Detective Constables play an incredibly important role in the day-to-day operations of the police. As high ranking employees in the police force, Detective Constables are responsible for conducting complex investigations, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and leading police-wide improvement efforts – in order to guarantee the best level of service to the general public.
One of the biggest and most well-known forces in the UK, is the MET Police. The Met Police have recently changed their criteria for hiring Detective Constables. The new system is known as Direct Entry. In this blog, we’ll take you through the Met Police Detective Direct Entry Application process!
Direct Entry Application Process – Phase 1
As we already explained in our previous blog on Met Police Detectives: Direct Entry, the direct entry process is extremely tough to pass. The application process starts with what is known as ‘Phase 1’: Phase 1 of the direct entry application process begins with an online eligibility test. The purpose of this test is help YOU decide whether you are the correct fit for the role. You’ll be asked questions that describe the type of work that a Detective Constable performs on a daily basis, and then asked to confirm that you can meet these requirements. This test will not be marked, and is only there to give you an indication of whether you are the right person for the job. Naturally, the police do not want to recruit someone who quits 2 weeks into the job, as they can’t handle the difficulties. So, pay close attention to your score from this assessment, to check whether this is the role for you!
Application Form
The next part of the direct entry application process is an online application form. This requires you to fill in a number of personal details about yourself, and then answer a set of competency related questions. The application form is extremely important for the police. Not only will they use this form to vet you – ensuring that you meet the background criteria to join, but they’ll also analyse the competency responses extremely carefully. These will show the police that you have conducted an in-depth study of the behavioural requirements for the role, and that you have evidence that you can meet them.
Online Verbal Reasoning Test
Following this, you’ll conduct an online Verbal Reasoning Test. This will essentially consist of a number of linguistically challenging questions and problems, which you will need to solve. The purpose of this test is, as you might have guessed, to test your understanding of the English language. Detective Constables must be able to utilise a high standard of grammar, whilst working the role. Amongst other things, there are numerous forms and paperwork to fill out, and you’ll also need to utilise clear and detailed written communication throughout your time working for the police. Grammatical mistakes and unclear language can delay the crime solving process, and even lead to suspects getting away.
Assessment Centre – Day 1
The next stage in Phase 1 is the Assessment Centre – Day 1. This is a gruelling assessment day, where you have to sit not only the standard constable assessment, but also the detective constable assessment. The detective constable assessment is a more challenging and in-depth set of exercises, designed to push potential candidates to their limits. Amongst other tests, you will need to sit:
- A Numerical Reasoning Exercise
- A Report Writing Exercise
- A Group Exercise
- A Presentation
- A Verbal Reasoning Test
- A Non-Verbal Reasoning Assessment
- A Face-To-Face interview
As you can see, the tests that you’ll need to take are extremely varied and complex. This means that you will need to spend a huge amount of time prior to the assessment day, revising for the tests. The better you prepare, the better your chances will be of acing the centre. The interview in particular is something which you need to give full use of your time to. You’ll need to learn the core competencies off by heart, and understand how to utilise them in your responses.
Following the first day of the assessment centre, you’ll need to sit another day, Assessment Centre – Day 2. During this day, you’ll take part in various medical and fitness tests, and may also be required to verify certain references and security issues.
After it’s confirmed that you’ve passed the second assessment centre day, you will be invited to attend the following:
- Pre-foundation training. This is an initial training period, which lasts for 30 to 40 hours. This period will aim to educate new recruits on their role, and provide them with an in-depth introduction to life as a Detective Constable.
- Foundation training. Next up, the proper training. The foundation training essentially consists of a mix of classroom training and practical training, all with an investigative focus. You’ll make various visits to police stations, and experience what it’s like to work in CID.
Phase 2
The second phase involves candidates actually going to work as Detective Constables in real boroughs. In this endeavour, you’ll be backed and supported by professionals already working in the field, to ensure that you come to grips with the requirements as quickly as possible. You’ll also begin studying for your National Investigators Exam, and following this will complete your Advanced Detective Training.
