Recruitment 2017

Goonerdee

Well. How many of the regulars or lurkers are now waiting for a new campaign to start? I unfortunately failed the PCA stage and I'm now back in limbo land.

The JoinPSNI page initially said recruitment would be early September, but now says early next year.

Tackleberry1

Im in the waiting room for the 1509 but i would still be applying in the next campaign also just incase..

mkelly123

Goonerdee wrote: »

Well. How many of the regulars or lurkers are now waiting for a new campaign to start? I unfortunately failed the PCA stage and I'm now back in limbo land.

The JoinPSNI page initially said recruitment would be early September, but now says early next year.

Did you fail in the 1509 campaign? I thought you get a second attempt after training? Sorry to here bdw.

In waiting room for the 1509 campaign at the minute

Homer01

Where does the time go? Onto our fourth campaign already

I'm doing my PCA soon but I'll still be applying. Sure what else would we be doing

Timetravel

Here we go again, maybe there'll be a bit more of a buzz on here now

Homer01

Goonerdee wrote: »

Well. How many of the regulars or lurkers are now waiting for a new campaign to start? I unfortunately failed the PCA stage and I'm now back in limbo land.

The JoinPSNI page initially said recruitment would be early September, but now says early next year.

Just reread this. When did it change from September to the new year? Does it mean they'll be exhausting current merit lists?

I sense a few FOI's heading their way lol.

Goonerdee

Yep, up until a couple of days ago it said September, then I checked yesterday and it had changed. Part gutted, part pleased. I have a massive amount to do before any future PCAs if I get that far.

blueboat

Goonerdee how far were you off the pass mark for PCA? How challenging did you find it?

Sydnor87

I was under the impression you got a second chance at your PCA.

I know a couple of guys from the last campaign who failed it and then passed at the second attempt.

Goonerdee

Over the time. Both times. Climbing slowed me down.

blueboat

sorry to hear that buddy, the experience can only serve you well for the next time.

Johannes_Cabal

I'll be applying again, with recruitment being as unpredictable as it is, I'd rather have a back up if 1509 goes belly up for one reason or another.

mkelly123

Just seen the ch

Goonerdee wrote: »

Yep, up until a couple of days ago it said September, then I checked yesterday and it had changed. Part gutted, part pleased. I have a massive amount to do before any future PCAs if I get that far.

Just seen that, seems strange.. wonder what there reason would be for postponing it for at least 6 months?

Unless they want to ensure 1509 merit list is fully exhausted

D4z

If I haven't received my call by this new campaign opening, then I'll stick in an application just to be sure.

although I'm really hoping calls go out within the next few weeks.

Goonerdee

Here's hoping everyone on 1509 still in gets a spot in hotel GV. Everyone deserves to be there who get that far.

MrBlack93

Bit disappointed to hear that it's been pushed back, although it does offer more hope to them reaching my barely scraped past AC score from this campaign. Determined to score higher in the next campaign

Timetravel

MrBlack93 wrote: »

Bit disappointed to hear that it's been pushed back, although it does offer more hope to them reaching my barely scraped past AC score from this campaign. Determined to score higher in the next campaign

I was thinking the exact same thing, my scores low too

shanevendrell

50/50 better not be coming back.

http://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/psni-orders-investigation-into-low-number-of-catholic-recruits-35023903.html

Homer01

Something needs done. Not sure 50/50 is necessarily the way to go though.

blueboat

At the end of the day a police force needs to be representative of the community it is serving, like homer said change is needed. What it is, i'm not sure, people who are paid more money than me will have to make that decision.

D4z

I completely disagree with the 50/50 process. I don't believe religion should have anything to do with the recruitment process, I actually hate having to put my religion down on an application form as it honestly makes no difference to who I am.

Being scored on your merit is exactly how it should be.

Razor3677

D4z wrote: »

I completely disagree with the 50/50 process. I don't believe religion should have anything to do with the recruitment process, I actually hate having to put my religion down on an application form as it honestly makes no difference to who I am.

Being scored on your merit is exactly how it should be.

I completely agree, if I was to be ruled out of a job based on merit, I would accept it knowing the correct decision was fairly made however if I was ruled out of a job based on religion I would be fuming as it does not define who I am and would not affect my role in the job, sadly all they want is to meet the numbers and make them "look good"

Homer01

So what can they do to encourage more women and Catholics to sign up?

I also think the concept of 50/50 is not a great idea. All based on an arbitrary label of Catholic or Protestant.

Realistically what is 'stopping' the minorities from applying? Fear of community reprisals, reputation within the PSNI (perceived, historical or otherwise)?

D4z

Homer01 wrote: »

So what can they do to encourage more women and Catholics to sign up?

I also think the concept of 50/50 is not a great idea. All based on an arbitrary label of Catholic or Protestant.

Realistically what is 'stopping' the minorities from applying? Fear of community reprisals, reputation within the PSNI (perceived, historical or otherwise)?

I believe it is a mixture of everything. Personally I know a lot of my friends would never join the job as their families just wouldn't accept it. A lot of nationalists share the view that the PSNI has only had a name change to hide its past as majority of senior officers have history within the RUC.

Also the wage of the job is not great for the amount of abuse, the shift work and commitment required. You could get more working in a call center.

I could speculate on reasons for hours, the only way the police will get applications up is if they make the job more appealing increasing the money and decreasing the risk from Republicans.

Homer01

In our special little country I do think we need representation from all communities. Especially to ensure 'buy in' from all communities.

Ultimately the type of people who want to kill/injure police couldn't give a monkeys whether you're Protestant, Catholic or a flippin' Jedi Knight.
At the same time those that need help just want a competent, confident officer to assist them regardless of beliefs.

I'm in that 25% and didn't give it a second thought about applying. Although I'm not from a necessarily nationalist community. I do of course have views on past events from all sides including security forces but I'd rather be part of the solution for the future.

blueboat

Couldn't have said it better myself Homer. Wholly agree with you.

mkelly123

Homer01 wrote: »

In our special little country I do think we need representation from all communities. Especially to ensure 'buy in' from all communities.

Ultimately the type of people who want to kill/injure police couldn't give a monkeys whether you're Protestant, Catholic or a flippin' Jedi Knight.
At the same time those that need help just want a competent, confident officer to assist them regardless of beliefs.

I'm in that 25% and didn't give it a second thought about applying. Although I'm not from a necessarily nationalist community. I do of course have views on past events from all sides including security forces but I'd rather be part of the solution for the future.

Im in that 25% aswell, didn't cross my mind twice about applying as its the job I have always wanted to do. I do live in an area of countryside that is known as being VERY Nationalist but "if" I got offered the position I will keep my head down and look for a new house. The house we are in I built 2 years ago, but you have to make sacrifices in this job to succeed.

Momc82

Homer01 wrote: »

In our special little country I do think we need representation from all communities. Especially to ensure 'buy in' from all communities.

Ultimately the type of people who want to kill/injure police couldn't give a monkeys whether you're Protestant, Catholic or a flippin' Jedi Knight.
At the same time those that need help just want a competent, confident officer to assist them regardless of beliefs.

I'm in that 25% and didn't give it a second thought about applying. Although I'm not from a necessarily nationalist community. I do of course have views on past events from all sides including security forces but I'd rather be part of the solution for the future.

Well said sir.
I'm in that bracket too.
How can change be implemented without involvement?

newfoundglory

I've just a wee question and wasn't sure where to post this.. I can't remember if I dreamt it or actually read it but is it true that if you're already in the recruitment process for PSNI you can't apply for any other UK force?

didierdrogba

newfoundglory wrote: »

I've just a wee question and wasn't sure where to post this.. I can't remember if I dreamt it or actually read it but is it true that if you're already in the recruitment process for PSNI you can't apply for any other UK force?

Not aware of anything that precludes you from applying for another force, I can say for certain that if you apply to a force in England or Wales you can't apply for another in those parts of the UK, but I think maybe NI and Scotland fall under a separate remit. If anyone can say otherwise then I'll stand corrected

Homer01

didierdrogba wrote: »

Not aware of anything that precludes you from applying for another force, I can say for certain that if you apply to a force in England or Wales you can't apply for another in those parts of the UK, but I think maybe NI and Scotland fall under a separate remit. If anyone can say otherwise then I'll stand corrected

That sounds about right to me.

C3POPO

didierdrogba wrote: »

newfoundglory wrote: »

I've just a wee question and wasn't sure where to post this.. I can't remember if I dreamt it or actually read it but is it true that if you're already in the recruitment process for PSNI you can't apply for any other UK force?

Not aware of anything that precludes you from applying for another force, I can say for certain that if you apply to a force in England or Wales you can't apply for another in those parts of the UK, but I think maybe NI and Scotland fall under a separate remit. If anyone can say otherwise then I'll stand corrected

My understanding is that you can't apply for more than one GB force at a time as they have the same test/recruitment process so you could gain an unfair advantage if you were going through two of the same processes at slightly different times. As the PSNI use a different recruitment process, then you are OK to apply for a GB force and the PSNI at the same time.

pcacademy

Hi, this is my first time applying. Any good tips, books to read, websites to go on etc.

Homer01

pcacademy wrote: »

Hi, this is my first time applying. Any good tips, books to read, websites to go on etc.

Welcome aboard!

You're already at an advantage by finding this place.
Be wary of books dedicated to the PSNI recruitment process as they are usually a load of b@lls! PSNI process is very different to mainland forces.

They do give sample questions when the campaign opens. Head over to Police Scotland and take a look at their site. They have proper sample papers; different to what we take but gives you an idea.

D4z

Personally I read a lot of books wrote by Richard munn on policing and they had it spot on. I just noticed he has recently released a specific PSNI recruitment book (check ebay).

I would highly recommend them and put my high AC score down to those books. They literally tell you what key sentences to say in the AC like "I will take full responsibility in seeing any action through and keep you updated throughout the investigation process"

Gets you thinking in a way that turns the key competencies into sentences to be said during the role plays, also explains what way the report should be wrote.

Homer01

D4z wrote: »

Personally I read a lot of books wrote by Richard munn on policing and they had it spot on. I just noticed he has recently released a specific PSNI recruitment book (check ebay).

I would highly recommend them and put my high AC score down to those books. They literally tell you what key sentences to say in the AC like "I will take full responsibility in seeing any action through and keep you updated throughout the investigation process"

Gets you thinking in a way that turns the key competencies into sentences to be said during the role plays, also explains what way the report should be wrote.

If you mean the one below then it's a load of *expletive*. I actually got to flip through it as friend got it last year. It's the same book he does for mainland police with a few PSNI references chucked in. For example there is no interview in our assessment. Plus in our role plays you are a PC not a Centre Manager.

Granted there might be some good generic tips but be aware it is not specific to the PSNI.

D4z

Yeah, that's the one I recently seen. I didn't get that specific one, I bought mainland based books. I still found them helpful, they have the same key competencies so a potato is still a potato. yes, it is different role plays but using the sentences in our role play will still gain those points as you're meeting the criteria in those key competencies.

I found the report writing exercises really helpful as I alway find it hard to start reports or assignments and they tell your how to get the thought process going, what way to set out your reports with key sentences that should be used to meet the criteria and get their buzz words in.

blueboat

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Become-Police-Officer-2016-Version/dp/1909229784/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1473697391&sr=8-1&keywords=richard+mcmunn+police

This is the one I read through prior to assessment centre. Like Homer and D4z have mentioned previously it isn't directly applicable to the PSNI process but has some really strong foundations to build on. Key phrases that can be used in the role plays, how to structure your role plays and plan them out and excellent guidance on report writing. There are various scenarios contained within that give you a feel for different role plays and it gets your mind thinking.

There are some other useful tips within including getting in shape and how important being physically ready is to the role. I found it to be one of the better books out there. And as mentioned before, you've done well to find this site, it is literally worth its weight in gold. Welcome and good luck!

WannabePC123

newfoundglory wrote: »

I've just a wee question and wasn't sure where to post this.. I can't remember if I dreamt it or actually read it but is it true that if you're already in the recruitment process for PSNI you can't apply for any other UK force?

I was withdrawn from going any further in the Scottish police because I had applied for the PSNI less than a year before. This was maybe 2 years ago though so that may have changed.

Johannes_Cabal

WannabePC123 wrote: »

I was withdrawn from going any further in the Scottish police because I had applied for the PSNI less than a year before. This was maybe 2 years ago though so that may have changed.

I enquired with Police Scotland recently and they told me that you can apply for them whilst also in the process with the PSNI. They must have changed things recently.

jwhdkl5736

Guys, I just want to clarify something I've heard. I'm not sure weather it is rumour or half truth but if anyone could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. At the last hurdle, I failed the PCA, falling from the wall that cost me a few vital seconds! Obviously, I'm keen to reapply come the next intake date. I've heard that unless Deloitte change the recruitment process I won't have to do the IST or the AC? Is there any truth in this? If so it takes a lot of the worry away to make sure my fitness is in the right place for the next time around. Can any confirm or even point me in a direction of who to ask?

blueboat

Hey Maxi I'm sorry to hear about your PCA result, that's unfortunate with the wall. I'm sure you will hit the ground running next time you attempt it. My understanding, I'm afraid, is that you would need to re attempt all elements of the recruitment process if you are staring over again. I could be wrong, if so someone please correct me. Where did ou hear this rumour maxi?

Sydnor87

Maxi515 wrote: »

Guys, I just want to clarify something I've heard. I'm not sure weather it is rumour or half truth but if anyone could point me in the right direction I would really appreciate it. At the last hurdle, I failed the PCA, falling from the wall that cost me a few vital seconds! Obviously, I'm keen to reapply come the next intake date. I've heard that unless Deloitte change the recruitment process I won't have to do the IST or the AC? Is there any truth in this? If so it takes a lot of the worry away to make sure my fitness is in the right place for the next time around. Can any confirm or even point me in a direction of who to ask?

I doubt that very much. It'll be a new campaign so they'll want everyone on a level playing field, so to speak.

jwhdkl5736

I thought as much. I was just looking confirmation. I was lead to believe that when I reapply, they will ask what my UID number was on a previous application. My source said when his aunt applied for a second time, quoting a previously successful UID they didn't reassess at the IST or the AC. However, if I have to do those things I feel like I'm in a better position to attempt those elements again! Good luck to the rest of you.

blueboat

Thanks Maxi, best of luck in the next campaign to you as well, as you said your in a great position to re-attempt the IST and AC.

C3POPO

Maxi515 wrote: »

I thought as much. I was just looking confirmation. I was lead to believe that when I reapply, they will ask what my UID number was on a previous application. My source said when his aunt applied for a second time, quoting a previously successful UID they didn't reassess at the IST or the AC. However, if I have to do those things I feel like I'm in a better position to attempt those elements again! Good luck to the rest of you.

Each campaign is treated separately and you have to go through all stages every time, there are no exceptions.

You do have to provide previous UIDs when completing the vetting forms, I don't know why this is, but I assume it is just to confirm if you have been vetted previously.

Robocop2k16

Hey all long time lurker, first time poster here! Applied first time in 1405 however was unfortunately knocked out at ist. I thereafter applied to Police Scotland and managed to pass all the stages in their recruitment process quite quickly.

I am now approaching the end of my 2 year probation with Police Scotland in early 2017. As stubborn as I am, I wish to re-apply to PSNI and given there is no direct transfer mechanism (or at least it does not come around that often) it seems the civi recruitment process is the only way to go about it

Realistically, if a campaign is launched in Jan 2017, are we talking an early to mid 2018 start?

Homer01

That would probably be accurate assuming everything runs smoothly. The last campaign started in September 2015 with intakes hopefully starting soon in December/January. So anything between 12-18 months depending on your AC score and of course everything else going well (budget, scandals, etc.)

Crazy that you're almost two years in with PS and there are people here that also applied in 1405 still waiting for a call. I can never understand why that it is; yet we still line up in our thousands to apply.

What are PS like to work for? I may consider it as an option if this doesn't work out.

Robocop2k16

Thought so, just trying to work out the timings as best i can

I have absolutely no idea why the process at home takes so long. I completed all stages with PS within 3 months and started 4 weeks later. After my 1405 knock back and the whole mini freeze/stall i decided to apply to PS.

Honestly is a great force to work for. Training is high quality, pay is good for probationers and colleagues as you'd expect are great. You are doing the same job (all be it without the same security threat). If you are keen to start a career in policing you could start very quickly with PS.

My advice is ask yourself if you could see yourself living in the mainland long term. I moved over always with the intention of returning some day. It seems that even as a substantive cop, options are kind of limited to do so.

dollasign

Robocop2k16 wrote: »

Hey all long time lurker, first time poster here! Applied first time in 1405 however was unfortunately knocked out at ist. I thereafter applied to Police Scotland and managed to pass all the stages in their recruitment process quite quickly.

I am now approaching the end of my 2 year probation with Police Scotland in early 2017. As stubborn as I am, I wish to re-apply to PSNI and given there is no direct transfer mechanism (or at least it does not come around that often) it seems the civi recruitment process is the only way to go about it

Realistically, if a campaign is launched in Jan 2017, are we talking an early to mid 2018 start?

Yes, Granted no one "cheats" again.

Space_Invader

Anyone thinking of applying for a mainland home office force if they are unsuccessful with PSNI should definitely consider it. I'm almost 2 years in with the Met and have completed all stages of 1509. Although it is not a proper transfer, you will remain on the nearest pay scale. For me that should mean starting PSNI training on about 4/5k more than usual.

You'll also get a head start with developing communication skills and knowledge as a lot of legislation in England and Wales is very similar or the same to NI.

It is a different style of Policing but it's invaluable experience which can be transferred or adapted to suit NI.