BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE WELCOME………………………………………………………….. 2 Application Process ABOUT US ………….………………………………...... 3 EQUALITY & DIVERSITY ……………….………………...... 4 OUR POLICING PRIORITIES………………….………………... 6 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER ....…………………………... 7 RECRUITMENT PROCESS ………………….……..………..... 10 BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT PROCESS ...……….…. 11 APPENDIX A CAUTIONS & CONVICTIONS ………...... 20 APPENDIX B COUNTRIES OF THE EEA ………...... 21 APPENDIX C TATTOOS ….…………………………..………... 22 APPENDIX D RECOMMENDED MEDICAL STANDARDS ... 23 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS …………………….…... 36 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE ABOUT US WELCOME WELCOME ABOUT US FROM THE CHIEF CONSTABLE OF THE EQUALITY & DIVERSITY MERSEYSIDE POLICE OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Thank you for taking the time to read this brochure, and for being interested in becoming a Police Constable. This guide will help you to BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER understand the breadth of the role that you are applying for and will give you an insight into the selection process that you will be asked to undertake. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Make no mistake, this is not an easy process and I make no apology for that. The public of Merseyside demand the very highest standards of BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT behaviour and service from their police officers and I am determined that we will meet these expectations. In order to do so, we have to ensure APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) that we select the very best people to serve the people of Merseyside.
In return, you will receive excellent training and unrivalled development APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) opportunities working alongside regular and experienced officers. You
will be able to make a real difference to people in crisis and help to make APPENDIX C (Tattoos) our communities a safer place for people to live and work.
I hope that you are inspired to take up the challenge. I know that you will APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) find it rewarding, and I look forward to working with you in the future.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Andy Cooke QPM Merseyside Police Chief Constable 2 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE ABOUT US
WELCOME
ABOUT US ABOUT US
Merseyside Police was formed in 1974 and serves a EQUALITY & DIVERSITY population of around 1.5 million people, covering an area of 647 square kilometres. We currently employ over 6,000 people in a variety of roles including Police Officers, OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Police Community Support Officers, Police Support Staff, Special Police Officers and Volunteers. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Merseyside Police local level is divided into 5 Local Policing Teams that contain both a Community Team and THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Targeted Team. Each local Policing Team will have its own HQ, Police stations and Patrol Hubs which will house our Police Officers. Merseyside Police force level will contain BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT specialist departments (Matrix, Investigation, Response & Resolution, Intelligence and Criminal Justice & Custody). Both Force and Local Levels will be supported by various APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Corporate Services (such as HR, Training, Estates and ICT.)
At Merseyside Police, we believe in putting our APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) communities first in everything we do. We are proud to deliver an excellent policing service and we will continue to work with our communities to tackle the issues that APPENDIX C (Tattoos) concern them most.
Merseyside Police is made up of many different departments. Each department has a different focus, but they APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) all work together towards the vision of providing the region with excellent policing. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Our services include helping to create a safer Merseyside by using our expertise to design out crime. We are also responsible for preparing for emergencies, involved in the policing of all the major events across Merseyside and making sure people studying or working here keep their registration up to date. 3 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE EQUALITY & DIVERSITY EQUALITY & DIVERSITY WELCOME ABOUT US Everyone regardless of gender, race, belief, sexual orientation or disability, should be treated equally in terms of their access to opportunities and their value within society. We serve a EQUALITY & DIVERSITY diverse community, and we encourage positive, friendly relations between the Police and all members of our communities. The Force recognises that all individuals are unique and that each individual is valuable to the organisation. By recognising and embracing diversity the OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Force is creating an environment where people feel included, able to be themselves and can then contribute to their full potential. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Our commitment to equality and diversity runs through our everyday policing as well as within the organisation in terms of meeting the needs of our employees. Our activities and THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS guidelines are reviewed regularly to make sure they take account of changing needs both within the organisation and our communities. We work with trade unions, staff associations and other to make sure our actions meet the needs of the whole community. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Merseyside Police is firmly committed to the principles that underpin the Equality Act 2010 and the Equality Duty 2012. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Eliminate unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Advance equality of opportunity between different groups Foster good relations between different groups APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Our Vision
To build positive internal and external working relationships to APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) ensure that all staff and members of the public are treated with dignity and respect and their differences are valued. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS The Equality and Diversity Officers can be contacted by emailing [email protected] 4 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE POSITIVE ACTION
WELCOME *Underrepresented groups in Merseyside Police POSITIVE ACTION include Disabled, Ethnic Minority Groups (i.e Asian, Black, Chinese, Polish etc.), Females, Minority ABOUT US Merseyside Police is committed to developing a Police Service that is Religious groups (i.e. Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, reflective of the diverse communities that we serve, in order to Buddhism etc.), Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual (Sexual achieve this we are proud to use Positive Action and have a Positive Orientation), Transgender (Gender Identity). Action Recruitment Team who assist in facilitating the recruitment of EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Police officers, Special Constables, Police staff, Volunteers and Cadets from under-represented groups by providing appropriate advice, encouragement and support, specifically for people who are OUR POLICING PRIORITIES underrepresented* within the current make-up of our force, with the aim of developing a diverse workforce which meets the needs of our multi-cultural society. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER The team also provide assistance and guidance in relation to progression for Officers and staff from underrepresented groups THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS particularly within specialist roles and departments.
What is Positive Action? BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
The positive action provisions in section 158 of the Equality Act 2010, enables public sector organisations to take proportionate steps to help people overcome their disadvantages or to meet their needs. “up until the recruitment and appointment decisions APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) are taken”. If you qualify as an underrepresented group you may be invited by Positive Action to attend a seminar/workshop.
APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Why should we use it? There are clear and obvious advantages to be gained from employing a diverse workforce; an organisation with a diverse range of employees is well placed to understand the needs of the community and can interact with a wide range people leading to APPENDIX C (Tattoos) improved community cohesion. Embedding diversity of thought throughout an organisation also means that talent can be properly recognised and nurtured - wherever it may be. A diverse workforce brings with it advantages such as: APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Providing more adaptability in terms of problem solving by offering a wider array of possible solutions;
Multi-cultural organisations are better positioned to serve multi-cultural communities, by overcoming language and cultural barriers. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Having a Police service that is reflective of the community will ensure that Merseyside Police has a service of skilled Police Officers and staff with the core values required to meet the highest standards and expectations of the public of Merseyside. For further 5 information, please contact the Positive Action Recruitment Team by emailing [email protected] BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
WELCOME OUR POLICING PRIORITIES ABOUT US
Police and Crime Plan 2015/17 EQUALITY & DIVERSITY The Police and Crime Plan for Merseyside has been developed by Jane Kennedy (Police and Crime Commissioner for Merseyside) following an extensive period of consultation with Andy Cooke QPM OUR POLICING PRIORITIES (Chief Constable of Merseyside Police) and other key stakeholders.
This plan outlines how the Office of the PCC intend to continue to BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER work with Merseyside Police and other partners to address key priorities to tackle crime, and improve community safety in an effective way. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Policing Priorities for 2015/17 and beyond are as follows: APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Prevent Crime and Anti-social Behaviour
APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Provide a Visible and Accessible Neighbourhood Policing Style
Tackle Serious and Organised Crime APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
Support Victims, Protect Vulnerable People and Maintain Public Safety APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
You can read a full copy of the Police and Crime Plan 2015/17 at www.merseysidepcc.info FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
6 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPLICATIONOUR POLICING PROCESS PRIORITIES BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER WITH WELCOME MERSEYSIDE POLICE ABOUT US EQUALITY & DIVERSITY What can we offer to you? New experiences and self-discovery
Training and development opportunities There is a lot of variety involved in being a Police OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Support and advice from a range of staff associations and Officer, from regular patrols focusing on local crime access to a range of services – Charitable Trust, Police problems to specialist areas of policing work. The experiences you gain will help you look at life from Mutual BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Access to Health Services via our in-house Occupational a different perspective. Health & Welfare team Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be paid. Every shift will be different and you will continue to learn about your locality, about human nature and even THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS You will learn new skills more about yourself as a person.
Police Officers have powers and authority that enables them As a Police Officer you will discover a lot you didn’t BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT to make a significant contribution to reducing crime and know about yourself, as well as just how much you are disorder in Merseyside. Drive and dedication are the key capable of. You will develop self-respect and self- confidence and you will earn the right to feel pride in attributes needed when you make the decision to apply. Few APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) other opportunities can offer the same challenges and having played a significant role in helping your through an on-going training programme, Police Officers community. develop skills; commitment, quick-thinking, teamwork, an APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) ability to cope with the unexpected and guide others in times of crisis. These skills will stand them in good stead for life and build good relations between the police and the public. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) You will meet new people
As part of a team, the experiences you share can lead to APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) lasting friendships. You will learn more about life and human nature than most people will ever see. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
7 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPLICATION PROCESS
WELCOME AM I ELIGIBLE TO BECOME A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE? ABOUT US EQUALITY & DIVERSITY To become a Police Officer you MUST: You MUST NOT: Be a British Citizen, a citizen of the EU or other Be a member (or ever have been a member) of the BNP or states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or similar organisation whose constitution, aims, or objectives OUR POLICING PRIORITIES foreign national with indefinite leave to remain in may contradict the duty to promote race equality the UK. Be registered bankrupt, subject to CCJs or IVAs. Directors of BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Be of good character. Ideally you should not have a limited companies, which have been insolvent, will be criminal record but some minor offences may not treated as if they were bankrupt even though the debts are exclude you in the name of the Company. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Be able to meet our required medical and fitness Have defaulted accounts standards BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Omit to declare any offences or ‘spent’ convictions. Any Have resided in the UK for a continuous period of undeclared offences discovered during the vetting process, three years immediately prior to date of application. however minor, will lead to your application being rejected. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Have been convicted or cautioned for a serious arrestable offence. Applicants who have received cautions, reprimands, formal warnings and final warnings will not be APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) considered until a full five years from the date of the sanction. Some of the above will lead to a permanent prohibition from the recruitment process. (Fixed penalty APPENDIX C (Tattoos) notices will be treated as cautions)
Have received a prison sentence (including custodial, APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) suspended or deferred and also sentences served at Young Offenders Institutes or community homes). FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Please note the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 does not apply to the Police Service and therefore all applicants should declare all ‘spent’ convictions no matter how minor and failure to do so could result in a refusal of vetting clearance. 8 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE ABOUTBECOMING US A POLICE OFFICER
WELCOME Issues which could prevent you from joining us: ABOUT US Below are issues that could prevent you progressing through the Police Officer recruitment process. If you are subject to any of these issues please email the Merseyside Police Recruitment Team on EQUALITY & DIVERSITY [email protected] for further advice:- OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Applicants who have discharged County Court/ Sheriff Court Judgements BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Applicants who have discharged the Individual Voluntary Arrangement THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Applicants who have been discharged from bankruptcy or sequestration cannot be considered until three years from the date of discharge BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Driving and motoring offences should be declared APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Issues relating to anti-social behaviour or domestic related incidents will be taken into consideration and should be declared. Failure to declare could result in a refusal of vetting clearance APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Applicants who have been involved in serious violence offences, unlawful possession of weapons, abuse or neglect of children, APPENDIX C (Tattoos) hate crime or drug possession. Please see appendix A for more options. APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
It should be noted that any undeclared offences, which are discovered FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS by the Force Vetting Unit after the application has been submitted, would lead to rejection of the applicant. 9 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
WELCOME THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS ABOUT US
Stage 1 Submission of Application Form EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Stage 2 Competency Based Questions (CBQ) OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Stage 3 SEARCH Assessment Centre BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER
Stage 4 Structured Interview THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Stage 5 Sickness Checks BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 6 Reference Checks APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Stage 7 Vetting Checks / Biometric Vetting APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
Stage 8 Physical Fitness Test APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
Stage 9 Medical Examination APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
Stage 10 Offer Stage FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Stage 11 Training Programme 10 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
WELCOME Stage 1 Submission of Application Form
Pre-Eligibility Questions - Prior to creating an application you will have to answer questions that determine your ABOUT US eligibility to proceed to the application. Transfer Applications - Applicants who have applied to another force and have not been rejected from that force within the last 6 months may transfer their valid 12 month CBQ/Assessment Centre result to us (you still have to apply). YOU EQUALITY & DIVERSITY MUST WITHDRAW your application with the other force you have applied to and send us a copy of your ‘Successful after CBQ/Shortlisting email’ or your ‘SEARCH Recruitment Assessment Centre - Personal Feedback Report’ (your feedback OUR POLICING PRIORITIES report must meet or surpass our Assessment Centre pass criteria). From here you will bypass the stage you have been successful at. TIP: If you have a valid CBQ or Assessment Centre result you will not need to answer the CBQ Assessment questions on our application form, to bypass this just add N/A in the answer fields. NOTE: If you were near the end of a BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Police Officer recruitment process with another force you will still need to undertake an interview with Merseyside Police. Personal Information - You will need to provide information relating to your contact details, address history, driving licence and previous applications for the role of Police Officer. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Education - You will have to declare any universities/colleges/schools you have attended within the last 3 years in order for the recruitment team to request a reference. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Employment - You will have to declare any employment you have had within the last 3 years in order for the recruitment team to request a reference. NOTE: Current employment will not be contacted until after the interview stage and not until you have completed the rest of the recruitment process. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Other Interests (Business Interest) - The continuation of either your business or a relative’s business after accepting employment. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Cautions & Convictions (see Appendix A) Tattoos (see Appendix C) Monitoring - You will need to answer diversity questions relating to age, ethnicity, gender, disability, religion etc. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Assessment 1 - Issues which could prevent you from joining us (see page 9) Assessment 2 (CBQ) - You will have to answer competency based questions in relation to the role. TIP: Your answers will APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) be marked therefore please make sure you use the correct spelling and grammar. (see page 12) Declaration - You will have an overview of your application, please review this page to check for any missing information before you submit. NOTE: Once your application has been submitted you no longer have access to amend any of the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS information.
11 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 2 Competency Based Questions (CBQ) WELCOME
As part of the application process you will be required to answer competency based questions in relation to the role of Police Officer. Your application will be anonymous to the assessor marking these questions, they will only see your Application I.D ABOUT US number and your answers.
In total there are 26 questions for you to answer. They are divided into 4 frameworks with 5 questions against each framework; EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Q1 (Professionalism), Q2 (Working With Others), Q3 (Decision Making), Q4 (Service Delivery) Questions 5-10 relate to your Motivations, Preparation and Expectations of the role of Police Officer. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES It is important that you spend time and effort on this section, as there is currently a 45% failure rate.
You should answer every question fully, take your time and read the questions BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER In this section we are looking for evidence of previous performance, as this is the best indicator of future potential. You should tell us what you did in the detailed example that you give. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS A number of the failures at this stage are due to poorly thought out answers or people explaining what “the team did “ instead of explaining what contribution they made to the team effort. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Drafting An Answer Write down some examples of situations that could answer the competency based question. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Select the example that best answers the question, write it down and check it is correct. Don’t write your answers straight onto the form as any mistakes cannot later be corrected. Ask someone to proof read your answers to check for spelling mistakes. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
Do your examples in a Word document – and SAVE as you go along (PLEASE DO NOT USE DOUBLE SPACING) Once you are confident with your answer, type it onto the application form. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Word count is very important – make sure that you utilise your full word count, but ensuring that your sentences make sense, words are not omitted. Please don’t use abbreviations or text speak (i.e. l8r - later) APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Make sure your answers have saved successfully prior to submission. If you are experiencing any technical difficulties with this page please send your answers on a Microsoft Word document to [email protected] FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and the recruitment team will manually add your answers to your application. For further information regarding your Competency Based Questions please click here 12 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 3 SEARCH Assessment Centre - Held at Mather Avenue Training Centre WELCOME As part of the recruitment process you will be required to attend a 5 hour recruitment Assessment Centre either in the morning (8.30am) or afternoon (1.30pm). Prior to attending you will be sent an email containing a download link to the following ABOUT US documents (SEARCH information for Candidates, Westshire Centre Welcome Pack, Pre Application Notice and Map to Mather Avenue.) We can usually accommodate 180 candidates for an assessment centre per week. Candidates who schedule an appointment for an EQUALITY & DIVERSITY assessment centre and cannot attend must email the recruitment team immediately.
Candidates who schedule an appointment and do not attend their assessment centre will be rejected. The location of our OUR POLICING PRIORITIES assessment centre is; Merseyside Police Training Centre, 222 Mather Avenue, Liverpool, L18 9TG. Upon arriving at the Assessment Centre you will be greeted by a member of the Assessment Centre Team and will be directed to a registration room . BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Please ensure that you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your scheduled assessment.
Please bring the following identification with you for registration: THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS A full 10-year passport or two of the following: BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT British driving licence
P45 APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Birth certificate (issued within six weeks of your birth) Chequebook and bank card (with three statements and proof of your signature) APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Photographic ID i.e. Credit card Proof of address (E.g., council tax bill, gas bill, electricity bill, water bill or phone bill). APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Failure to provide the correct identification will mean you cannot undergo the assessment centre. Reasonable Adjustment Candidates - Applicants who have declared a disability and require reasonable adjustments will be contacted during the application stage to provide an Adult Psychologist Report (with diagnostics page). Your psychologist APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) report will be forwarded to the College of Policing to determine what adjustments can be offered during your SEARCH Assessment Centre. An email communicating what adjustments can be made along with a declaration form will be sent to you to be signed and returned within 5 working days. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS N.B. Applicants who do not declare they require reasonable adjustments on their application or do not provide an Adult Psychologist Report will not be granted reasonable adjustments 13 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 3 SEARCH Assessment Centre - Continued WELCOME
During your registration you will be asked to complete a Confidentiality Declaration form, provide identification, and you will receive a label indicating your unique 9 digit reference number, syndicate number, a candidate number (1-8). The label must ABOUT US remain visible at all times. In your syndicates you will be spoken to by the Assessment Centre Coordinator to welcome you and give you a quick introduction. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Applicants attending the assessment centre are split into 3 syndicates of 8. All syndicates will be escorted by a candidate coordinator and briefed prior to each exercise.
Interactive (1 Hour) - There will be four interactive exercises. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Interview (20 Minutes) - A 20 minute interview will be undertaken on a one to one basis with an assessor. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Numerical Ability Test (23 Minutes) - A 23 minute numerical test using a mathematical booklet. A calculator is provided for use during the test. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Written (50 Minutes) - You will undertake 2 written exercises.
Verbal Ability Test (30 Minutes) - A 30 minute verbal ability test will be undertaken. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Applicants will receive their result by email within 14 days after the last day of the assessment centre. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) The validity of this result is 12 months from the date of your assessment.
APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
14 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
WELCOME Stage 4 Structured Interview - Held at HQ
Interviews will be held at Merseyside Police HQ, we ask the candidates to arrive 10 minutes prior to their interview time to allow the chance to calm any last minute nerves and so the invigilator can meet you at ABOUT US reception to review your identification documents. The invigilator will ask candidates to produce 3 ORIGINAL forms of identification: EQUALITY & DIVERSITY 1. Photographic ID, 2. Current Address, OUR POLICING PRIORITIES 3. Birth certificate (these will be photocopied by the invigilator, stored on your recruitment file, and given back after the interview.) A Vetting Form will be included within the email it is important to bring the completed vetting form with you on the day of your BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER interview to avoid unnecessary delays in the recruitment process (we advise candidates that they must complete all fields of the form accurately and honestly (Blank fields are not acceptable). THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Car parking is not available at Police Headquarters on the day of your interview. ¹Policing Professional Framework Examples of identification: Passport (Photo) Serving The Public BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Utility Bill / Bank Statement (Current Address) Openness To Change Driving Licence / Provisional Licence (Photo) Service Delivery APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) The invigilator will then provide a brief for the candidates prior to going into their interview, which Professionalism outlines the structure of the interview which is Decision Making 30 Minute Interview (marked against the Policing Professional Framework¹) Working With Others APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Chairperson along with 2 other panel members who will be asking questions Interview Results will be emailed shortly after interview. Preparation¹ APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Researching the role and the organisation Keep a record of where you heard about the role and what you did to find out more. For example Merseyside Police website, APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) twitter, visits to Police Stations etc. The Merseyside Police website contains a huge amount of information to help you prepare www.merseyside.police.co.uk N.B., Support your answers with examples. E.g., if you mention that you have visited the website, be prepared for the assessor to FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ask you which website and what information you found.
15 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 5 Sickness Checks WELCOME Successful candidates will be sent an email that contains an attached Sickness Breakdown Form which needs to be completed and returned as soon as possible as without it we cannot invite you to the next recruitment stage. To meet sickness criteria we ask candidates to declare any sickness absence(s) they ABOUT US have had within the last three years with an explanation for the reason for absence. Our criteria for deselecting candidates due to their sickness record will be; EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Absent on 3 or more occasions in the last 12 months; or Absent for more than an average of 8 days per year over the last 3 years.
OUR POLICING PRIORITIES (Consideration will be given to those absences which are covered by the Equality Act 2010 for example Disability Related Absence, or Pregnancy Related Absence). Please note: It is important that you complete this section accurately as any inaccuracies which are BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER identified at a later date may result in any offers of employment being withdrawn. Stage 6 Reference Checks THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Once the recruitment team have determined that you meet our sickness criteria, we will then begin reference checks by contacting your previous employers and institutions in the last 3 years, to try and BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT gain a better description of you in a professional/educational background. NOTE: The recruitment team will not contact your current employment without your permission and not until they have received all other references and results on your APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) recruitment file. Stage 7 Vetting Checks / Biometric Vetting - Held at HQ APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) The Force Vetting Unit will carry out vetting checks on all disclosed family relatives and partners on the vetting form (you, your spouse/partner, your parents, your spouse/partners parents, step-parents, siblings, half-siblings and occupants of your current address). We will also check your partner’s children if APPENDIX C (Tattoos) they are aged over 10 years and any other adults who reside at your address. Should you be unsuccessful at this stage, the Recruitment Team are not informed of the reason due to data protection. This decision cannot be appealed. APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Financial and social media checks will also be carried out on all candidates. Those with outstanding County Court Judgements (CCJs), Individual Voluntary agreements (IVAs) or who have been registered bankrupt will be rejected. If you have discharged bankruptcy debts, you will need verification from the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Court of this and three years must have lapsed since the date of discharge. At a later stage of the process candidates will be invited to HQ for a 10 minute appointment with the Forensics Department to undergo Biometric Vetting that consists of a swab of the mouth for DNA and ink rolled onto the palm and fingers to provide fingerprints. 16 Candidates are reminded not to eat or drink anything 20 minutes prior to their appointment. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 8 Physical Fitness Test - Held at Lea Green Training Academy WELCOME A Physical Fitness test will be facilitated by Training Officers at Lea Green Training Centre in St Helens. Prior to the test, candidates will be emailed a Physical Activity Readiness Form which they will need to ABOUT US take with them on the day of their fitness test. Candidates will be subject to a fitness test commonly known as the Dynamic Strength Test and Endurance Fitness Test. Performance on both of these tests will provide a good indicator of a candidate’s capability to perform various police tasks. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
The test elements are run consecutively and candidates must meet the below minimum standards : OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Dynamic Strength (Upper-body strength) Dyno Machine—Push 34kg, pull 35kg Endurance Fitness (Multi-stage shuttle run) 4 Shuttles at Level 5 (5/4) BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER
Stage 9 Medical Examination - Held at HQ THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
You will be asked to complete a medical history questionnaire which must be signed by your GP. This BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT should be taken to your medical screening appointment at HQ, where you will be examined by medical practitioners appointed on behalf of Merseyside Police. Please note our Occupational Health Unit may require further information from your medical practitioner. We will need your consent to obtain this APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) information. The following areas will be checked:- Lung capacity APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Eyesight & Colour Vision test APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Hearing test Body Mass Index (BMI) APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Consideration of existing conditions The standard required during the Eyesight Test either with or without spectacles or contact lenses is: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Distance vision: 6/12 or better with either your right or left eye 6/6 with both eyes together. If you wear spectacles or contact lenses you also need to reach 6/36 without these. Near vision: 6/9 with both eyes together (aided). 17 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Stage 10 Offer Stage WELCOME
Once a recruitment file is complete and has been quality assured by the Recruitment Team, the candidate will be contacted and will be provided with dates for the forthcoming intake and asked to ABOUT US confirm their availability. Successful candidates are offered a place on the Initial Police Learning and Development Programme (IPLDP) that is currently carried out over 36 Weeks. Once the training dates have been confirmed verbally, the recruitment team will then arrange for the EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Offer Letter to be sent to the home address of the candidate with the Conditions of Service, Acceptance Form, Bank Details Form, Diversity Monitoring Form (which needs to be signed and returned to the recruitment team in the envelope provided). OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Information regarding the fitting and collection of uniform will be provided on the first day of training. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Stage 11 Training Programme - Held at Lea Green Training Academy
Once appointed you will receive comprehensive training at Lea Green Training Centre to enable you to THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS carry out your role as a Police Officer as well as preparing you for any hostile confrontations you may encounter whilst on duty. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT You will undertake a training programme at the Force Training Academy. Your continued employment is subject to achieving an acceptable level of competence during this training programme. Your knowledge and understanding will be tested by three formal assessments during your initial police APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) training whilst at Lea Green. The pass mark has been set at 60%.
Following this period of initial training your development programme will continue until you have been APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) successfully confirmed in the rank of constable. It is essential to understand that during the latter stages of your 2 year probationary period, regardless of which functional area you have been initially posted to, you will become a Force Resource and subsequently you may be posted anywhere within the APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Merseyside Police Force Area.
Your initial training will involve assessment in the workplace in relation to your practical ability to APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) complete policing activities and as to the manner in which you complete them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Successful completion of this period will result in you being awarded the Diploma in Policing, which is the minimum national standard qualification to be attained by all Student Police Officers. However, your confirmation in the rank of Police Constable is also dependent upon you demonstrating that you have the personal qualities expected as a competent Police Officer. This will continue to be assessed throughout your 2 year probation period. 18 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE THE RECRUITMENT TEAM IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM WELCOME THE RECRUITMENT TEAM ABOUT US The recruitment team have recently moved onto a new recruitment system. The system is regularly being upgraded to meet our requirements which may result in bugs or glitches. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY We are aware of some issues around uploading tattoos. Please declare any tattoos you have in the relevant fields, if the system prevents you from uploading, then the recruitment team will request pictures after your application has been reviewed. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES We are aware of a system glitch that emails applicants informing them ALL their appointments have been cancelled due to wanting to reschedule/cancel a single appointment. Please ignore this we will only cancel the appointment you cannot attend. Please DO NOT contact the recruitment team in relation to your recruitment progress (i.e. CBQ Result). When the recruitment team BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER require information they will contact you in the first instance via email or for urgent queries applicants will be contacted by phone. If you receive a phone call from a withheld number that does not leave a voicemail then please do not assume this will be the recruitment team trying to contact you. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS When completing your application we ask you to save and continue after the Financial Assessment in order to access the Competency Based Questions. Failure to answer any Competency Based Questions will result in your application being rejected. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT We ask applicants to continually monitor their email accounts as this is the recruitment team preferred method of communication. We ask applicants to reply to any of our requests at their earliest opportunity to prevent any delays. Please check spam and junk folders as sometimes emails may automatically be directed to these folders. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) If you have a change of information or circumstances please let the recruitment team know via email. (e.g. change of address or change in employment etc.) As once your application is submitted you are restricted from making any amendments. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) (CBQ ANSWERS - PLEASE AVOID USING DOUBLE SPACING AS OUR RECRUITMENT SYSTEM WILL COUNT THIS AS 1 WORD) Due to a glitch with booking appointments over numerous days, the system may look as though appointments are available for you to book onto. If you are unable to select the appointment this means we are fully booked. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) You will not necessarily receive another invite exactly 6 weeks after the date of your failed fitness test. If you have booked a Medical but have not received your signed Medical History Questionnaire from your G.P before your APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) appointment date then please still attend your appointment. You will be medically pended until Occupational Health receive your signed questionnaire. If your application is rejected due to vetting checks then recruitment will not know the reasons behind this decision. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Depending on appointment availability, there is no relevant order to undertake your fitness, biometrics or medical. Excluding the SEARCH Assessment Centre, Merseyside Police cannot offer applicants feedback. Your applicant status may not necessarily reflect what stage of the process you are up to. 19 Please do not double book appointments. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX A
WELCOME APPENDIX A If you have any other questions regarding your eligibility please contact the Recruitment Team at ABOUT US [email protected] CAUTIONS/CONVICTIONS EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Prior to making an application you may wish to know about the cautions/convictions that would register you ineligible to proceed for the role of Police Officer. Home Office forces follow the eligibility criteria for the role of Police Constable (NPIA Circular 02/2011) which can be found here in more detail. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Q. What type of cautions/convictions should I declare on my Application/Vetting form? A. Please declare anything that you believe may be detrimental to your application. Following guidance from College of Policing and advice from our Force Vetting Unit, recruitment will determine whether your application is eligible to continue. It is better BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER to declare it than to not as failure to declare an offence that was later found to be undisclosed will result in your application being rejected. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Q. What Cautions/Convictions may lead to my application being rejected? A. Treason, Murder, Manslaughter, Homicide BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Rape, Offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, Kidnapping/Abduction, Incest, Acts of Indecency, Sexual activity with a child Hostage Taking, Hi-Jacking, Torture, Public Order Offences, Espionage, Terrorism, Sabotage, Attempts to overthrow/undermine parliamentary democracy by political, industrial or violent means with any organisation advocating such activities APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Grievous Bodily Harm (GBH), Hate Crime, Domestic violence offences, Burglary/Theft, Criminal Damage, Corruption/Fraud, Class A Drug Offences, 2 Class B Drug Offences, Drug Dealing/Supplying Offences, Firearms Offences Reckless/Dangerous Driving within the last 10 years (DD40-80), Driving without Insurance/MOT in last 5 years (IN10), Driving APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) under the influence of drink/drugs within the last 10 years (DR10-90), Driving whilst disqualified, Driving without a licence.
Q. Will my application be affected if a family relative has a caution/conviction? APPENDIX C (Tattoos) A. Where relatives or the associates of an applicant are found to have unspent convictions or cautions for recordable offences, the following should be considered: • The likelihood that the applicant's performance and discharge of duty will be adversely affected e.g. through adverse pressure APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) or a conflict of interests; • The nature, number and seriousness of the offences or involvement in criminal activity and the time over which these took place; FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS • Whether the circumstances are likely to bring discredit to or embarrass the Police Service or police force; A decision that an applicant is “unsuitable” on the basis of relatives’ convictions, intelligence material or his/her criminal associations should be taken at the appropriate level. The results of checks on relatives and associates should not be disclosed to an applicant due to the need for data protection and to avoid potential disclosure of intelligence. 20 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX B APPENDIX B WELCOME ABOUT US COUNTRIES OF THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA (EEA) EQUALITY & DIVERSITY To apply to become a Police Officer you must be an EEA National or a Swiss National. Commonwealth citizens and Foreign Nationals are required to have leave to enter or leave to remain in the UK for an OUR POLICING PRIORITIES indefinite period. Applicants must have resided in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Although Bulgaria and Romania are members of the EEA, their citizens are not automatically entitled to remain in the United THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Kingdom. Therefore citizens from Bulgaria and Romania are also required to have leave to enter and leave to remain in the UK for an indefinite period. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Listed below are member countries of the EEA. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Austria Hungary Norway Belgium Iceland Poland APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Cyprus Ireland Portugal Czech Republic Italy Slovakia APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Denmark Latvia Slovenia Estonia Liechtenstein Spain APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Finland Lithuania Sweden France Luxembourg United Kingdom FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Germany Malta Greece Netherlands 21 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX C APPENDIX C WELCOME ABOUT US TATTOOS EQUALITY & DIVERSITY During the application stage you will be asked to upload and describe pictures of any tattoos on your hands, neck, arms or face. Should a tattoo be on your wrist and neck we may ask you to provide a picture of being covered by a long sleeved shirt. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
1. A close up photograph to clearly identify the images. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER 2. A photograph of the tattoos covered by a long sleeved shirt (preferably white) THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS The following tattoos are not accepted under any circumstances – whether they are visible or not or can be covered or not: BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Indicate unacceptable attitudes towards women, minority groups or any other section of the community. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Indicate alignment to particular groups that could cause offence to members of the public and / or are considered To be discriminatory, rude, crude, racist, sexist, sectarian, APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) homophobic, violent or intimidating.
Visible tattoos above the collar bone which can’t be covered by APPENDIX C (Tattoos) a shirt i.e. on face or neck (including back of neck) or on your hands are not acceptable regardless of their design. APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) If any of the above apply, your application will not be allowed
Tattoos on the arms, that can be covered by a long sleeve shirt, may be acceptable providing they are not of the nature FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS described above. (If you are accepted into the force you will be asked to wear a long sleeved shirt to cover up any visible tattoos when on patrol). If the tattoo is not written in English then a translation must be provided along with the photograph of the tattoo and description/location when prompted to do so. 22 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
WELCOME APPENDIX D Click here to download the Medical Standards for ABOUT US Police Officer Recruitment RECOMMENDED MEDICAL STANDARDS EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
EAR, NOSE and THROAT DISORDERS Concern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will have major detrimental effects on the OUR POLICING PRIORITIES operational role of a Police Constable
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes External ear BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Chronic otitis externa - Mild, occassional Likely to be suitable
Chronic otitis externa - More severe, recurrent Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Impedes function, balance and use of communi- otitis externa cations equipment. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Atresia or stenosis of ear canal Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment – unless excluded on audiometric criteria BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Tympanic membrane and middle ear Perforation - Healed Likely to be suitable
Perforation - Chronic Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Ventilation tubes (grommets) Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Successful myringoplasty/ tympanoplasty Likely to be suitable APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Chronic otitis media - Healed Likely to be suitable
Chronic otitis media - Inactive Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Chronic otitis media - Active Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Chronic serous otitis media Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Post-mastoid surgery Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment, APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) unless audiometric standards are not met. If active chronic disease – unlikely to be suitable
Otosclerosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Facial palsy with loss of function Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
23 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
EAR, NOSE and THROAT DISORDERS (Continued) WELCOME Inner ear Meniere’s disease Unlikely to be suitable ABOUT US Benign positional paroxysmal vertigo Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Hearing - Both ears above standard Likely to be suitable Hearing standard - Hearing loss of more than a total of 84 dB over the 0.5 - 1.2 KHz range or EQUALITY & DIVERSITY more than a total of 123 dB over the 3,4 and 6 KHz range.
Hearing - Both ears below standard Unlikely to be suitable For borderline cases or when hearing in one ear is OUR POLICING PRIORITIES above the standard and hearing in the other ear below standard, or when hearing aids are fitted, consideration should be given to a practical test of hearing to assess functional ability, for example BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER speech and/or phoneme comprehension.
THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Hearing - One ear above standard, and one ear Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment – below standard applicant must be assessed carefully
Applicants with hearing aids that bring their Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT hearing above the minimum standard
Nose APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Allergic vasomotor rhinitis Likely to be suitable
Likely to be suitable but If there is a significant history then likely to Recurrent nasal polyps require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Likely to be suitable but If severe, likely to require further information, Persistent chronic sinusitis investigation and assessment Throat APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Tracheostomy Unlikely to be suitable Not compatible with safety near or in water
Chronic laryngitis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Other laryngeal disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Severe speech impediment Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment but Unable effectively to perform vital task of radio unlikely to be suitable if the applicant cannot communicate effectively and voice communication FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Balance disorders and vertigo Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Usually a symptom of another condition that may make the applicant unsuitable. 24 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
CARDIOVASCULAR SYSTEM WELCOME Some cardiovascular disorders can impair fitness by limiting working capacity or by risk of sudden incapacity. Therefore applicants with marked cardiovascular disorders will not be able safely and efficiently to perform the operational Police Constable role.
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes ABOUT US Coronary artery disease - Symptomatic Unlikely to be suitable High risk of the operational role precipitating symptoms (chest pain) or a coronary event.
Coronary artery disease - Asymptomatic Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Congenital heart disease - Corrected Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Congenital heart disease - Uncorrected Unlikely to be suitable Reassess after corrective surgery, unlikely to be OUR POLICING PRIORITIES suitable if loss of cardiovascular function
Cardiac murmurs Benign – likely to be suitable, else likely to require further information, Requirement to meet normal cardiovascular func- investigation and assessment tion both at rest and exercise BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Acquired valvular disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment May compromise exercise tolerance Unless benign unlikely to be suitable.
Disturbance of rhythm Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment May compromise exercise tolerance. Operational THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS role may dangerously exacerbate the arrhythmia
Cardiomyopathies Unlikely to be suitable Operational role may precipitate a cardiac event. There may be a decrease in exercise tolerance. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Uncontrolled hypertension Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment May be referred for monitoring and treatment to own GP and assessed again when condition in- vestigated and controlled. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Hypertension with end organ damage or unac- Unlikely to be suitable ceptable side-effects of treatment APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Controlled hypertension with no side-effects of Likely to be suitable Subject to (annual) medical examination. medication
Established peripheral vascular disease affecting Unlikely to be suitable Condition is not compatible with exercise require- APPENDIX C (Tattoos) the lower limbs - Symptomatic ments of operational Police Constable.
Established peripheral vascular disease affecting Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment the lower limbs - Asymptomatic APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Raynaud’s phenomenon Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Cold may trigger painful attacks. May affect dex- terity of hands in operating equipment.
Varicose veins Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Condition will inevitably deteriorate substantially FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS with prolonged standing and sitting.
Severe varicose veins Likely to be unsuitable if symptomatic or sufficiently severe to restrict Condition will inevitably deteriorate substantially capacity to perform operational duties. with prolonged standing and sitting. 25 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
RESPIRATORY SYSTEM WELCOME Conditions adversely affecting respiratory fitness will limit working ability most commonly from the sensation of breathlessness
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes ABOUT US Any persistent respiratory disease impairing Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case exercise capacity basis.
Asthma Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Treated hay fever without history of wheezing Likely to be suitable
Solitary spontaneous pneumothorax Likely to be suitable OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Recurrent pneumothoraces Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Reassess after treatment aimed at preventing further recurrences
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Unlikely to be suitable The loss of normal respiratory function will limit affecting exercise capacity exercise capacity even in the absence of super- BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER added chest infections.
Tuberculosis - Active Unlikely to be suitable Unacceptable risk of transmission during training THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS period
Tuberculosis - History of a previous episode of Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment TB Successfully treated Tuberculosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Sarcoid Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
26 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
ALIMENTARY SYSTEM WELCOME Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Peptic ulceration or dyspepsia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Chronic pain may interfere with role. ABOUT US Irritable bowel syndrome Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Applicant under investigation; require close prox- imity to the toilet; require codeine for control; or if the IBS has a significant association with stress EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Irritable Bowel Syndrome - Mild Likely to be suitable Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s or ulcera- Unlikely to be suitable, or if successfully treated UC, likely to require Chronic conditions with unpredictable course and OUR POLICING PRIORITIES tive colitis) further information, investigation and assessment relatively high surgical intervention rates.
Dietary conditions - Coeliac disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Many sufferers will have minimal symptoms with good dietary control and will be suitable. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Dietary conditions - Lactose intolerance Likely to be suitable
Dietary conditions - Food allergy Likely to be suitable THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Hernia - Treated Likely to be suitable assuming > 3 months after successful surgical Training and operational role will be compro- treatment mised due to local weakness in abdominal mus- culature. Hernia is likely to increase in severity. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Hernia - Untreated Untreated hernia refer to GP/defer till after surgery Training and operational role will be compro- mised due to local weakness in abdominal mus- culature. Hernia is likely to increase in severity.
Anal and perianal conditions Likely to be suitable APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Anal and perianal conditions - Active chronic Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Persistent perianal sepsis will cause significant conditions absence. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Chronic liver disease Unlikely to be suitable
Biliary disease - Gallstone disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Biliary disease - Chronic biliary tree Unlikely to be suitable APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
Pancreatitis - Single episode Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Pancreatitis - Chronic Unlikely to be suitable APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Stoma with good nutritional state and no com- Likely to be suitable Consider need for provision of special padding on plications uniform belts FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
27 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
NEPHRO-UROGENITAL SYSTEM WELCOME Renal disease and its sequelae can have profound effects on the ability of an operational Police Constable to attend let alone be safe and functional in his/ her occupation. Sudden incapacity from pain, hypertension and renal failure are the major complications ABOUT US Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Haematuria/ Proteinurea Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment GP to investigate in the first instance Nephritis History of nephritis and ongoing impairment unlikely to be suitable. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Otherwise likely to require further information, investigation and as- sessment
Recurrent urinary tract infections Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Persistent major urethral abnormality Unlikely to be suitable Treatment is likely to be protracted
Minor urethral abnormality Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Urinary incontinence Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Benign scrotal swellings Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Testicular tumours See miscellaneous conditions THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Major congenital renal abnormality Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Major congenital renal abnormality (normal Likely to be suitable Normal renal function necessary to allow regular BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT renal function) attendance and performance.
Polycystic kidney disease Unlikely to be suitable Progression to end stage renal failure.
Unilateral kidney (with remaining kidney func- Likely to be suitable APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) tioning well)
Established renal stone disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Irreversible renal failure Unlikely to be suitable Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapy effects not compatible with operational Police Constable role. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Renal dialysis (Haemo/CAPD) Unlikely to be suitable Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapy effects not compatible with operational Police Constable role. APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
28 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
ENDOCRINE SYSTEM WELCOME A defective endocrine system is unable to properly adjust and correlate the activities of the various body systems and is not able to make them appropriate for the chang- ing demands of the external and internal environment. ABOUT US Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1 or Unlkely to be suitable. However, further information, and assessment Further information and assessment will be need- type 2) will be needed ed in order to assess each case on its merits EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment The complications of diabetes can degrade the functional capacity of an operational Police Con- stable. Recent hypoglycaemic episode warrants deferral. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Thyroid disease Likely to be suitable – recruit must be undergoing treatment of have undergone successful treatment. If doubt exists, likely to require fur- BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER ther information, investigation and assessment
Pituitary disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Can be secondary to other conditions. If these other factors do not exclude a recruit then hor- THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS monal therapy treatment can allow individuals to return to normal function. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
SKIN CONDITIONS APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Skin disease can be as much if not more disabling than disease of other organ systems. Physical disability from skin disease derives from decreased mobility of the abnor- mal stratum corneum or an abnormally stiff dermis. Special concern is raised with extensive hand and foot involvement and the resultant effect on dexterity and mobility respectively. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Extensive skin disease with chronic discomfort or Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Exposure to irritants or inhospitable environments disruption of dermal integrity. will result in frequent exacerbations. APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
Widespread eczema/ dermatitis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Mild eczema Likely to be suitable APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Severe psoriasis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Mild psoriasis Likely to be suitable FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Malignant Melanoma, following excision Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
29 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
ORTHOPAEDIC and SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS WELCOME
Dexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operational Police Constable.
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes ABOUT US
General
Any previous injury (fracture, soft tissue injury) EQUALITY & DIVERSITY or congenital deformity, causing long term re- Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment duction in function of a joint or limb
Implants OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Major joint replacement (total hip or knee) Unlikely to be suitable Unacceptable risk to the prosthesis from exercise requirements. Severe implications of prosthetic failure in an active adult. Assess on case by case basis BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER
Internally fixed fractures (‘metal work’) Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Risk of re-fracture at site of metal work when returning to more energetic activities. THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Endoprosthetic replacements Unlikely to be suitable Used in osteosarcoma surgery. Unacceptable risk of prosthesis failure or fracture around prosthesis. Assess on case by case basis BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Knee disorders Medial meniscectomy Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Lateral meniscectomy Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Risk of early osteoarthritis with associated disa- bility.
Ligamentous injury requiring surgery or causing Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Risk of re-injury in operational role. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) instability
Osteochondritis dissecans Unlikely to be suitable Risk of severe knee joint damage. APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Foot disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Amputations (total or partial) of upper or Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment lower limb APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Dislocation and instability of major joints Single episode of dislocation with no recurrence Likely to be suitable
Recurrent dislocation or surgical treatment re- Unlikely to be suitable - rarely, if excellent surgical results from stabi- Risk of recurrent dislocation whilst engaged in FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS quired lisation further information, investigation and assessment could be operational activities (e.g. restraining). sought.
30 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
ORTHOPAEDIC and SOFT TISSUE CONDITIONS (Continued) WELCOME
Cervical spine Resolved whiplash Likely to be suitable May be exacerbated by physical activities and driving. ABOUT US
Cervical discectomy (+/- fusion) Unlikely to be suitable Cervical discectomy will often not improve neck pain. Also there may be persisting neurological disability in the upper limbs. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Lumbar spine Single level resolved lumbar disc disease +/- Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Low back pain +/- lower limb symptoms can be OUR POLICING PRIORITIES discectomy disabling. Exacerbated by driving, standing for long periods, other physical tasks.
Multiple level lumbar disease Unlikely to be suitable BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER
Recurrent low back pain/ persistent sciatica Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Arthritis and related conditions THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Rheumatoid arthritis Unlikely to be suitable Progressive joint damage with degrading of oper- ational capacity.
Controlled gout without complications Likely to be suitable BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Ankylosing Spondylitis with chronic pain Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis. (Cautions/Convictions) Mild Ankylosing Spondylitis with preserved func- Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX A tion Reiter’s Diseases / reactive arthropathy Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Connective tissue diseases Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Can cause diagnostic difficulties and often unpre- APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) dictable course. Potential for severe incapacita- tion. APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
31 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
HAEMATOLOGICAL DISORDERS WELCOME
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Previously undetected iron deficiency anaemia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Refer to GP initially for investigations and treat- ment. ABOUT US
Other anaemias Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Many of the underlying conditions causing anae- mia will make the applicant unsuitable. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY G6PD deficiency Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Highly variable, but an applicant may be suitable.
Polycythaemia (Haematocrit>0.55) Unlikely to be suitable Unacceptable risk of disabling complications.
Thalassaemia major with severe chronic anaemia Unlikely to be suitable Unable to safely perform required exertion. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Sickle cell disease Unlikely to be suitable Anaemia & crises. Sickle cell disease trait Likely to be suitable Usually asymptomatic. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Mild haemophilia - Symptomatic Unlikely to be suitable Physical tasks and risk of injury may precipitate haemorrhage.
Mild haemophilia - Asymptomatic Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Thrombocytopaenia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment If platelets < 25 X 109/l then the recruit is unlikely to be suitable. BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Anticoagulation therapy Unlikely to be suitable The underlying condition may also make the applicant unsuitable.
Leukaemia/ lymphoma with complete remission Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Those in complete remission may be suitable following further investigation. APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
INFECTIOUS DISEASE (Countries of EEA) Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes APPENDIX B Assessment should be made on a case by case HIV Infection - Symptomatic Unlikely to be suitable basis APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Assessment should be made on a case by case HIV Infection - Asymptomatic Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment basis
Resolved Hepatitis A infection Likely to be suitable APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Hepatitis B carriers Unlikely to be suitable Resolved Hepatitis B infection without carrier Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment status FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Hepatitis C and D Unlikely to be suitable
Resolved Hepatitis E infection Likely to be suitable Glandular fever Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment 32 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
MISCELLANEOUS CONDITIONS WELCOME
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Childhood or early adult malignancy Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment ABOUT US Narcolepsy Unlikely to be suitable
Body Mass Index outside normal range - 18 to Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BMI should only be used to screen individuals 30 EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Malignant disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Genetic disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) with Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment OUR POLICING PRIORITIES chronic pelvic pain
Incapacitating menorrhagia Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Incapacitating dysmenorrhoea Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Endometriosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Fibroids and ovarian cysts Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Cervical dysplasia CIN 1/2 Likely to be suitable
Cervical dysplasia CIN 3 Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT
Invasive carcinoma Unlikely to be suitable Polycystic ovary disease Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Pregnancy Likely to be suitable after 3 months following delivery
Termination of pregnancy Likely to be suitable after 4 weeks following termination providing APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) there are no complications
APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
33 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS WELCOME
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Epilepsy – single seizure Likely to require further information, investigation Those in whom no abnormality is found should have their acceptance for entry deferred for a ABOUT US period of 18 months. There is a high risk of recurrence during this time. If the seizure has occurred within the past 18 months it is recommended that entry to the Po- EQUALITY & DIVERSITY lice service be deferred for that period. If it is clear that the condition is likely to be permanent, then the applicant is unlikely to be suitable. OUR POLICING PRIORITIES
Epilepsy – recurrent seizures Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER basis. Migraine Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Headaches / Severe headaches Likely to be suitable THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Head Injuries Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Subarachnoid haemorrhage Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT Transient Ishaemic Attacks Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Consideration should be given to applicants de- ferring entry for 12 months.
Hydrocephalus/insertion of shunts Unlikely to be suitable APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) Multiple sclerosis Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment It is recommended that applicants suffering from MS be deferred for 12 months after the date of appearance of their last set of symptoms. APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
Motor neurone disease, cerebella ataxias, pro- Unlikely to be suitable gressive peripheral neuropathy and Parkinson’s disease APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
34 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIX D
CONDITIONS AFFECTING MENTAL AND PSYCHIATRIC HEALTH WELCOME
Illness/injury/ disease Police applicant Notes Disorders first diagnosed in childhood or adoles- May not be suitable but further information, investigation, assessment Assessment should be made on a case by case cence required basis. ABOUT US
Cognitive and Amnestic Disorders Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case basis. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Substance related disorders Unlikely to be compatible but further information and assessment will Assessment should be made on a case by case be needed basis.
Schizophrenia / Schizophreniform Disorder / May not be suitable but further information, investigation, assessment Assessment should be made on a case by case OUR POLICING PRIORITIES Schizoaffective Disorder / Delusional Disorder required basis.
Mood Disorders / Depression / Bipolar Disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Generalised Anxiety Disorder / Panic Disorder / Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Phobic Anxiety / Obsessive Compulsive Disor- der / Adjustment Disorder / Posttraumatic Stress Disorder THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS
Somatoform Disorders / Factitious Disorders / Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment Dissociative Disorders / Chronic Fatigue Syn- BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT drome Eating disorders Likely to require further information, investigation and assessment
Personality Disorders Unlikely to be suitable Assessment should be made on a case by case APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) basis
APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA)
APPENDIX C (Tattoos)
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
35 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE APPENDIXFAQ D
WELCOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT US Is there a minimum or maximum age? Do I need a driving licence? The youngest age at which you can apply to be a Police To become a Police Officer you will not need to have a EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Officer in Merseyside Police is 17 years and nine months. driving licence.
There is no upper age limit; however applicants must pass all elements of the recruitment process. Applicants must be 18 OUR POLICING PRIORITIES years of age to be appointed. Is there a maximum or minimum height limit? There are no maximum or minimum height limits. Is anyone excluded from joining? BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER Please see our list of appendices in the right hand menu. Will a criminal record affect my application?
Some criminal convictions will not prevent you from THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Are there any Nationality restrictions? applying (see Appendix A). If you apply, you must declare You should be a British Citizen, a citizen of the EU or other any conviction, civil or military, (including minor and states in the EEA, or a Commonwealth citizen or foreign juvenile offences, cautions, bind overs, reprimands and fixed BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT national with indefinite leave to remain in the UK. penalty notices) regardless of how long ago these took place. Failure to declare any of these may result in rejection. (see Appendix B). APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions)
Additionally, spent convictions under the Rehabilitation of Is there a qualifying residency period? Offenders Act 1974 must be declared. All applicants need to reside permanently in the UK for a APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) minimum of three years prior to applying. British Citizens who have been out of the country for more than six months What about speeding convictions? will be sent an overseas declaration form later on in the You must declare all speeding and traffic offences including APPENDIX C (Tattoos) process to declare any cautions/convictions abroad (if any points on your licence applicable).
APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) How long will it take to complete the recruitment Will you contact my current employer for a reference? process? Yes, but only when you completed all the other pre- employment checks such as sickness checks, fitness, medical, This depends on a lot of factors and the volume of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS vetting, biometrics and previous references in the last the applicants we receive. The recruitment team are always last 3 years. We will contact you to confirm permission for moving files along to be ready for our next available intake. the recruitment team to request a reference from your From previous police officer processes it has taken us at current employment. least 4 months from the date of your Assessment Centre 36 to recruit depending on our next available intake. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE FAQ
Can I reapply if I have been rejected previously? If I fail the Fitness test do I get another chance? WELCOME If an applicant has been rejected for the role of Police Applicants have up to 3 attempts to complete the fitness test. Candidates who are unsuccessful at the fitness test Officer with Merseyside Police or any other Home Office must wait up to 6 weeks before they are allowed to retry. ABOUT US Force they must wait 6 months (from the date of their rejection) before they can reapply. I have a disability, can I receive reasonable adjustments
to assist with my application? EQUALITY & DIVERSITY Can I submit a paper application? Any reasonable adjustments in regards to the Assessment All applications must be submitted through our Centre will be based on your adult psychology report, OUR POLICING PRIORITIES recruitment system online. Merseyside Police will not which you should submit to accept any form of paper application. [email protected] after submission of your application. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER
If I re-apply do I have to do the Assessment Centre again? Can I apply for more than one force as a Police Officer? No, home office guidelines permits the applicant to have THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS Candidates who were successful at the Assessment one live application for one force only. Centre stage within the last 12 months will not have to do this again, candidates with a valid Assessment Centre BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT result will be invited to book themselves for an interview. Can I apply for the role of Police Officer and Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) or Special If I fail the recruitment process can I receive feedback Constable? APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) to help me improve? Yes, however if you are offered for the role of Police Officer you will need to withdraw your application for PCSO or Excluding the SEARCH Assessment Centre Merseyside Special Constable. If you are offered the role of Special APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) Police cannot offer external candidates feedback at any Constable you may continue in this role until you are other stage of the process. offered the role of Police Officer.
APPENDIX C (Tattoos) Will I be told the reason why my application has been What happens if I am not able to commit to all the rejected? required training dates? APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) All correspondence from the Recruitment Team will be The Recruitment Team will contact successful applicants sent via email to candidates. Candidates can also login to prior to offer to find out if they can commit to the training the communication centre to check their current status. dates of the next available intake however if an applicant is FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Candidates will be emailed their reason of rejection unable to commit to the dates, the recruitment team will unless the reason is a vetting issue, which can not be liaise with the Training Department to see if alternative dates can be arranged otherwise the offer will be deferred disclosed to the applicant due to data protection. to coincide with the next available training dates. 37 BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER IN MERSEYSIDE POLICE FAQ
Can I apply if I have any financial debt? WELCOME The Force Vetting Unit will carry out financial checks on each applicant. If you have been declared bankrupt, have What is the attestation? an outstanding County Court Judgement (CCJ) or an The attestation ceremony takes place the second week of ABOUT US Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) you will need to training. The Ceremony is held to Attest newly appointed check with the Recruitment Team to see if you are eligible. Police Officers. The evening is presided over by Chief Constable (see page 9) Andrew Cooke QPM and a Justice of the Peace. EQUALITY & DIVERSITY
Are there workshops available for me to get more Can I apply if I have tattoos? information about the process? OUR POLICING PRIORITIES You can apply with tattoos; however we will need photographs If you are part of an underrepresented group then you will of each of your tattoos and an explanation. Please see be invited to attend a workshop by our Positive Action Team. The workshops will be available prior to either your Appendix C for full details. BECOMING A POLICE OFFICER SEARCH Assessment Centre or Interview.
I have a medical condition - will this affect my application? If I become a Special Constable/PCS&TO will it help me You will need to declare your medical history on the medical THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS get into the regular force? questionnaire. Appendix D provides a comprehensive list of medical standards. If you have a specific enquiry please contact Becoming a Special Constable/PCS&TO does not the recruitment team on who will refer your query our BREAKDOWN OF RECRUITMENT automatically mean you would be accepted into the regular Occupational Health Unit. force. You will still have to be successful at the Police Constable Recruitment process. I have already had my biometrics taken? APPENDIX A (Cautions/Convictions) The experience gained from performing the role of a Special Constable/PCS&TO will provide a valuable insight Due to new DNA 17 regulations, if you are a current Merseyside Police Special Constable or PCS&TO employed into policing in general. Many of our internal applicants APPENDIX B (Countries of EEA) progress to becoming regular police officers. prior to June 2014 you will need to have your DNA retaken. If you had your biometrics taken with another force they will need to be retaken as biometric results cannot be transferred APPENDIX C (Tattoos) from force to force.
Key Contacts APPENDIX D (Medical Standards) Andy Cooke QPM - Chief Constable of Merseyside Police Jane Kennedy - Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS HR Shared Service (Recruitment Team) Positive Action Team 38