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Before you apply, you should ensure that you've done everything you can to prepare yourself so that your application has the best chance of success.
The different steps of the recruitment process are detailed below, so you know what to expect at each stage. Although it can differ person to person the recruitment process can take approximately 8 to 12 months.
If you need additional help or support, please contact the recruitment team.
Step 1 - Your application
Read our top tips before moving on to complete your online application form or attend one of our pre application workshops.
Step 2 – Eligibility
Step 3 – National Sift
The national sift consists of two exercises which reflect the competencies and values relevant to the role of a police constable. These two exercises are as follows:
The Situational Judgement Test (SJT) is designed to assess your judgement and decision-making in work-relevant situations against the Competencies Value Framework (CVF). The situations are presented to reflect the types of scenarios and actions police constables may face in their role.
The Behavioural Styles questionnaire is designed to explore your typical behaviour and preferences at work.
Step 4 – Attend a mandatory briefing session
All briefings will be conducted virtually for the time being. We will explain the remaining recruitment process and provide you insights in what to expect.
You will be required to complete an online assessment process hosted by the College of Policing. We will invite you to attend a mandatory workshop to provide you with full details of this assessment process. During this stage you'll be tested on our competencies and values framework.
Please note that we undertake random drug testing as part of our pre-employment checks. You may be asked to provide us with a sample - we will only undertake this after you have given your written consent.
This is the stage where you will begin your training which will consist of a number of elements including scenarios, classroom inputs, drill practice, fitness sessions and exams.
It is hands on, challenging and intense but there is plenty of support in place to help you throughout the course.
For approximately the first five months you will be based at our Essex Police College in Chelmsford where you'll work towards your Diploma in Policing.
The diploma is a nationally recognised qualification so expect some study in your own time. We will give you some pre-read material to help you before you start.
After this you will be posted out on division and tutored by experienced officers in both operational and investigative roles.
This is where you'll be able to put all your learning into practice. We'll carry out assessments during this time to make sure you're still on track.
Where you're posted in the county depends on policing requirements at the time but we do take your preferred options into consideration.
During your training, you are able to specify three posting preferences. Your preferences are not guaranteed but you will be matched with your choices as closely as possible. Postings are based on organisational/operational need.
You will work a mix of early, late and night shifts - this will include working weekends.