POLICE APPLICATION FORM QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Sample practice questions and advice proven to help you pass the initial application stage to become a police officer in 2024.
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How to pass the Police Application Form
The police officer application form is the very first stage of the selection process. It is also the stage at which the vast majority fail. We have created a fantastic resource, which takes you through the entire police application stage. Not only will we show you how to answer competency based questions, but we’ll also show you how to construct values and motivations type responses.
If you want to pass the Police Officer application stage, then this is the perfect resource!
Pass the POLICE Application Form
Where to start and how to fill out your application form successfully.
The first stage of the police selection process is the area in which the majority of candidates fall down. 75%, to be exact. Therefore, it is imperative that you are able to submit a strong application form if you wish to become a police officer. A professional application form which meets the criteria, will ensure that you stand out from the thousands of other applicants.
So, what makes a professional, and successful application? In order to pass, you’ll need to demonstrate:
- A thorough understanding of the core competencies.
- That your values and motivations match up with those of the constabulary.
- Your ability to meet the eligibility criteria.
- An understanding of simple instructions.
- Attention to detail.
In our guide, we’ll show you how to meet ALL of the above criteria!
ABOUT THE POLICE OFFICER APPLICATION FORM
The police officer application form is the first step in a comprehensive recruitment process. If your fail at any stage of the police recruitment process, it will be six months before you will be able to apply again, so it is important that you succeed on your first attempt!
You can download the police application form via the website of the constabulary that you are applying to join.
how the police application forms are assessed
- The recruitment staff only actually receive 5 pages of your form. The other pages which contain your personal information are removed to ensure that each applicant is treated equally and fairly. These are then vetted by another member of staff.
- The pages which they focus on are your competency/and or values answers. By focusing upon these pages, they can determine whether you match the competencies of a police officer.
- Grading is actually based upon the average that all other candidates have achieved on that question – not on what an individual scores.
Marks for answers are given from A to D grade.
- An A-grade means that, when compared to other candidates, your score was within the top 15%.
- A D-grade answer means that your answers were in the bottom 15%.
- Your marks are added up to give an overall score. To pass, candidates must achieve a ‘B’ grade in 3 out of the 4 competencies, or a ‘B’ grade in 2 out of the 4 competencies, as well as a ‘B’ grade overall.
WHAT THE APPLICATION FORM IS NOT
- The application form is not just about gaining your personal information; it is also a test designed to ensure that only the strongest of applicants are sent through to the next round of the recruitment process.
- You need to make sure that your application form matches the requirements!
- On average, a police force will receive 7 applications for a single available position. This means that they have the liberty to choose the very best candidate, and you want that to be you!
- Applications forms can vary depending on the constabulary that you are applying to. You need to make sure that the constabulary you are applying to is using the CORRECT competencies. As of 2020, some forces, including the Met, are using brand new competencies. So, be sure that the competencies you’ve studied match up with the constabulary that you’re applying to!
Understanding the person specification
Essentially, the role of a police officer consists of a number of core competencies. You may receive these core competencies in your application pack. Alternatively, this information can usually be found on the main police recruitment website, or on the website of the particular force which you are applying to join.
Once you have found these ‘core competencies’, it is now time to structure your answer around this information. Ensure that you briefly cover each area and base your answers upon your own experiences in both your work life and personal life.
Applying the Core Competencies to your Answers
The core competencies which form the basis of the police officer application, are similar to the following. Please note that the core competencies do change from time to time, so it is important to check and confirm that they are correct..
Public Service
- Demonstrates a real belief in public service, focusing on what matters to the public and will best serve their interests.
- Understands the expectations, changing needs and concerns of different communities, and strives to address them.
- Builds public confidence by talking with people in local communities to explore their viewpoints and break down barriers between them and the police.
- Understands the impact and benefits of policing for different communities, and identifies the best way to deliver services to them. Works in partnership with other agencies to deliver the best possible overall service to the public.
Working With Others
- Works co-operatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues. Is approachable, developing positive working relationships.
- Explains things well, focusing on the key points and talking to people using language they understand.
- Listens carefully and asks questions to clarify understanding, expressing own views positively and constructively.
- Persuades people by stressing the benefits of a particular approach, keeps them informed of progress and manages their expectations. Is courteous, polite and considerate, showing empathy and compassion.
Decision Making
- Gathers, verifies and assesses all appropriate and available information to gain an accurate understanding of situations.
- Considers a range of possible options before making clear, timely, justifiable decisions. Reviews decisions in the light of new information and changing circumstances.
- Balances risks, costs and benefits, thinking about the wider impact of decisions.
- Exercises discretion and applies professional judgement, ensuring actions and decisions are proportionate and in the public interest.
Professionalism
- Acts with integrity, in line with the values and ethical standards of the Police Service.
- Takes ownership for resolving problems, demonstrating courage and resilience in dealing with difficult and potentially volatile situations. Acts on own initiative to address issues, showing a strong work ethic and demonstrating extra effort
when required. - Upholds professional standards, acting honestly and ethically, and challenges unprofessional conduct or discriminatory behaviour.
- Asks for and acts on feedback, learning from experience and developing own professional skills and knowledge.
- Remains calm and professional under pressure, defusing conflict and being prepared to step forward and take control when required.
Service Delivery
- Understands the organisation’s objectives and priorities, and how own work fits into these.
- Plans and organises tasks effectively, taking a structured and methodical approach to achieving outcomes.
- Manages multiple tasks effectively by thinking things through in advance, prioritising and managing time well.
- Focuses on the outcomes to be achieved, working quickly and accurately and seeking guidance when appropriate.
Openness To Change
- Positive about change, adapting rapidly to different ways of working and putting effort into making them work.
- Flexible and open to alternative approaches to solving problems. Finds better, more cost-effective ways to do things, making suggestions for change.
- Takes an innovative and creative approach to solving problems.
The New Core Competencies
As of 2018, the UK police have been piloting a new selection process, which has resulted in major transformation. Some forces are using new competencies and values, to assess their candidates. So, please be sure to check with your constabulary which process they are using before you apply! Below we’ve listed some information on the new police values and competencies.
THE POLICE VALUES
Similarly to the core competencies, the police values are a key part of the basic behavioural guidelines for any police employee. As one of the most esteemed and respected organisations in the world, the UK Police naturally have a number of values that they expect all candidates and employees to abide by, along with a strong code of ethics. In the past, the police have largely focused on the competencies of candidates rather than on their values as a person. While these values were still important, they played a secondary role. Now, the police are recognising that it’s extremely important to hire candidates with strong values and ethics, and the new selection process is a reflection of this.
THE NEW COMPETENCIES
The new police core competencies are as follows:
- Emotionally Aware
- Taking Ownership
- Working Collaboratively
- Deliver, Support, and Inspire
- Analyse Critically
- Innovative and Open Minded
Each of these competencies has 3 levels to it. You can find out more information about all of these competencies in our fantastic guide!
PASS THE POLICE APPLICATION FORM STAGE WITH EASE…
- Sample application form questions & answers to help you prepare your application form
- Updated to include questions and answers for the Competencies and Values Framework
- Advice and tips included that have been written by a former member of the emergency services.
- Up-to-date and relevant for 2021applications.
Pass The Police Application Stage First time.
Crafted for everyone, no matter your skill level or background, this practice workbook was made to help you achieve one goal: to submit a winning application form.
Scoring Criteria
Essential information about how you will be assessed during the application form stage of the selection process.
UP TO DATE FOR 2024
The guide has been verified by our assessment panel experts for the 2024 selection process.
PRACTICE APPLICATION FORM RESPONSES
Step-by-step information on how to draft the perfect application including sample responses.
FULLY-WORKED SOLUTIONS
Fully-worked solutions for all questions so you can be confident in learning and improving your score.
INSIDER SECRETS
Insider tips on how to answer the questions and a breakdown on how you will be scored.
SCORE-BOOSTING STRATEGIES
Get ahead of the competition with unique and proven strategies 16 years in the making.
Customer Success Stories
Having helped 1,000s of aspiring police candidates for over 16 years, it is no wonder our customers love us…
Well worth a read of this book. Would not consider applying without the help of something like this.Back up service from them is very good as well.
The author obviously has experience and knows what he is talking about. Will definitely help anyone applying. Thumbs up!.
Excellent – How2become customer.
Used this book for the police my police application an excellent resource to help me prepare.
Book is very good for my grand-daughter as she is hoping to join the Lancashire police force and is studying before she goes to Police
headquarters for assessment. – How2become customer.
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WHAT’S INCLUDED IN YOUR CAREER PACK?
- Lots of sample application form questions to help you prepare for your police application form.
- Questions that are guaranteed to be very similar to the ones you will need to answer when you are completing the application.
- Advice and tips included that have been written by a former member of the emergency services.
- Written in conjunction with currently serving police officers.
- Up-to-date for 2024 and iapplication process.
- Insider tips on what constitutes a strong application.
- Successful sample responses you can use to assist you with your application.
- The core competencies and how you will be assessed on the application form.
PLUS…BONUSES!
BONUS #1
150-Page Interview Skills Insider’s Guide
FOR A LIMITED PERIOD ONLY we are able to give you our powerful 150+ page ‘Interview Skills’ guide free of charge. It is the perfect guide to help you prepare for the tough Police interview!
- All of the most common (and not so common) interview questions you are likely to face broken down.
- Full and detailed answers to every question – ensure you always have the perfect answer!
- How to use the STAR method to come up with your own winning answers that match the experience, values, and skills the interview assessor is looking for.
- Created by interview panel experts and packed full of insider advice.
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BONUS #3
PLUS…30-Day Free Subscription Trial To The Online Police Officer Testing Platform!
As well as life-time access to the Police Tests workbook, this product also includes a 30-day free trial to our updated Police Officer Online Testing Suite (usually £9.99+vat per month).
- 100s of Additional Questions on each element of the police assessment to help boost your scores!
- Practice all of the test questions under timed conditions using our online testing suite.
- Instant online access.
- Compatible on Mobiles, Tablets and Computers.
- Scores are tracked so you can focus on areas that need improvement.
Important: This powerful free trial costs £9.99 + vat every month for everyone else! You will get unrestricted access to all of the interactive online police test questions to give you the advantage right away.
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*We want you to know: This is a subscription service that is charged at just £5.95 + vat per month after the 30-day trial expires. No minimum term. You may cancel anytime by contacting [email protected]. If you cancel before the 30-day trial ends, you will not be charged. Please see our terms for full details.
Increasing your chances of success
The following 10 tips can help you to submit a STRONG application:
- Make sure you read the whole of the application form including the guidance notes, at least twice before conducting your responses;
- Read and understand the person specification and the police officer core competencies;
- Try to tailor your answers around the ‘core competencies’ and include any keywords or phrases you think are relevant;
- Make sure you base your answers on actual events that you have experienced; either in your work life or personal life;
- Follow all instructions carefully;
- If there is a specific word count for each question, make sure you stick to it;
- Make sure you keep a photocopy of your completed application form before sending it off. This is because you may be asked questions relating to it if you progress to the stage of the interview;
- Do not lie! It is important to be honest when completing your police application form;
- Have someone read through a drafted application form to check for any spelling/grammar mistakes. You will lose marks for poor grammar and spelling.
BONUS TIP: Want to get your application checked over by a Police Officer recruitment specialist before submitting?
Check out our Police Officer Application Form Checking Service.
How we can help you pass the police application form FIRST TIME…
This resource will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to complete the police application form successfully.
- The author of this guide, Richard McMunn, is an expert in the completion of application forms, and has been assessing and marking forms for over 10 years;
- The resource is easy to follow and examines every part of the form and what you need to include;
- You will be shown insider information to significantly increase your chances of success;
- You will be provided with actual sample responses to the competency-based questions.
Our guide for the Police Officer application form is the most comprehensive tuition resource available on the market!
Topics covered in this incredible insiders’ guide
- Explanations from an expert highlighting how to complete the police application form;
- A thorough step-by-step guide on completing each section properly;
- The core competencies and how you will be assessed on the application form;
- How to complete the form correctly so that you PASS ON YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT;
- Insider tips on what constitutes a strong application;
- How to correctly create your answers to the application form questions;
- How to ensure success during the competency assessment section;
- Successful sample responses you can use to assist you with your application.
As well as these resources, the guide contains a wide range of INSIDER information which you can use to help prepare for the selection process of becoming a police officer.
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✓ A full breakdown of all the police core competencies, and how to demonstrate them;
✓ Sample questions and answers on each and every single competency!
✓ Advice and tips included that have been written by a former member of the emergency services;
✓ A brilliant breakdown of how to answer every single questions, tailored to the police competencies;
✓ An in-depth explanation on how you can impress the police assessors, and secure your spot in the service;
✓Top tips from a real police recruitment expert!
Plus 30-days FREE ACCESS to the Police Officer online testing suite. Thereafter, just £5.95 +vat per month. No minimum term. You may cancel anytime. Cancel before the 30-days are up and you will not be charged.?
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✓ Explanations from an expert highlighting how to complete the police application form;
✓ A thorough step-by-step guide on completing each section properly;
✓ The core competencies and how you will be assessed on the application form;
✓ How to complete the form correctly so that you PASS ON YOUR FIRST ATTEMPT;
✓ Insider tips on what constitutes a strong application.
Plus 30-days FREE ACCESS to the Police Officer online testing suite. Thereafter, just £5.95 +vat per month. No minimum term. You may cancel anytime. Cancel before the 30-days are up and you will not be charged.?
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Allows you to get an idea of what to expect on the day and calms the nerves, would highly recommend to anyone looking at joining the job.” Steve B.
