There’s never been a better time to join the police force, with the government continuing their recruitment drive of 20,000 additional officers on the streets of Britain. For those looking to get into the force and begin supporting their community, the route in can look daunting. But in fact, there are numerous opportunities to learn about policing and its role within the wider criminal justice system, giving you multiple routes to access this amazing career opportunity.
Here we look at the reasons for joining the police force and how you can help your career progression before even starting the job!
Why should you join the police?
Joining the police is a rewarding experience for those who want to make a difference in their community. Police officers help to reduce crime and reassure communities, making your area a safer and better place to live.
The job is extremely desirable, with both professional and personal benefits to take advantage of. Learning and training throughout your career and prior to the application process will help you immensely in your future endeavours.
Other benefits include a competitive salary, with police constables able to earn up to £40,000. The pension scheme is also incredibly generous, offering you the chance to retire at 60. The maternity and paternity leave policies are also praised for their generosity.
Local police forces are forces for change―supporting people of all ethnic backgrounds, faiths, and abilities. With a range of schemes to encourage people from all backgrounds to join the police force, as an organisation, inclusivity is a core principle.
Studying law, policing, and protective services
A level three qualification— A levels, National Diplomas, National Certificates, Level 3 NVQs, and City & Guilds—is the minimum required to join most police forces. The forces are largely supportive of new recruits, but entry requirements may differ between regional forces and you should always check before applying.
If you don’t have the required qualifications, gaining them couldn’t be easier as education centres give everyone the chance to enhance their CVs. Newcastle College has various courses that can help them on the next step to a career in policing, with partnerships with local police services, legal organisations, and local community projects.
Their Level 3 NCFE Extended Diploma in Policing course teaches students about UK law and its application, while delving into the history of policing, diversity, inclusion and the wider legal system. As the sixth largest force in England and Wales, Northumbria Police support the college by providing work experience, guest lectures and activities. The college provides learners with a personal progression plan focused on policing careers in an attempt to maximise employment opportunities.
The support of these guest lectures means students develop a better understanding of how the service operates, while they gain first-hand, on the beat experience of how police forces contribute to their communities.
Over the two-year course, students attain a Level 3 NCFE Certificate in Policing and a Level 3 NCFE Diploma in Policing, which will qualify them to join the police.
Higher education can take you all the way
There are even more opportunities in the police force for candidates that hold a degree level qualification. One graduate scheme allows exceptional candidates to work in challenging or deprived areas for two years after a short and intensive training period. The benefits are great―with a basic starting salary of up to £30,369. Some forces may even offer additional allowances.
Newcastle College also offers students the opportunity to progress their career before it begins through two degree-study programmes which are licensed by the College of Policing.
One option includes a Criminal Justice Studies BA (Hons) top-up degree, for students who have completed a level 5 qualification in a relevant topic. The one-year course allows students to undertake experiences and opportunities in the public sector, helping them to understanding how a police constable works in different roles within the wider criminal justice system.
There is also the option to study Professional Policing BSc (Hons). The three-year course offers a unique insight into the role of police within society, while exploring the challenges that the police force face on a day to day basis.
The college works with the Erasmus Programme every year to offer field trips to students. Students from the college have visited locations including Italy and Malta alongside public service members to gain an understanding of community policing abroad.
For those looking for a direct route into policing, apprenticeship opportunities allow you to train while you work. Apprenticeship offer you hands on work with a salary. You can join at 16 and utilise most of the benefits that all police officers receive including holiday leave, a pension, and discounts from a Blue Light card. Apprenticeships in policing ensure that your development is supported by professionals in your chosen field, with mentors guiding you on the best route for your career progression.
Policing is foremost about community. We all want to ensure that our local areas are safe and happy areas to live, work, and enjoy. The opportunity to access a career where you can help people live in sustainable and improving environments is at your feet, with many opportunities to begin learning and kickstart your future. It’s about giving back to the world that has given you this opportunity, and you could inspire the next generation into promoting a safer Britain.
Sources
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/job-profiles/police-officer
https://www.joiningthepolice.co.uk/why-join
About the Creator
Amy Mercer
Artist & Content Strategist
Comments
There are no comments for this story
Be the first to respond and start the conversation.