I want to join the UK Police force when i am older, but want the university experience first. Also, i think that a degree would give me something to fall back on if the Police force career didnt work out for me. I was thinking of doing a degree in crime deviance & society or something law related.
But, would a university degree be beneficial when joining the force, even though you dont need any qualifications? Would it be easier to climb the ranks and enter the promotion scheme what the police offer? etc.
I am 17 by the way, so will/maybe go to university next year.
2007-02-17 07:31:17 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
I have recently graduated from university and applied to join the police in november of my final year.
The police was always something i wanted to do since i was a child. I decided to go to uni, like yourself, to have something to fall back on just in case it didnt work out. I was also told by a police officer that before i applied, to make sure i had "life experience". What better way than to go to uni!
Personally i feel that a degree would be invaluable especially on the new IPLDP training that has been introduced. You will be able to manage your work load and apply yourself more to the work and learning involved due to university deadlines and coursework.
I can't comment on how your specific degree will help within the police environment, but what you have to remember is everyone starts off on the same rung of the ladder, those with degrees and those without... It is quite common to hear those with degrees trying to parade this over their colleagues without a degree and have been brought back down to earth by the tutors...
Someone mentioned the High Potential Development Scheme (HPDS). It is open to anyone at the start of the application process and to those who have scored over 75% in the Assessment centre... and for any police officer up to Chief Inspector. However, like all organisations the police service encourages applications from high calibre graduates who are likely to do well on the scheme. The HPDS is a quick way to achieve promotion, but a word of warning... long serving officers may not respect a newly promoted officer who has not had the experience or service under their belt... I for one have decided against applying for the HPDS until i have had a number of years service under my belt and have experience front line work.
The HPDS does not require any specific academic qualification as it focuses on individual skills and abilities, therefore if you have a degree is doesnt necessarily mean to say you will get a promotion...
2007-02-20 03:03:38 · answer #1 · answered by cruisingsquid 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
You could join under the HPD scheme (high potential development) this is open not only for people with degrees but also for someone with extreme promise, the degree will certainly help if you want to go high in the ranks. Also the more knowledge you have the more confident you will feel.
Also when you leave uni you can also study some distance learning other degrees/masters after your initial 2 year training. It helps keep your mind active.
Also don't listen to any of the *** when they say the HPD ones are not to be trusted, so long as you are fair with people and honest you'll be grand.
2007-02-18 09:58:45 · answer #2 · answered by Kelly D 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's good to have a degree to fall back on, however I can tell you now, an "officer" who has been promoted above others simply because they have more qualifications is ALWAYS mistrusted. I've yet to meet a fast qualified sergeant/inspector with an ounce of common sense or street ability, or any respect from the lower echelons.
Also, you will enjoy the job a LOT more if you start at the bottom and work your way up. The jobs are better, the social life is better and the team atmosphere is great. Constables and PCSO's are fighting to protect people. Inspectors are fighting to meet targets by making sure we fill in the tick boxes.
2007-02-18 01:42:47 · answer #3 · answered by badshotcop 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many degrees will be to your advantage (law and forensic science come to mind), but why not contact the police and ask them which would be most beneficial? Choose one that suits you and is allied to your A level results and use a little common sense to pick one that can also be used in other career paths that you may consider. Whatever you do, do not study a degree for the sake of a degree and think that it is an automatic selection criteria for a position in the commercial world.
You have my good wishes and I hope you make a wise choice.
2007-02-17 08:05:01 · answer #4 · answered by saexpat 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL just at the sniff of recruitment all the plods come out. For gods sake dont join the police. Get yourself a job where you know where you bloody stand because if you dont do a stint in uniform and blend in with a crowd its a cold place in the police. Joining the police force aint exactly gunning for a ms popularity award and as for hours, well if u do get snapped up by CID youll be an alcoholic in no time most of them are.
2007-02-18 08:32:51 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My niece has a degree (Geography/Psychology) and is in the UK police and is very committed to the job. A degree these days is very beneficial in any sphere. You will find that the top police commanders have done degree level courses or the equivalent at some point in their careers. Good luck.
2007-02-17 11:39:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I wouldn't worry too much about intelligence if you want a career in the Police. Lets face it, if the number of innocent people who have been shot is anything to go by intelligence isn't really a requirement is it? Find a more honourable profession. Something people will respect and trust you for.
2007-02-17 09:11:23 · answer #7 · answered by Robin H 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Definitely you could be a complete idiot practical but if you have a degree you will fly through the ranks.Try to join the Masons that's even better
2007-02-17 19:18:01 · answer #8 · answered by frankturk50 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
my daughter went to uni and spent three years doing a course that would help her become a physiotherapist. by the time she qualified she didnt want to pursue that career. she joined the met and found she really loved the job. she loved her time at uni and it gave her the time to think about what she really wanted to do. i think you should go to uni and enjoy the experience. it wont help you get into the force but it will show them you can commit yourself to something and see it through to the end. it will give you the insight and confidence they are looking for in their officers.
2007-02-17 10:42:37 · answer #9 · answered by patsy 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
it will be a waste of a degree if u join the police force, how many police officers have you come across that appear to be educated
2007-02-17 11:16:47 · answer #10 · answered by pam28 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋