbreaking stuff and even if you have a heart of gold it wears at you very heavy on a daily basis. Drugs, alcohol and the cess pool they create turn people into debased creatures that are less than animals and it's a very dark thing to see. Most people are just trying to do good in their lives but once addiction steps in they really don't have any control, you'll spend so many nights and weekends dealing with the same broken people all from stuff having to do with drugs, booze, or domestic violence. That's where I burned out and eventually quit, had I been in a quieter more subdued community I think it would have been great but I worked in Chicago metro and it was pretty rough, you work really hard for that pay and it becomes your life as you're never free of work. You won't see it at first but it has a huge impact on your family as well.

I didn’t see you were on the spectrum. I have no idea how it effects you, but the think carefully about what you are good at and bad at. My wife is ASD and I could see that she would see public order policing as hell. All the noise and people and sensory input would cause a meltdown. CNP might be worth looking in to if that’s the case.

 Steve steveson wrote:
I didn’t see you were on the spectrum. I have no idea how it effects you, but the think carefully about what you are good at and bad at. My wife is ASD and I could see that she would see public order policing as hell. All the noise and people and sensory input would cause a meltdown. CNP might be worth looking in to if that’s the case.

I don't have severe issues with sensory overload, not like my Uncle does,who cannot work in certain parts of his Tescos store because the lights cause him pain and sensory overload. I don't really get it that bad, not to the point of physical pain and meltdowns like some people do. I certainly notice when a light is flickering though, or I can hear electric buzzing in the air, pick out individual sounds from a long distance. etc.

My problems are more with social skills and confidence, which I'm working on. I'm the sort of person who tends to sit awkwardly in silence at a party or dinner until someone engages me in a conversation. And I don't like crowds, but I don't have a phobia or meltdowns because of it.

I'm under no illusions, I know its a disadvantage and its not going to be easy at all. Its a pretty ambitious goal to aim for.

But I figure even if I don't manage to achieve my goal (RAF Police / Civilian Police), then I'll still have picked up a lot of useful skills along the way like volunteering, martial arts, fitness, mental health qualifications etc.




Automatically Appended Next Post:

 paulson games wrote:
...but being raised in a military family...

Military service has actually been a tradition in my [extended] family. I have 2 great grand-fathers, 2 grandfathers, and 2 uncles who all served in the armed forces at various points in the last century. But it was all before my time, before I was born or when I was too young to remember, and neither of my parents served.

I would be the first person in my generation to serve, actually.

They want to know that your finances and personal life are in order, they know from experience that new officers under heavy financial stresses are usually the quickest ones to go bad and end up on the take as they owe money or favors to people and bend their police authority to help leverage those debts.

I have a student loan but thats it, my car loan is paid off, I have no credit card debts (and no credit cards period), I still live with my parents, I have several thousand pounds in savings. Money is not an issue, besides the fact that I don't have enough to be independent.

One of my friends had a past history with drugs and while it'd seem that would disqualify him from service...

I've never taken drugs, never smoked, and I very rarely drink. I went 2 years without drinking until a night out with work colleagues this year.


Thankyou, thats a lot to think about.

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:

 Orlanth wrote:
In any case police will open up avenues for gun training, for civilian police this will be optional. However the UK has strict laws now on gun handling if you have ANY form of mental health condition. Lines are blurred for those in service though sometimes, so you will be handled on a case by case basis.

Autism is not a mental health condition (though many people on the spectrum do suffer from mental health issues relating to their difficulties with Autism) . Its a development disorder, a little bit like a learning disability. The RAF medical disqualifications document (on the recruitment website) states that ASD is considered on a case by case basis (this has actually changed recently, a year ago it was an automatic disqualification).

I don't have any mental health disorders currently diagnosed, though I have been seeing a mental health support worker, but only because her charity overlaps with Autism and they also help support people on the spectrum. Really so far she's just been there as someone for me to confide in, as I didn't feel comfortable confiding in my family. Talking to a stranger helped, and has helped make massive improvements in my confidence according to my family.

You mentioned Aspergers though, which is on the spectrum. It still may or may not be relevant. Were you to try and get a civic firearms certificate you might get a mandatory fail. I did say it would be taken case by case basis for fitness of public service, and your advice from RAF careers mirrors this. It's not an issue you can entirely ignore though and I don't know if you can appeal if the assessors turn you down.

It is good to see that the stance is loosening on disqualification, though staff retention and recruiting difficulties have a lot to do with that. The current legislation is very knee-jerk though and not evenly applied.

Broadly speaking aspergers and autism in very recent times had more come under the branding of "neurodiversity" rather than, say, mental health or the like. Something a bit more akin to dyslexia or dyspraxia. This is particularly true for public sector places who at often times feel that they're the only ones that actually try to accommodate the spirit of advice, laws etc rather than the bare minimum that the private sector does.

You do need a pretty strong set of social skills as you deal with people all day long and a lot of it is in a somewhat negative fashion, even if it's something simple like issuing a parking or speeding ticket you'll be the focus of their anger even if they are in the wrong and you're just doing your job. That can be stressful as you try not to take it personally but over time it tends to seep in and impact your mood in subtle ways.

If you have any sort of difficulty with managing anger the job will make it a hundred times worse. While the average person might be upset they keep within a degree of civility, it's the drunks and outright feth-bags that take it to the extreme and push those buttons unbelievably and if you are doing the job by the book like you are supposed to it means suppressing a lot of frustration and that tends to surface in other areas, usually at home or with family which is why almost every career cop I know is divorced or there's issues with drinking and spousal abuse etc. It's not that they are bad people but the job places a lot of stress on them and it has to come out somewhere so finding a healthy outlet for that pent up anger is crucial and not everybody knows how to do that. I've had times where I was involved with verbal or very minor physical fights that literally leave you shaking from adrenaline afterwards, even if there was no physical harm in the altercation that type of up and down takes it's toll. (you can also become a bit of an action junkie due to it) I recently had a heart attack at 42, I don't smoke or drink and overall fitness & health has been good but the work stress is what almost did me in.

On the job physical injury is a very real thing, while you're not as likely to get shot in the UK you can get stabbed or beaten fatally, broken bones and torn muscles just from wrestling with somebody or chasing them on foot. My partner shattered both his leg and wrist when he slipped and fell down a wet concrete embankment while chasing after somebody, it required multiple pins to repair and he had to switch to permanent desk detail if he wanted to keep his job. Another one of our officers was hit by a passing car and killed while standing in the road issuing a ticket, the passing driver had been blinded by the flashing squad lights and drifted too far into the lane. I was fortunate and avoided major injuries but I've had plenty of falls while running on ice and wet pavement lots of sprains and a dislocated shoulder.

There's a certain type of personality for police work and that's hard to make the call if you make the grade until you try it which is why I'd suggest seeing if you can do several ride alongs, or work as a volunteer community officer first. the good majority of the work can be incredibly boring and there's tons of paperwork but there's also very extreme moments of intensity involved and swinging between the two opposites is hard. Even if you find that the fire of the beat cop doesn't burn in you there's a lot of support positions beyond being a patrol officer, (forensics, jail security, etc) that don't involve as many of the stresses. Since leaving I've worked security at some night clubs which often generates some of that same rush but it's far easier to unwind from afterwards and it doesn't tend to totally eclipse everything else in your life.

 Orlanth wrote:

Spoiler:

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:

 Orlanth wrote:
In any case police will open up avenues for gun training, for civilian police this will be optional. However the UK has strict laws now on gun handling if you have ANY form of mental health condition. Lines are blurred for those in service though sometimes, so you will be handled on a case by case basis.

Autism is not a mental health condition (though many people on the spectrum do suffer from mental health issues relating to their difficulties with Autism) . Its a development disorder, a little bit like a learning disability. The RAF medical disqualifications document (on the recruitment website) states that ASD is considered on a case by case basis (this has actually changed recently, a year ago it was an automatic disqualification).

I don't have any mental health disorders currently diagnosed, though I have been seeing a mental health support worker, but only because her charity overlaps with Autism and they also help support people on the spectrum. Really so far she's just been there as someone for me to confide in, as I didn't feel comfortable confiding in my family. Talking to a stranger helped, and has helped make massive improvements in my confidence according to my family.

You mentioned Aspergers though, which is on the spectrum. It still may or may not be relevant. Were you to try and get a civic firearms certificate you might get a mandatory fail. I did say it would be taken case by case basis for fitness of public service, and your advice from RAF careers mirrors this. It's not an issue you can entirely ignore though and I don't know if you can appeal if the assessors turn you down.

It is good to see that the stance is loosening on disqualification, though staff retention and recruiting difficulties have a lot to do with that. The current legislation is very knee-jerk though and not evenly applied.

Aspergers is the American term. It no longer exists as a diagnosis in the UK as I understand it, its all just Autism Spectrum Disorder with varying degrees of how high or low functioning a person is. Apparently I'm high functioning (even more so than my Uncle who requires certain allowances and accommodations from his employer) and no special requirements for me have been identified yet.

Like I said, I know its a potential barrier but its still worth a try.

I'll see what the careers advisor says next Tuesday.


Automatically Appended Next Post:

 paulson games wrote:
There's a certain type of personality for police work and that's hard to make the call if you make the grade until you try it which is why I'd suggest seeing if you can do several ride alongs, or work as a volunteer community officer first. the good majority of the work can be incredibly boring and there's tons of paperwork but there's also very extreme moments of intensity involved and swinging between the two opposites is hard. Even if you find that the fire of the beat cop doesn't burn in you there's a lot of support positions beyond being a patrol officer, (forensics, jail security, etc) that don't involve as many of the stresses. Since leaving I've worked security at some night clubs which often generates some of that same rush but it's far easier to unwind from afterwards and it doesn't tend to totally eclipse everything else in your life.

Yeah, I'll see what my local Inspector says. I submitted a volunteering application on Monday, just waiting to hear back from the Inspector.

I also submitted a last minute application for a data entry job with the Police today.




Automatically Appended Next Post:

 Compel wrote:
Broadly speaking aspergers and autism in very recent times had more come under the branding of "neurodiversity" rather than, say, mental health or the like. Something a bit more akin to dyslexia or dyspraxia. This is particularly true for public sector places who at often times feel that they're the only ones that actually try to accommodate the spirit of advice, laws etc rather than the bare minimum that the private sector does.

Autism is categorically not a mental disorder. Its a neuro-development disorder, something entirely different.

However, many people on the spectrum also suffer mental disorders such as depression which relate to or stem from their difficulties with Autism, so its a valid concern.

I would take a long hard honest look at why I wanted to be a law enforcement officer.
Not a public airing of motivations, but rather a private introspective examination.

I can't offer much advice on what to do to become a police officer but I can wish you the best of luck in pursuing it and I really hope you get it.

My uncle is a Chief super and his son has Aspergers. If you have any specific questions related to that, by all means send me a PM and I'll ask.

cheers

 Shadow Captain Edithae wrote:

Horse riding
I recently began dating someone and for our third date she's invited me to come Horse riding with her. (For our second date she came to my Karate Dojo). Could be a handy skill one day if I ever want to be a Mounted Police Officer.

Volunteering with social charities
I know someone who works with Age UK, and they're crying out for volunteers for their befriending services with elderly people. Could be a good way of getting out and about in the community. I also know someone else with works with a mental health charity, and she was the one who persuaded me to study the mental health course, and consider working for her charity as a low level outreach/support worker.

I'm not involved with the police but two observations:

1) Remember that mounted divisions of the police tend to only get used for riots/civil disorder/sports events etc.... Ergo whilst not always violent situations its situations which have the potential to be so. So its front-line-stuff. That said I did read that Scotland (I think or another northern police force) are looking to put some of their mounted division out on the roads in rural areas as plain clothes mounted police to try and help rural highway policing with regard to safe passing of horses and the like.
It's more likely if you took up riding, that it would generally help more so with your level of physical fitness.

2) Volunteering with the right groups can be a way to gain certifications/skills which can be taken over into work. Each sector is different (mine is through conversation) as is, often, each site within a sector. Some will simply use volunteers as cheap low skill labour; others will be more willing to promote higher level work and even invest (or at least make available) in training which can lead toward formal recognised qualifications; or at the very least core skills.
Considering that you've done a bulk of work in warehousing some voluntary work with the public might well help you a lot in both personal confidence and experience dealing with the public and also in applications for roles which are going to be very heavy on dealing with the public.
Note that you sometimes have to learn to put yourself forward which can take time to learn. You want to be seen and known to be keen to work and help out; that is far more likely to get people taking you seriously and has greater chance of putting more opportunities your way.

Yeah the horse riding was a joke.

I have no police experience, but military and spent years in the reserves with many of my fellow reservists as police officers, sheriff, marshals, highway patrol, etc.

I just thought I would throw out there other agencies that have police departments that some people do not think of, yet can still carry guns, etc. Not sure how many apply to GB, but here it goes:

- Airports
- Universities/Colleges
- Small town municipalities
- Court system

Good luck!!

 MDSW wrote:
I have no police experience, but military and spent years in the reserves with many of my fellow reservists as police officers, sheriff, marshals, highway patrol, etc.

I just thought I would throw out there other agencies that have police departments that some people do not think of, yet can still carry guns, etc. Not sure how many apply to GB, but here it goes:

- Airports
- Universities/Colleges
- Small town municipalities
- Court system

Good luck!!

Not sure why the gun thing came up, but whilst some of our airports have armed police and some high courts do, too, ordinary cops don't and no non-police security folks - universities and colleges barely have security, in the first place.

Contact your local police force to find out their HR and career advice.

It can't be bad to have done a degree in Forensics, even if your final class wasn't tip-top. Just don't declare it on your application.

Physical fitness is a plus.

Good luck!

nfe wrote:

 MDSW wrote:
I have no police experience, but military and spent years in the reserves with many of my fellow reservists as police officers, sheriff, marshals, highway patrol, etc.

I just thought I would throw out there other agencies that have police departments that some people do not think of, yet can still carry guns, etc. Not sure how many apply to GB, but here it goes:

- Airports
- Universities/Colleges
- Small town municipalities
- Court system

Good luck!!

Not sure why the gun thing came up, but whilst some of our airports have armed police and some high courts do, too, ordinary cops don't and no non-police security folks - universities and colleges barely have security, in the first place.

Only in America, I guess!! Our university and campus police are armed...

edit

 Stevefamine wrote:

- Have training with fire arms before signing up, this deters them from taking you seriously if you have no military/experience. It will be brought up frequently.

Not in the UK it won't.
Turn up to a police interview in the UK and tell them they should hire you because you have experience with firearms and they'll throw you out immediately.

(Not that firearm experience will prevent them from hiring you, but you definitely shouldn't use it a reason why they should hire you - that's career suicide!)

 Henry wrote:

 Stevefamine wrote:

- Have training with fire arms before signing up, this deters them from taking you seriously if you have no military/experience. It will be brought up frequently.

Not in the UK it won't.
Turn up to a police interview in the UK and tell them they should hire you because you have experience with firearms and they'll throw you out immediately.

(Not that firearm experience will prevent them from hiring you, but you definitely shouldn't use it a reason why they should hire you - that's career suicide!)

I'm unfamiliar with how the UK's law enforcement works - sorry about that

I college buddy of mine applied and the call he received back involved back to back questions of "Wait so you've never seen a gun fire" "can you allocate X amount more hours at the range and log it for us" "when are you planning on buying a pistol or long gun for home defense"