PSNI Recruitment 2017

Banterbus28 · 01-12-2016 10:42pm #1

Thread for folk who are going to apply this coming year. And for those, like myself, who tried in previous campaigns and just didn't quite make it. Be nice to have a support network from the get go outside of people you know. Insights from those who are in or who have passed and are in the various stages of the pipeline would also be much appreciated. Good luck guys and girls.

takodah · 09-12-2016 3:11am

Hi there,
First time applying myself this year. Hopefully January will be the next intake?
I have talked to a few serving officers and they have pointed me in the right direction for what to expect. Hopefully this board will be useful.

Razor3677 · 09-12-2016 4:09pm

First time applying here too, been lurking on here for a while now, the folk on here seem really helpful

Homer01 · 09-12-2016 8:34pm

Welcome aboard folks

Any questions, just ask!

Banterbus28 · 09-12-2016 8:57pm

Oh let's get stuck into this campaign. Some hard graft hooefully will translate to nice place on the list and into 1st or 2nd intake 2017.

Banterbus28 · 09-12-2016 9:08pm

Recruitment opens in early to mid Jan I am led to believe.

So IST late feb/march

AC april, may possibly into june. Then hopefully high high scorers (80+) will be in sept 17 intake

doncop · 09-12-2016 9:34pm

Hi there, will be first time applying in january. However I've been lurking on here since the last campaign. Excited to see how it goes. Also any advice for someone in the younger age range send my way lol.

Banterbus28 · 09-12-2016 9:43pm

Get comfy with mental maths for the IST. Quick addition, subtraction, division and multiplication will make the numeracy part of the IST much easier. Find a local newspaper that is plagued with ****ty spelling, punctuation and grammar to get used to spotting them (North Down Spectator and the Ards Chronicle are good culprits). Get used to reading text and taking what is on the page in front of you as fact. Remove your own views and dispositions from the equation for the true/false/can't tell section.

All in all embrace it, and throw yourself at the stages. I fell down last time because I was trying to juggle it with another recruitment process. Have fun and enjoy it, if you want it bad enough your natural enthusiasm will shine through and cover your nerves. If you want it you will get. However get used to waiting.

SB430 · 09-12-2016 9:46pm

Not to be too specific but I'm under 21 and now waiting on a call for the 1509 campaign. Honestly just keep a cool head during everything don't intimidated when interviewing people older in the AC and do your best. You almost have an advantage because a lot of people applying in there 30s/40s won't have been under test conditions in a long time.

Banterbus28 · 09-12-2016 9:48pm

SB430 wrote: »

Not to be too specific but I'm under 21 and now waiting on a call for the 1509 campaign. Honestly just keep a cool head during everything don't intimidated when interviewing people older in the AC and do your best. You almost have an advantage because a lot of people applying in there 30s/40s won't have been under test conditions in a long time.

Sound advice and cheers. It's a case of play the game isn't it?

SB430 · 09-12-2016 9:53pm

Definitely just a cause of being patient, motivated and determined throughout and be ready for long waits!

Banterbus28 · 09-12-2016 9:55pm

And the love of god get fit and stay fit. I know it's hard and the motivation isn't there but it's heartbreaking to fall down on the PCA.

SB430 · 09-12-2016 9:57pm

I'm lucky enough to of been involved heavily in sport for years so the PCA wasn't a problem although it dragged out the medical because of injuries. All good though thankfully!

doncop · 09-12-2016 9:59pm

Thanks for advice. Really looking forward to get stuck into it and ready for the long haul!

Robocop2k16 · 10-12-2016 3:25am

Current serving mainland officer ready to rock n roll in the next campaign

takodah · 10-12-2016 1:13pm

That's some good tips lads! Thanks. A few less mince pies over xmas and hitting the gym harder will need to happen...

Just to clarify if fully successful at all stages then we would be talking July 2017 for intake if we are in the higher 80%+ bracket?

Thanks.

Banterbus28 · 10-12-2016 1:24pm

September mate. Last A/C may run into June

Homer01 · 10-12-2016 1:42pm

takodah wrote: »

That's some good tips lads! Thanks. A few less mince pies over xmas and hitting the gym harder will need to happen...

Just to clarify if fully successful at all stages then we would be talking July 2017 for intake if we are in the higher 80%+ bracket?

Thanks.

If you mean the new upcoming campaign then it is unlikely to be even close to July 2017.
If everything goes according to plan you're normally looking at 12 months from applying to starting. Even that is best case scenario.

I think 2017 will be spent taking candidates from the current 1509 campaign.

The current campaign went something like this.
Applied: Sept 15
IST: Nov/Dec 15
AC: Jan-Mar 16
PCA: Jun-Sept 16
Intakes: Jan 17

There are few that applied in May 2014 and are going in next month.

My advice is to prepare yourself for a long process. Don't put your life on hold; take that new job, go on that holiday. I've been at this a few years now and others longer than that. Be hopeful and work for it but just be prepared for a long drawn out process that could result in the job of your dreams

takodah · 11-12-2016 3:52pm

Great to know! Thanks for the insight. I appreciate the info and advice and fingers crossed then in the long run for everyone.

Homer01 · 11-12-2016 4:40pm

Anyone concerned about the IST should try some of those transfer test papers. Sounds silly but it has helped quite a few.

Don't fall for any of those books that to swear to know the PSNI recruitment process because they don't. They are compiled for the English forces who use a completely different set of tests and assessments. The publisher just changes the name and picture on the front.
You might get some general tips but nothing you wouldn't find yourself for free

Timetravel · 11-12-2016 5:47pm

Sound advice from homer! I would say for those applying for the first time take a look back through the ist thread and AC thread and you will pick up lots of info and find answers to questions you didn't know you had. But I would definitely agree most of the books you will find are not helpful. And timeframe wise it's probably going to be a long haul, think it's 15months since i applied for the 1509 campaign and I still have vetting and pca to do.

Banterbus28 · 12-12-2016 7:03pm

What do you guys think about the residential phase no longer being compulsory?

Would you still do it? I know I would.

In my opinion it's a mistake as it would help to develop that team bond and foster the overall ethos by allowing it to form naturally as you are all in the same boat. I fear it will make fostering teamwork and the one vision mentality, that much more difficult.

Banterbus28 · 12-12-2016 7:04pm

And avoid the richard mcmunn guide books as he is a con artist.

alphaquebec4 · 12-12-2016 7:09pm

Banterbus28 wrote: »

And avoid the richard mcmunn guide books as he is a con artist.

They are 100% rubbish

Banterbus28 · 12-12-2016 7:14pm

alphaquebec4 wrote: »

Banterbus28 wrote: »

And avoid the richard mcmunn guide books as he is a con artist.

They are 100% rubbish

Wouldn't wipe my backside with them

Timetravel · 12-12-2016 7:22pm

Banterbus28 wrote: »

What do you guys think about the residential phase no longer being compulsory?

Would you still do it? I know I would.

In my opinion it's a mistake as it would help to develop that team bond and foster the overall ethos by allowing it to form naturally as you are all in the same boat. I fear it will make fostering teamwork and the one vision mentality, that much more difficult.

I would stay for the full time due to location, but I think changes like that won't have as much impact as you say. At the end of the day I've been applying for a long time now and lots of things have changed about the process in that time but we just do what we have to do to try and get the end result each time.

shanevendrell · 12-12-2016 7:44pm

Can't see there being a new campaign launched until at least the summer.

Banterbus28 · 12-12-2016 8:42pm

I'm not saying that I am in the know however the general feeling is that a campaign is being launched early 2017, whether the folk who make it through are pushed through GV or made to chill in the waiting room remains to be seen. But the PSNI lose more than they gain year on year due to retirement, medical discharge, voluntary or compulsory resignation, dismissal and through loss of morale. The current supply does not meet the demand, the limiting factor is simply the funding available to the Chief Constable to maintain an operationally effect police service, if it is more cost effect to recruit solely from other police services in the UK then that is what will happen.

But there must be young fresh blood in the pipeline because for community based policing to work you need to recruit from the community. The PSNI is obviously unique in the UK for the difficulties in recruiting from a divided society, but it must happen. Otherwise the PSNI will become operationally ineffective. The reason morale is so low in the service at the minute is because the blue line is so so thin.

takodah · 13-12-2016 12:44am

Banterbus28 wrote: »

alphaquebec4 wrote: »

Banterbus28 wrote: »

And avoid the richard mcmunn guide books as he is a con artist.

They are 100% rubbish

Wouldn't wipe my backside with them

Now you tell me lol. read half of it.

takodah · 13-12-2016 12:49am

Banterbus28 wrote: »

I'm not saying that I am in the know however the general feeling is that a campaign is being launched early 2017, whether the folk who make it through are pushed through GV or made to chill in the waiting room remains to be seen. But the PSNI lose more than they gain year on year due to retirement, medical discharge, voluntary or compulsory resignation, dismissal and through loss of morale. The current supply does not meet the demand, the limiting factor is simply the funding available to the Chief Constable to maintain an operationally effect police service, if it is more cost effect to recruit solely from other police services in the UK then that is what will happen.

But there must be young fresh blood in the pipeline because for community based policing to work you need to recruit from the community. The PSNI is obviously unique in the UK for the difficulties in recruiting from a divided society, but it must happen. Otherwise the PSNI will become operationally ineffective. The reason morale is so low in the service at the minute is because the blue line is so so thin.

In relation to the campaign. As the thin blue line gets thiner and the need for more officers. Will the IST pass/fail grades be lower than in previous years or will it be like the theory driving test. One pass/fail mark for every year.

Timetravel · 13-12-2016 12:52am

It depends on the number of people who apply. More people higher score, less people lower score. Edit: also just depends on how many they plan take through to the next stages.

Banterbus28 · 13-12-2016 12:54am

Its a set standard you either meet it or you don't. Your performance or knowledge of grading in a previous campaign will not help you. It's redundant. Focua on the now and task at hand. Overthinking leads to stress and stress leadsbto anxiety and anxiety leads to mistakes. It's clean slate use it.

takodah · 13-12-2016 12:59am

Cheers guys.

Homer01 · 13-12-2016 8:45am

Timetravel wrote: »

It depends on the number of people who apply. More people higher score, less people lower score. Edit: also just depends on how many they plan take through to the next stages.

What he said! They generally like to take about 2,000 from IST to AC and will adjust pass mark accordingly.

The IST is predominantly there to cut the numbers down and can be a cruel mistress. You could pass this time and fail next time (I've seen it happen here a few times). Just be prepared with lots of practice.

Razor3677 · 13-12-2016 5:47pm

Think I'll try the past papers that homer said when it comes to the IST, any other things that'll help prepare us newbies ?

takodah · 14-12-2016 1:27am

So in relation to learning laws and legislation would any prior knowledge be required for any stage of the recruitment process? Or is this all learned at GV. And on another note for serving officers, how hard/easy is it to learn the legislation and be confident that you are accurately applying the right one to an offence.

Banterbus28 · 14-12-2016 4:57am

They are looking for the potential to become a police officer not the finished article. How would you feel about a bunch of know it all students buzzing with confidence if you were a trainer in GV? Again play the game, stop overthinking. Follow the guidelines given on the PSNI website and find a reputable tutor. Get confident talking to people. And be yourself, if you put up a persona they will see straight through it.

Don't worry if you get through the IST and the AC you are clever enough to grasp legislation, one foot at a time? The PSNI are well regarded for their professionalism in both the UK and abroad, you WILL be given world class training at GV. You will know your job and if you have a problem; there will always be someone to ask. You will never be alone. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. All serving officer's will tell you that learning doesn't stop at the college it is constant, if you don't know, a colleague will. Relax man, you'll be grand.

goodburger1 · 14-12-2016 8:36am

SB430 wrote: »

Not to be too specific but I'm under 21 and now waiting on a call for the 1509 campaign. Honestly just keep a cool head during everything don't intimidated when interviewing people older in the AC and do your best. You almost have an advantage because a lot of people applying in there 30s/40s won't have been under test conditions in a long time.

I am in that age range and us oap's are at a disadvantage about test conditions but I got some maths books from the library and spent 20 mins a night doing some math, didn't find the ist a problem. It really helped.
And we are also at an advantage as we have been doing maths 30 years more than youðŸ˜‚

goodburger1 · 14-12-2016 8:36am

SB430 wrote: »

Not to be too specific but I'm under 21 and now waiting on a call for the 1509 campaign. Honestly just keep a cool head during everything don't intimidated when interviewing people older in the AC and do your best. You almost have an advantage because a lot of people applying in there 30s/40s won't have been under test conditions in a long time.

I am in that age range and us oap's are at a disadvantage about test conditions but I got some maths books from the library and spent 20 mins a night doing some math, didn't find the ist a problem. It really helped.
And we are also at an advantage as we have been doing maths 30 years more than youðŸ˜‚

SB430 · 14-12-2016 11:33am

Didn't mean to cause any offence there just trying to help the other guy out. Well done yourself though I know some others in that age range that found in tough because of the conditions.

takodah · 14-12-2016 11:50am

Banterbus28 wrote: »

They are looking for the potential to become a police officer not the finished article. How would you feel about a bunch of know it all students buzzing with confidence if you were a trainer in GV? Again play the game, stop overthinking. Follow the guidelines given on the PSNI website and find a reputable tutor. Get confident talking to people. And be yourself, if you put up a persona they will see straight through it.

Don't worry if you get through the IST and the AC you are clever enough to grasp legislation, one foot at a time? The PSNI are well regarded for their professionalism in both the UK and abroad, you WILL be given world class training at GV. You will know your job and if you have a problem; there will always be someone to ask. You will never be alone. The only stupid question is the one that isn't asked. All serving officer's will tell you that learning doesn't stop at the college it is constant, if you don't know, a colleague will. Relax man, you'll be grand.

Thanks Banterbus,
Trying my best to not over think. I feel
Confident that I know what is expected. Just have to do it now.

goodburger1 · 14-12-2016 12:59pm

SB430 wrote: »

Didn't mean to cause any offence there just trying to help the other guy out. Well done yourself though I know some others in that age range that found in tough because of the conditions.

No offence at all taken.
There was a smiley face added at the end of my sentence but it didn't work.
I totally know what u mean about the age thing has its advantages and disadvantages and that's were team work comes in. All help each other.

Robocop2k16 · 14-12-2016 3:26pm

takodah wrote: »

So in relation to learning laws and legislation would any prior knowledge be required for any stage of the recruitment process? Or is this all learned at GV. And on another note for serving officers, how hard/easy is it to learn the legislation and be confident that you are accurately applying the right one to an offence.

Im currently serving in Police Scotland and so I can only speak to my experience here. The amount of legislation you have to take in at college is huge. Having been to university I would compare it to one year of uni study crammed into a couple of months. On top of that you have drill, uniform and room inspections, practical role plays, fitness, exams etc.

If you can stay resident within GV I would highly recommend it. The amount of support from your colleagues is amazing and you bounce ideas and methods of learning off eachother to help take in the legislation.

Being a cop on the street is entirely different to what the assessors at AC will expect and although I would say I am pretty competent at my job, I will need to alter my own policing style to what they will be marking on. (If I get to AC lol)

takodah · 14-12-2016 5:51pm

Robocop2k16 wrote: »

takodah wrote: »

So in relation to learning laws and legislation would any prior knowledge be required for any stage of the recruitment process? Or is this all learned at GV. And on another note for serving officers, how hard/easy is it to learn the legislation and be confident that you are accurately applying the right one to an offence.

Im currently serving in Police Scotland and so I can only speak to my experience here. The amount of legislation you have to take in at college is huge. Having been to university I would compare it to one year of uni study crammed into a couple of months. On top of that you have drill, uniform and room inspections, practical role plays, fitness, exams etc.

If you can stay resident within GV I would highly recommend it. The amount of support from your colleagues is amazing and you bounce ideas and methods of learning off eachother to help take in the legislation.

Being a cop on the street is entirely different to what the assessors at AC will expect and although I would say I am pretty competent at my job, I will need to alter my own policing style to what they will be marking on. (If I get to AC lol)

Cheers Robocop, very useful insight, I will most certainly want to stay resident in GV. Im glad you mention the support of other colleagues being a help as I like that aspect of the job. From what I have heard from others and on this thread that the family/friendships (whatever you want to label it) is good for the most part.
Thanks Again

Space_Invader · 14-12-2016 8:35pm

I'm currently serving in England. Most forces including mine require you to have a police qualification which costs about £1000. It covers the main legislation and some policies and procedures. Then in Police college we would revise it and more in depth.

There is no harm at all with learning legislation prior to GV as it will give a good foundation. Just make sure when using www.legislation.gov that you tick the "geographic" box to see if it applies in NI.

Banterbus28 · 14-12-2016 10:00pm

The online learning prior to GV is all legislation based...

dollasign · 14-12-2016 10:19pm

If you are interested in the legislation and want a bit of reading to do. Here is a list of some of the things I found interesting. This is by no stretch of the imagination a comprehensive list or even some of the most important parts but just some things I found Interesting to read up on.

www.legislation.gov.uk This website is brilliant for it.

Article 26 of PACE is your power of arrest (under pace) and is worth a read.
Article 20
Article 34 Also worth looking at.

Article 180 of the Road Traffic Order.

Section 23 Misuse of drugs Act (Northern Ireland)

Section 24 Justice and security Act NI

All just little bits that I have picked up along the way. But if your interested it can be a good read especially if it stays with you.

Homer01 · 14-12-2016 10:26pm

Think your link went a bit wonky.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk

Robocop2k16 · 14-12-2016 10:37pm

I call my old tracksuit bottoms my "Section 23's". Totally justify a stop search on anyone wearing those bad boys

D4z · 16-12-2016 11:02am

Homer01 wrote: »

Think your link went a bit wonky.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk

Do you know the link to the correct PACE I should be looking at? seem to find the amendments and some revisions but not the document with the full articles.

Homer01 · 16-12-2016 11:21am

D4z wrote: »

Do you know the link to the correct PACE I should be looking at? seem to find the amendments and some revisions but not the document with the full articles.

Is this what you're after Daz?

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/nisi/1989/1341/contents/made#end

PSNI Recruitment 2017

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