Under 18s Career Guide

You still have some time before you can apply - make use of it!

Each year 1000 to 1200 applications are received for around 150 to 200 vacancies - so you will need to be keen, well prepared and determined in order to be successful with Leicestershire Constabulary. The following notes are to give some guidance on what you can do to improve yourself as a candidate. Even if you change your mind about a career with the police, the time spent will not be wasted; you will have matured and developed as a person, and this will help you in whatever you eventually decide to follow.

Academic qualifications

Do not think that because there are no set educational qualifications for a police officer in Leicestershire Constabulary that you do not have to worry about academic work. You will need a good standard of English both written and oral. The ability to complete an academic course of study without giving up is important and evidence of this will be sought. During police officer training, you will learn about law and procedure. You will be given further training throughout your career. That does not mean that we are only seeking to employ highly qualified academic people.

Knowledge of the police officers job

It is very important that you take all possible steps to find out as much as you can about the day to day work of a police officer. The following notes are to give you some guidance on how you might go about this. Read the brochures available from Leicestershire Constabulary Recruiting Department or your Careers Office. Arrange to visit your local police station and see what goes on. You could also make an appointment with your local beat officer who will be able to advise you. Do not always rely on the fact that you have 'always wanted to be a police officer' to convince us that we should take you. You will need to show that you have made an informed decision, and have some knowledge of the job and the challenges it presents.

Maturity, common sense and knowledge of people

A police officer has to deal with people. You must enjoy working as part of a team and using your own initiative. If you are going to be a successful police officer you must be able to talk to all kinds of people and understand their problems. Maturity, by definition, can only come with age, but you can work at improving your knowledge and understanding, which will help you mature.

Work experience

The world of work is very different from that of your school or college and candidates may benefit from some work experience. You could do some voluntary work - for example helping the elderly, children or charitable organisations. Also weekend or holiday work will help you to gain experience. Take an interest in what is going on in the world around you. Read a good quality newspaper and discuss your views with parents or friends. The most successful candidates have at least some full-time work experience behind them.

Sports, hobbies and interests

Police training includes physical exercise and you have to pass a physical fitness test during the recruiting process, so keep up your sporting interests.

I am just 18 years - can I apply now?

You can do so if you wish - but before you do, ask yourself the following questions:

• Have I found out about what a police officer really does?
• Am I mature enough to cope with injured people, drunks, vulnerable people, dramatic and traumatic incidents?
• Have I a wide experience of life?

If you have doubts, then it would be wise to wait a little longer. It is far better to take your time now than be miserable or fail in a job for which you later find you are not prepared, when a couple of years further experience might have meant success. At 18 you can also consider joining the Special Constabulary to gain experience of what police work is about, without committing yourself to it as a career at that stage. Do not worry about submitting an application the minute you have reached the minimum age.

Where can I get further information?

If you would like to find out more information about a career please contact the Recruiting Department at:

Leicestershire Constabulary
St. Johns
Enderby
Leicester LE19 2BX

Tel: 101 extension 2657

This information can be downloaded in a booklet from our document library.