Sir Penguin

Any advice on a specific area of law is from either currently-serving UK police officers, and is offered to the best of their ability, or from members of the public who are perhaps aspiring to be serving police officers and may not hold the necessary level of knowledge to provide such assistance or by any other member who may offer their opinion. Either way such advice can only be treated as an opinion and nothing more. Members should look for the Verified Members Badge that appears on the posters name as advice from members holding this badge are verified police employees. The information is based on their own individual experiences, expertise and training. It is stressed, however, that if any information or advice found in these forums is used by any person or organisation, then the respective police officer(s) and staff can not and will not take any responsibility for any outcome in any investigation in a criminal or civil enquiry. Any advice or opinion offered is to the best of the individuals knowledge and ability based on the information you have supplied, and we will stress that we will never be knowingly misleading or untruthful in content. [*]Please note, we do not offer advice or assistance in order to avoid penalties that you have incurred or maybe pending. [*]Such requests are deemed to be of an Operational nature and against our main Forum Rules. [*]You should always seek Legal Advice from a Qualified Solicitor in the event of any impending prosecutions or other involved legal matter. Administration Team UKPoliceOnline

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Hi @Trigs, Welcome to UKPO

When you compare the training of a special to that of a regular officer then it is quite understandable that they are less knowledgable. Having previously served as a special I think do think that the training needs to be more developed. That being said I do think it is wrong to automatically assume. I have worked with some brilliant specials who put the time in and are a great help to the team.

Should the standard of a regular officer be higher than that of a special?

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Am I Eligible? Age The minimum age to apply for the position of Constable is 18. There is no upper age limit however applicants should remember that the normal retirement age for Constables and Sergeants is 60. All new recruits have to undertake a 2 year probationary period, it is normal for officers to spend their first two years as a Constable on a response team working a twenty four hour a day, 7 days a week shift pattern. Sight We do accept applications from people who wear glasses or contact lenses. However an optician's report is required from all applicants. Unaided Vision We cannot accept applicants whose unaided vision is worse than 6/36 in either eye (2nd line down on optician's chart) or whose binocular vision (both eyes) is worse than 6/6. Aided Vision When wearing lenses or spectacles your vision must be better than 6/12 in either eye or 6/6 when using both eyes. Near Vision Requirements are 6/9 with both eyes together (aided). Colour Vision Severe colour vision deficiencies (monochromats) are not acceptable. Other colour vision deficiencies are not a bar but you will need to be aware of the deficiencies and make appropriate adjustments. The use of colour correcting lenses is not acceptable. Corrective Eye Treatment We cannot accept applicants who have undergone Radial Keratotomy (RK), Arcuate Keratotomy (AK), corneal grafts or any other surgery which results in the weakening of the cornea. Applicants who have undergone PRK, LASIK, LASEK, ICRS or Cataract surgery would not be accepted until at least six weeks after surgery. Educational Requirements There are none! People can have every qualification under the sun or nothing at all. The police aren't interested in bits of paper, it is you as a person and your ability to be a police officer that they are interested in. All applicants have to complete the Police Initial Recruitment Test. Convictions Convictions/cautions/penalty notices etc will not automatically prevent you from appointment. However if the matter was within the last five years most forces will not accept your application. Individual circumstances will be considered depending on the circumstances and the nature of the offence. What must you declare? Any conviction (includes motoring offences such as speeding) Any police caution/Penalty Notice for Disorder Spent convictions Any involvement in any criminal investigation that did not lead to prosecution Think they won't find out if you don't declare something? Think again! Failure to disclose any information will result in the immediate termination of your application! Financial Adverse financial history may prevent a successful application. This will entirely depend on the circumstances. Nationality You must be a British Citizen, a EU national, Commonwealth Citizen or foreign national without restrictions on your stay in the UK Driving You will not be rejected because you do not hold a driving licence however you will be expected to pass a driving test if you are appointed. Swimming You will not be rejected if you cannot swim. Very few forces now teach swimming as part of the initial training course. Penalty Points You should declare all penalty points you have or have had on your licence. Penalty points do not prevent you from joining the police however serious road offences will have to be taken into consideration on an individual basis. A simple rule is that you must not have more than 6 points on your licence at the time you apply. Tattoos Constables are subject to codes of conduct regarding their personal appearance so offensive tattoos will prevent appointment. You have to declare tattoos on your initial application form. Most forces will request you send images of the tattoos into them for their consideration. Will I have to move house? Police Regulations require the home address of all serving officers to be approved by the Chief Constable of their force. I have never heard of an officers house not being approved but I cannot say for definite that it never happens!

Recruitment area guidelines This forum should only be used for general questions regarding the recruitment process. If your question is specific to the recruitment process in a particular force then please visit the respective areas to ask your question or post information. The areas can be found here. Any topics that do not conform to these run the risk of being locked. Regards Sir Penguin

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