The training of a Student Police Officer is intensive and demanding, which is one reason we insist on high standards from our recruits.
Upon first joining, there is an extensive induction period concentrating on various administrative issues but also introducing new officers to diversity awareness, self-defence, conflict management and first aid.
After the induction training, there is two weeks of training in community issues, which includes each student being placed for one week in a community group. These currently include charities, social groups, housing associations and support groups.
After the first five weeks, the Student begins to learn some law. Classroom sessions, role plays and specialist training will teach new officers about key areas of legislation, statement taking, prisoner interviewing, case file preparation and numerous other areas. In addition, there are further sessions on personal safety, conflict management, diversity and customer focus.
After 18 weeks’ service new officers, subject to suitable progress to date, commence training with a team of officers working at either Bedford or Luton police station. Those officers work full time training new students in street skills. They will take the learning already given and show how it is applied in real situations, dealing with real life incidents, victims and prisoners. As this training progress, the student officer will start to deal with people and incidents while their trainer monitors them and assesses their progress. It is this trainer’s observation and assessment of the student that is documented and informs the decision as to whether the new officer is competent enough to be released to an operational division to work on their own.
Throughout the remainder of the student officer’s first two years there is constant monitoring, support and further training, all leading to the two year point where an officer is confirmed in the rank, ceases to become a student and becomes a fully qualified police officer.
As part of the two year qualification process, all officers undertake the National Diploma in policing, the completion of which is a requirement for confirmation. Dedicated assessors and support staff work hard to help this target to be achieved.
Who is eligible to apply
Interview and Selection Process
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