Becoming a Police Constable in Kent - Kent Police

Becoming a PoliceConstable in KentApplication processProtecting and serving the people of Kent

Protecting and serving the people of KentA message from the Chief Constableof Kent Police and Kent Police andCrime Commisioner Ann BarnesThank you for your interest in joining Kent Police as a Constable. We are pleased to openpolice officer recruitment to the public and look forward to welcoming a limited number ofsuccessful candidates into the force during 2014.We are seeking individuals who demonstrate a real passion for keeping Kent a safe placeto live, work and visit and are committed to public service.The role of police officer is unlike any other, and before applying it is important that youcarefully consider if this is the role for you. If successful, you will work at the heart of ourcommunity and play a key part in cutting crime, catching criminals, dealing with anti-socialbehaviour as well as supporting community safety.Being a police constable is demanding and holds significant responsibilities, however, therewards and opportunities for the right candidates are second to none.Please take some time to read this pack – it contains important information about the roleof a police constable in Kent as well as a guide to the recruitment process.Good luck with your application.Alan Pughsley,Kent Police Chief ConstableAnn Barnes,Kent Police and Crime CommisionerBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process2

Protecting and serving the people of KentKent Police ValuesKent Police Mission‘Provide a first class service protectingand serving the people of Kent’• We will put the public first and deliver aservice to be proud of.• We will serve with integrity andprofessionalism.• We will treat everyone with fairness,respect and dignity.• We will be innovative, use resources wiselyand operate as one team.• We will act with humility, compassionand courtesy.• We will listen, learn and strive to improve.Vision of the Chief Constable and PCC‘Our joint vision is for Kent to be a safe place for people tolive, work and visit. By protecting the public from harm, wewill allow our communities to flourish and by working withthe public and partners, we will provide a first class policingservice that is both visible and accessible. We will retainneighbourhood policing as the bedrock of policing in Kent.We will be there when the public need us and we will act withintegrity in all that we do.’Kent Police Priorities• Cutting crime, catching criminals anddealing with anti-social behaviour.• Ensuring visible community policing is atthe heart of Kent’s Policing Model.• Providing a professional service, puttingvictims and witnesses first.• Protecting the public from serious harm.• Meeting national commitments for policing.• Delivering value for money.• Developing and supporting our workforce.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process4

Protecting and serving the people of KentAm I eligible to become a Police Officer in Kent Police?We are seeking individuals who, in addition to the basic eligibility criteria, have a real passion to keep Kent a safe place to live, work andvisit. You will join us in our drive to provide the highest levels of service to the people of the county.A small number of community focused officers will be recruited. They will be applicants who demonstrate the ability to undertake thedemanding role of being a police constable. Successful candidates will undertake the full duties of a police officer; dealing with localissues, building public confidence and helping to keep Kent safe.As a police constable you will be responsible for the protection of life and property, the prevention and detection of crime and themaintenance of public order through a range of sworn powers in line with organisational standards.To be eligible to apply all applicants must:• Be a permanent resident in Kent at the time of application. Individuals currently in the armed forces should have plans to be a residentof Kent prior to being appointed as a constable.• Be a British Citizen or a citizen of a country that is a member of the European Economic Area. See list of EEA countries Appendix A.• Be aged 18 years.• Have achieved a standard of education of 5 GCSE’s at grade A-C including English and Maths (or equivalent). Please see list of eligiblequalifications Appendix B; Candidates with equivalent level qualifications are also eligible to apply as are serving Special Constables andserving Police Community Support Officers (PCSO).Equivalent level qualifications gained in the armed forces will also be considered.Whilst Special Constables and Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) are eligible to apply to be considered for this recruitmentcampaign, they may not progress to appointment until they have achieved independent patrol status as a Special Constable orcompleted their probationary period as a PCSO. If successful, candidates will only retain their eligibility to be held in the recruitmentpool for a limited period. If no vacancies are available the force reserves the right to withdraw candidate’s applications at a later date.• Possess a full UK manual driving licence with no more than 6 points.• Have not applied and been unsuccessful at any stage of the selection/assessment process to become a police constable in the last 6months for any Police Force. Candidates should be aware that the six month period commences from the date they were notified thatthey were unsuccessful irrespective of the stage of the process.• Not have tattoos or piercings which cause offence, are excessive or deemed unprofessional, Appendix C.• Not have a criminal record (please see our guidance).• Not be registered bankrupt or subject to County Court Judgements (CCJs) or Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs).Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process6

Protecting and serving the people of KentHow does the recruitment process work?This document has been designed to provide all of the information you will need tobecome a police constable with Kent Police. It also outlines the different stages of therecruitment process and provides key information and dates.The recruitment process is split into four main phases:• Online Registration and Assessment• National Police SEARCH Assessment Process (including fitness test)• In-house Senior Interview• Medical checks, vetting, references and home visitEach of these phases will be explained in more detail throughout this document.For the initial part of the process all communication with you will be via email. If youcannot find the answer to any questions within this guide, then you can email ourdedicated recruitment team on recruitment.businesscentre@kent.pnn.police.ukDue to the anticipated high levels of interest in these opportunities we will be unable totake telephone enquiries during the early stages of the recruitment process. We will aim torespond to you by email within 48 hours.Online Registration and AssessmentThere are three parts to this process and each will remain open 24 hours per day for aset number of days. For the first stage (Registration, Realistic Job preview and EligibilityAssessment) Kent Police will open access from 10am on Tuesday 7 January 2014 andclose at 4pm on Monday 13 January 2014. Please note applications will not be acceptedoutside of these times and dates. Access will only be available via the Kent Police website.Kent Police are committed to recruiting and selecting individuals on merit and valuingthe individual differences that each person brings to our workforce. We aim to increasethe diversity of our workforce by working positively with our communities to increase ourunderstanding, improve practices and perceptions and promote equality of opportunity.We welcome applications from all members of the community who meet the eligibilitycriteria and who are willing to work at any location across the county.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process7

Protecting and serving the people of KentWhat are the steps to becoming aPolice Constable in Kent?The recruitment process comprises of six main stages. Applicants will need to besuccessful at each of these:Included in these areas are a number of steps you will have to complete to pass eachstage. A detailed description of what is required at each of these steps can be found in thisguide. At the end of each stage of the recruitment process you will be notified whetheror not you have been successful and therefore eligible to proceed to the next stage. Allcorrespondence will be by email.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process8

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 1 – Online registration and assessmentThe online assessment is the very first stage of the recruiting process. Throughout the assessment it is very important that yourresponses are open and honest to gain the most benefit from the questions. The assessment is broken down into five different elements;however the first three of these are completed together at Step 1, during the first week of the process.Kent Police will open access to each of the steps for a five day period. Access can be made 24 hours per day for the five day period usingthe following Internet browsers:• Internet Explorer 7• Firefox 3.6• Google Chrome 8• Safari 5 (Mac and PC)Your browser should also have Javascript and Cookies enabled.There will be a Help Menu within the assessment to assist you, however if you are unableto find the answer, then you can email recruitment.businesscentre@kent.pnn.police.ukThe system is designed to enable you to complete each element of the online processwithout timing you out. We recommend that you complete each element in one sitting.Whilst the online tool remains open you can take the assessment at any time during thatperiod. If however, you do not allow yourself enough time before the closing deadline,you will not be able to complete your application.Please ensure you read this document and refer to the Frequently Asked Questionsbefore contacting us with any queries. We will be unable to take telephone enquiriesduring the early stages of the recruitment process; however we will aim to respond toyou by email within 48 hours.To complete the online assessment tool you will need to complete each of the three stepsbelow. Access will be opened to Step 1 on Tuesday 7 January 2014 at 10.00am andclosed on Monday 13 January 2014 at 4.00pm. You will be notified and providedaccess to Steps 2 and 3 if you are selected to do so, we will ensure you are notifiedaccordingly at the appropriate time.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process9

Protecting and serving the people of KentStep 1 – Registration, Realistic Job PreviewQuestionnaire, & Eligibility AssessmentTuesday 7 January – Monday 13 January 2014At the first step you will enter your personal details such as names,address, driving licence details and National Insurance number.The Realistic Job Preview will provide details on the role of a policeofficer. You will be asked to give your open and honest responsesto different situations. There is no right or wrong answer. At theend of the questionnaire, you will be given an overall rating of yoursuitability for the role of a police officer based on your responses.You can then make a decision if you would like to continue withyour application.Step 2 – Behaviour Styles QuestionnaireTuesday 14 January – Friday 17 January 2014Candidates who are successful at Step 1 will be invited, by email,to complete the Behaviour Styles Questionnaire. This step of theprocess asks you to indicate to what level you either agree ordisagree with a number of statements. This part of the assessmentis a pass/fail and you will need to pass to progress to Step 3. A linkto a feedback report will be provided with your result.Step 3 – Situational Judgement TestMonday 20 January – Thursday 23 January 2014On successful completion of Step 2 we will release access toStep 3, the Situational Judgement Test. This part of the processrequires you to consider the actions a police officer might takewhen in different operational situations. You will be asked toidentify the outcomes of the various actions as either effectiveor counterproductive. Again, you will need to pass this part ofthe process. A link to a feedback report will be provided withyour result and, if you have passed, you will be sent a link to oure-recruitment system to complete an application form.On completion of this step the Force will progress a limited numberof top performing candidates to stage 2 of the recruitment processand we reserve the right to vary the pass mark accordingly.Due to the anticipated high interest at this step of the processwe will only be able to progress top performing candidates to beinvited to undertake step 3.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process10

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 2 – Police SEARCH Process (including fitness test)Upon successful completion of the Online Registration and Assessment, applicants will move to Stage 2, which is the Police SEARCHassessment process. There are three steps to Police SEARCH; submit online application, Competency Based Questionnaire (CBQ) markingand Police SEARCH Assessment Centre.Police SEARCH is a national process which is owned by the College of Policing. There is a wealth of material available on the College ofPolicing website to assist applicants with their understanding of the process and preparation for the day. Kent Police also run mandatorybriefing events for Assessment Centre candidates which provide detailed information about the process in Kent.Please note each time the process requires you to visit police premises you will be required to provide photographic and other forms ofidentification. Failure to do so may mean that you will not be able to participate in the activity/assessment.Step 1 – Complete and Submit Online Application FormFriday 24 January – Monday 3 February 2014Police recruitment for this stage will be via our e-Recruitment system, so applicants willneed an internet connection running one of the following browsers:• Internet Explorer 7• Firefox 3.6• Google Chrome 8e-Recruitment is generally not accessible on laptops, tablets, iPads, mobiles or Apple products.Unique links to the e-recruitment system will be sent to all applicants who have beensuccessful at Stage 1. Applicants will need to register with the e-recruitment system and thencomplete their application online. Applications must be fully completed and submitted by theclosing date, midnight on Sunday 2 February 2014.Before completing your application form ensure you read the guidance notes and completeevery section. Incomplete application forms will not be considered for shortlisting. Pleasetake care with spelling and grammar when completing your application.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process11

Protecting and serving the people of KentWhen your application form is received you will be sent by post a Candidate Registrationform, which will need to be completed in pencil and returned by post to the Kent PoliceBusiness Centre. These forms must be returned as soon as possible in order to registercandidates for the Assessment Centre.Step 2 – Application form is short-listed (Competence BasedQuestionnaire marking)Tuesday 11 February – Monday 17 February 2014All correctly completed applications will be marked by a team of College of Policingaccredited assessors. Marking is carried out against set criteria and applicants must passboth the Written Communication and the Competency Based Questionnaire (CBQ) sectionsof the form.Kent Police Business Centre will notify all applicants as to whether they have beensuccessful and provide feedback.Again, due to the high level of interest we anticipate in this process, we will only progressa limited number of top performing candidates to the assessment centre phase. Somecandidates may be placed on hold at this step in the process should the numbers ofsuccessful candidates exceed the places available at our initial assessment centre.Step 3 – Attendance at briefing sessions and fitness testWednesday 26 February – Saturday 1 March 2014Candidates who are progressed to the assessment centre stage of the selection process willbe invited to attend a briefing session. Kent Police will hold 90 minute briefing sessions, inMaidstone, to assist with preparation for the Police SEARCH Assessment Centre. Candidateswill also be required to complete the Job Related Fitness test at the briefing event to ensurethat they meet the occupational fitness standards required for the role.Detailed information will also be provided about the assessment centre and the in-housesenior assessment process which follows.There will be presentations from the recruitment team and Kent Police Training Schoolteam as well as an opportunity to ask questions.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process12

Protecting and serving the people of KentFitness testAll candidates will be subject to the job related fitness test. The testconsists of two elements, endurance fitness and dynamic strength.The requirement for the endurance fitness element is to run afifteen metre track in time with a series of bleeps (15 metre multistageshuttle run) which become increasingly faster. You will berequired to run to level 3 as a warm up, and then to level 5.4 inorder to reach the standard required. It is advised that you plan atraining schedule to prepare.The dynamic strength is designed to test your upper body strength.You are required to push 34kg and pull 35kg on a Dyno machine.Step 4 – Police SEARCH Assessment CentreTuesday 24 March – Friday 28 March 2014Kent Police run the Police SEARCH Assessment Centre in-house atthe Kent Police Training School complex in Maidstone.All candidates will need to attend for assessment during the periodstated. Candidates who require reasonable adjustments shouldread the College of Policing guide in the first instance. Reports willneed to be submitted to the Kent Police Business Centre by nolater than five calendar days prior to a candidates allocated briefingevent date at the very latest, in order to allow sufficient time forsubmission to the College of Policing. Please note that reasonableadjustments cannot be provided unless authorised by the Collegeof Policing.The Assessment Centre consists of the following activities:• four interactive (role play) exercises• a twenty minute competency based interview• two written exercises• numerical reasoning questionnaire• verbal logical reasoning testFull details of the Assessment Centre process and preparationmaterials are available on the College of Policing website, underPolice Recruitment Standards. It is recommended that you read allof these materials before attending the Assessment Centre.Results will be sent out by the Kent Police Business Centre within15 working days together with extensive feedback. Top performingcandidates will then be invited to Senior Interview.As with other stages of the recruitment process we may vary theentry standard to ensure that an appropriate number of candidatesare progressed to the next stage of the selection process.Candidates will be invited to an Assessment Centre to arrive ateither 8am or 1pm on one of the dates specified above. Candidateswill remain in the Assessment Centre for approximately five hours.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process13

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 3 – In-house Senior InterviewStep 1 – Senior InterviewSenior Interviews will be conducted at the Kent Police Training school in Maidstone andthis will be your opportunity to further demonstrate your suitability to join Kent Police as apolice constable.The interview will be based on the Policing Professional Framework role criteria for a PoliceConstable. The areas which will be tested are specified below:• Decision making• Professionalism• Working with others• Openness to change• Serving the public• Service deliveryGuidance around the format of the interview will be provided to candidates.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process14

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 4 – Checks references and home visitStep 1 – Vetting checksWe will carry out internal and externalvetting checks on you and your spouse/partner, members of your family includingstep-parents, step brothers and sisters andhalf brothers and sisters. We will also checkyour partner’s children if they are agedover 10 years and any other adults whoreside at your address.Financial checks will also be carried outon all candidates. Those with outstandingCounty Court Judgements (CCJs),Individual Voluntary agreements (IVAs)or who have been registered bankruptwill be rejected. If you have dischargedbankruptcy debts, you will need verificationfrom the Court of this and three years musthave lapsed since the date of discharge.Should candidates not pass the vettingprocess there is no right of appeal.Step 2 – Medical screeningYou will be asked to complete a MedicalQuestionnaire which must be signed byyour General Practitioner and returnedconfidentially to our Health Services team.Full details of medical standards can befound at Appendix D.All medical questionnaires will be assessedby our Screening Nurse who may requirefurther information from your medicalpractitioner. Candidates who are declared‘fit to proceed’ will then be examined by amedical practitioner appointed on behalf ofKent Police.The following areas will be checked:• Lung capacity• Eyesight and colour vision test• Hearing test• Mobility test• Consideration of existing conditions• Urine test• Height/weight/BMI checkEyesight test requirementsAn eyesight test will be undertaken as partof the medical. The standard you need tomeet either with or without spectacles orcontact lenses is:• Distance vision – 6/12 or better witheither your right or left eye 6/6 with botheyes together. If you wear spectacles orcontact lenses you also need to reach6/36 without your spectacles or lenses.• Near vision – 6/9 with both eyestogether (aided).• Colour vision – The use of colourcorrectinglenses is not acceptable.Severe colour vision deficiencies(monochromacy) are not acceptable. Mildanomalous trichromacy is acceptable.Severe anomalous dichromacy ortrichromacy is also acceptable but youwill need to be aware of the deficiencyand make appropriate adjustments.Eye surgeryRadial keratotomy, arcuate keratotomyor corneal grafts are not acceptable.Other forms of refractive surgery such asLASIK, LASEK, PRK, ICRS and epiflap areall acceptable provided that six weekshave elapsed since surgery, there are noresidual side effects and the other eyesightstandards are met.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process15

Protecting and serving the people of KentStep 3 – Home visitKent requires a home visit as a final security check. It will beundertaken by an officer of at least the rank of Inspector (orpolice staff senior manager) who will complete a questionnaireduring the visit to:• Verify identity• Seek clarification on known associates or others residing at theaddress• Ensure candidate has a realistic understanding of the role andrequirementsStep 4 – Biometric VettingSamples of your fingerprints and DNA will be taken to carry outsome final vetting checks against various national databases. Youwill be required to consent in writing to this process.Step 5 – ReferencesKent Police will seek references from each of your previousemployers for the last five years. Any gaps in employment willneed to be explained and verified. If you have not been inemployment for five years, we will ask for a character referenceor an educational reference.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process16

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 5 – Pre-employmentOnce you are fully cleared to start employment with Kent as a Police Constable, you will besent joining instructions via email along with some pre-read information which will assistyou during your first weeks of training.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process17

Protecting and serving the people of KentStage 6 – Joining the Kent StudentOfficer Programme (KSOP)On your first day you’ll join on an intake with other officers and your first 20 weeks oftraining whilst you are on the Kent Student Officer Programme will be based at our KentPolice Training School in Maidstone.During this time you will undertake classroom, practical and community based learning.There will be a requirement for study outside of course hours, both within and outside thetraining school environment. All student officers will study towards the Diploma in Policingwhich is a nationally recognised qualification.Having completed the initial learning phase you will then be tutored by an experiencedofficer on a Local Policing Division. This will enable you to gain practical experience of basicpolicing and also start working shifts. Assessments of your performance will be carried out bytrained staff during all elements of your training period. You will be required to successfullycomplete a two year probationary period for this role.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process18

Protecting and serving the people of KentAppendix A – Countries of theEuropean Economic Area (EEA)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 leaveto remain in the UK for an indefinite period. Applicants must have resided in the UK forthree continuous years immediately prior to application.Although Bulgaria and Romania are members of the EEA, their citizens are notautomatically entitled to remain in the United Kingdom. Therefore citizens from Bulgariaand Romania are also required to have leave to enter and leave to remain in the UK for anindefinite period.Listed below are member countries of the EEA.• Austria• France• Latvia• Poland• Belgium• Germany• Liechtenstein• Portugal• Cyprus• Greece• Lithuania• Slovakia• Czech Republic• Hungary• Luxembourg• Slovenia• Denmark• Iceland• Malta• Spain• Estonia• Ireland• Netherlands• Sweden• Finland• Italy• Norway• United KingdomBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process19

Protecting and serving the people of KentAppendix B – Qualification examples for England,Wales, Northern Ireland, Southern Ireland and LatviaYou must have achieved a qualification equivalent to a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grades A-C, including Maths and English.Listed below are equivalent qualifications which meet our entry criteria.Please note that equivalent level qualifications gained in the armed forces will also be considered. Please contact us tocheck if your qualification is acceptable on the email address below:• 5+ O Levels (Passes)/CSE (Grade 1) /GCSEs (Grades A*-C)• School Certificate, 1 A Level/2-3 AS Levels/VCEs• Intermediate/Higher Diploma• Welsh Baccalaureate• NVQ Level 2/Intermediate GNVQ• Functional Skills at Level 2 (England Only)• City and Guilds Craft, BTEC First/General Diploma, RSA Diploma• Apprenticeships• NCP Ireland Level 2 Certificate• Latvian Qualifications Framework (LQF) Level 2 Certificate of General Basic EducationHigher level qualification, including those listed on the following pages, will also be considered acceptable.Should you be in possession of a qualification which is not included on the list you must provide some research (via NARICor independently) which will determine if it is equivalent and submit to recruitment.businesscentre@kent.pnn.police.ukCandidates will be required to provide proof of their educational attainment at the briefing event and therefore shouldensure that all original copies of certificates are available for inspection. Candidates who are unable to provide proof oftheir educational attainment will not be progressed in the recruitment process and it is the candidates responsibility toensure that proof can be provided. Copies of certificates will not be acceptable.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process20

Protecting and serving the people of KentQualificationsA and AS LevelsGeneral Certificate of Education Advanced Level – GCE A LevelAdvanced qualificationsAdvanced Vocational Certificate of Education (AVCE) Double AwardAdvanced diploma (Level 3)BTEC Extended DiplomaBTEC Higher National Certificate/DiplomaBTEC National Certificate/Diploma (Pre 2002)BTEC National Certificate (Post 2002)BTEC National Diploma (Post 2002)Grade/LevelGrades A-CGrade/LevelGrades A*-CGrades A*-CMerit Pass PassPass3 units @ Merit/DistinctionMerit MeritMerit MeritCertificate/Access to Higher EducationGrade/LevelCertificate of Higher Education120 unitsAccess to Higher Education (Pre Sept 2009)12 unit PassAccess to Higher Education (Sept 2009 onwards)60 creditsCity & Guilds Level 4 & aboveGNVQ & NVQ QualificationsGrade/LevelNational Vocational Qualification (NVQ) Level 4General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) AdvancedLevel 3 (Merit or Distinction)General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) 4 Level 4General National Vocational Qualification (GNVQ) 5 Level 5Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process21

Protecting and serving the people of KentQualifications continuedScottish QualificationsScottish Certificate of Higher Education – SCE HGScottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies – CSYSScottish Advanced HigherGrade/LevelGrades A-CPassGrades A-CUniversity QualificationsGrade/LevelOpen University (OU) 120 creditsPassFoundation Degree – FD Level 5University Credits (Years 1 & 2)120 creditsBatchelor DegreeCompletedMisc QualificationsACCA Certified Accounting TechnicianCertified Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) Stage 4Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) Diploma in InsuranceChartered Insurance Institute (CII) Financial Planning CertificateChartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) Advanced Certificate in MarketingChartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD)ILEX level 6 Professional Diploma in Law & practiceInstitute of Sport & Recreation Management (ISRM)RCVS Veterinary Nursing(ICCS) NCC Education UKNEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Health and SafetyGrade/LevelLevel 4 PassStage 4 PassLevel 4 PassLevel 4 PassPassIntermediate or AdvancedLevel 3 DistinctionPass + 1 year work experienceBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process22

Protecting and serving the people of KentQualifications continuedNon-UK QualificationsInternational Baccalaureate (IB)Grade/LevelPass (24 points)Batchelor of Commerce Part 2 (University of Punjab) Division 1 or 2Batchelor of Commerce Part 2 (University of Punjab) Division 3Eire Leaving Certificate (Higher Level)Irish Management Institute (IMI) CertificateTitulo Professional (Peru)Masters Degree from a Centre of Excellence (Philippines)Inzynier (awarded from 2002) (Poland)Licencjat (awarded from 2002) (Poland)Matura Certificate (Poland)Batchelor Degree (South Africa)Inter-Community School (ICS) Diploma (Switzerland)Grades A-C2:2 or higherDostateczny; Dobry; Bardzo Dobry orCelujacyBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process23

Protecting and serving the people of KentAppendix C – Tattoos and piercingsTattoosAny applicants with tattoos which could be construed as being offensive to any religionor belief, is in any way discriminatory, violent, intimidating, excessive or unprofessionalin nature, will not be accepted to join Kent Police. Applicants with tattoos on their arms,collar and on the hands which fall outside of the above category will be assessed on anindividual basis.During the eligibility stage you will be asked if you have a tattoo and if you answer yes,you will be asked to provide a brief description. You should still continue to complete theonline assessment stages. Colour photographs will be requested at the eligibility stage ofthe online assessment process.You will be required to supply two digital photographs of each visible tattoo:1. A distance photograph to clearly identify where on the body the tattoo is.2. A close up photograph to clearly identify the images.Each photograph should not be more than 1MB in size. Photographs should be emailed torecruitment.businesscentre@kent.pnn.police.ukIf not acceptable you will not be able to continue with your application.Body piercingsCandidates with body piercings or other body modifications may be considered eligible forappointment if the force considers that the individual case does not breach the Standard ofProfessional Behaviour for serving police officers or constitute a risk to the health and safetyof the officers.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process24

Protecting and serving the people of KentAppendix D – Recommended medical standardsBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process25

Protecting and serving the people of KentEar, nose and throat disordersConcern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will havemajor detrimental effects on the operational role of a Police Constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesExternal earChronic otitis external- Mild, occasional otitis external Likely to be suitable- More severe, recurrent otitis external Likely to require further information, investigation andassessmentAtresia or stenosis of ear canalLikely to require further information, investigation andassessment – unless excluded on audiometric criteriaTympanic membrane and middle earPerforation- Healed Likely to be suitable- Chronic Likely to require further information, investigation andassessmentVentilation tubes (grommets)Likely to require further information, investigation andassessmentSuccessful myringoplasty/tympanoplasty Likely to be suitableChronic otitis media- Healed Likely to be suitable- Inactive Likely to require further information, investigation andassessment- Active Likely to require further information, investigation andassessmentChronic serous otitis mediaLikely to require further information, investigation andassessmentImpedes function, balance and use ofcommunications equipmentBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process26

Protecting and serving the people of KentEar, nose and throat disorders continuedConcern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will havemajor detrimental effects on the operational role of a Police Constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesInner earMeniere’s diseaseUnlikely to be suitableBenign positional paroxysmal vertigo Likely to require further information, investigation andassessmentHearing»»Both ears above standard Likely to be suitable»»Both ears below standard Unlikely to be suitable»»Hearing in one ear above standard,and hearing in one ear belowstandard»»Applicants with hearing aids thatbring their hearing above theminimum standardNoseAllergic vasomotor rhinitisRecurrent nasal polypsPersistent chronic sinusitisLikely to require further information, investigation andassessment – applicant must be assessed carefullyLikely to require further information, investigation andassessmentLikely to be suitableLikely to be suitable but If there is a significanthistory then likely to require further information,investigation and assessmentLikely to be suitable but If severe, likely to requirefurther information, investigation and assessmentHearing standard – Hearing loss ofmore than a total of 84 dB over the0.5-1.2 KHz range or more than atotal of 123 dB over the 3,4 and 6KHz range.For borderline cases or when hearingin one ear is above the standardand hearing in the other ear belowstandard, or when hearing aids arefitted, consideration should be givento a practical test of hearing to assessfunctional ability, for example speechand/or phoneme comprehension.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process27

Protecting and serving the people of KentEar, nose and throat disorders continuedConcern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will havemajor detrimental effects on the operational role of a Police Constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesExternal earChronic otitis external- Mild, occasional otitis external Likely to be suitable- More severe, recurrent otitis external Likely to require further information,investigation and assessmentAtresia or stenosis of ear canalLikely to require further information,investigation and assessment – unless excludedon audiometric criteriaTympanic membrane and middle earPerforation»»Healed Likely to be suitable»»Chronic Likely to require further information,investigation and assessmentVentilation tubes (grommets)Likely to require further information,investigation and assessmentSuccessful myringoplasty/tympanoplasty Likely to be suitableChronic otitis media»»Healed Likely to be suitable»»Inactive Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment»»Active Likely to require further information,investigation and assessmentImpedes function, balance and use ofcommunications equipment.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process28

Protecting and serving the people of KentEar, nose and throat disorders continuedConcern is raised with some ENT conditions where disruption of attendance, ongoing discomfort, balance or hearing incapacity will havemajor detrimental effects on the operational role of a Police Constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesThroatTracheostomy Unlikely to be suitable. Not compatible with safety near or inwater.Chronic laryngitisLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Other laryngeal diseaseLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Severe speech impedimentLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment but unlikely to be suitable if theapplicant cannot communicate effectively.Unable effectively to perform vital task ofradio and voice communication.Balance disorders and vertigoLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Usually a symptom of another conditionthat may make the applicant unsuitable.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process29

Protecting and serving the people of KentCardiovascular systemSome cardiovascular disorders can impair fitness by limiting working capacity or by risk of sudden incapacity. Therefore applicants withmarked cardiovascular disorders will not be able safely and efficiently to perform the operational police constable role.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesCoronary artery disease»»Symptomatic Unlikely to be suitable.»»Asymptomatic Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Congenital heart disease»»Corrected Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.»»Uncorrected Unlikely to be suitable.Cardiac murmursBenign – likely to be suitable, else likely to requirefurther information, investigation and assessment.Acquired valvular diseaseBalance disorders and vertigoDisturbance of rhythmLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment Unless benign unlikely to besuitable.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.High risk of the operational roleprecipitating symptoms (chest pain) or acoronary event.Reassess after corrective surgery, unlikelyto be suitable if loss of cardiovascularfunction.Requirement to meet normalcardiovascular function both at rest andexercise.May compromise exercise tolerance.Usually a symptom of another conditionthat may make the applicant unsuitable.May compromise exercise tolerance.Operational role may dangerouslyexacerbate the arrhythmia.Cardiomyopathies Unlikely to be suitable. Operational role may precipitate acardiac event. There may be a decreasein exercise tolerance.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process30

Protecting and serving the people of KentCardiovascular system continuedSome cardiovascular disorders can impair fitness by limiting working capacity or by risk of sudden incapacity. Therefore applicants withmarked cardiovascular disorders will not be able safely and efficiently to perform the operational police constable role.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesUncontrolled hypertensionLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.May be referred for monitoring andtreatment to own GP and assessedagain when condition investigated andcontrolled.Hypertension with end organ damage or Unlikely to be suitable.unacceptable side-effects of treatmentControlled hypertension with no sideeffectsLikely to be suitable.Subject to (annual) medical examination.of medicationEstablished peripheral vascular diseaseaffecting the lower limbs»»Symptomatic»»AsymptomaticUnlikely to be suitable.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Condition is not compatible with exerciserequirements of operational PoliceConstable.Raynaud’s phenomenonVaricose veinsSevere varicose veinsLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to be unsuitable if symptomatic orsufficiently severe to restrict capacity to performoperational duties.Cold may trigger painful attacks. Mayaffect dexterity of hands in operatingequipment.Condition will inevitably deterioratesubstantially with prolonged standingand sitting.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process31

Protecting and serving the people of KentRespiratory systemConditions adversely affecting respiratory fitness will limit working ability most commonly from the sensation of breathlessness.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesAny persistent respiratory diseaseimpairing exercise capacityUnlikely to be suitable.Assessment should be made on a caseby case basis.AsthmaUnlikely to be suitable.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Treated hay fever without history of Likely to be suitable.wheezingSolitary spontaneous pneumothorax Likely to be suitable.Recurrent pneumothoracesChronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD) affecting exercise capacityLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Tuberculosis»»Active Unlikely to be suitable»»History of a previous episode of TB Likely to require further information, investigationand assessmentSuccessfully treated Tuberculosis Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.SarcoidLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Reassess after treatment aimed atpreventing further recurrences.The loss of normal respiratory functionwill limit exercise capacity even in theabsence of superadded chest infections.Unacceptable risk of transmission duringtraining period.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process32

Protecting and serving the people of KentAlimentary systemIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesPeptic ulceration or dyspepsiaLikely to require further information, investigation Chronic pain may interfere with role.and assessment.Irritable bowel syndrome Likely to be suitable. Applicant under investigation; require»»Mild Likely to require further information, investigationclose proximity to the toilet; requireand assessment.codeine for control; or if the IBS has asignificant association with stress.Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s orulcerative colitis)Unlikely to be suitable, or if successfully treatedUC, likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Chronic conditions with unpredictablecourse and relatively high surgicalintervention rates.Dietary conditions»»Coeliac disease»»Lactose intoleranceLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to be suitable.Many sufferers will have minimalsymptoms with good dietary control andwill be suitable.»»Food allergy Likely to be suitable.HerniaLikely to be suitable assuming >3 months aftersuccessful surgical treatment.Training and operational role will becompromised due to local weakness inUntreated hernia refer to GP/defer till afterabdominal musculature. Hernia is likelysurgery.to increase in severity.Anal and perianal conditions Likely to be suitable Persistent perianal sepsis will causeActive chronic conditionsLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.significant absence.Chronic liver diseaseUnlikely to be suitable.Biliary disease»»Gallstone disease Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.»»Chronic biliary tree Unlikely to be suitable.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process33

Protecting and serving the people of KentAlimentary system continuedIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesPancreatitis»»Single episode Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment»»Chronic Unlikely to be suitableStoma with good nutritional state andno complicationsLikely to be suitableConsider need for provision of specialpadding on uniform beltsBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process34

Protecting and serving the people of KentNephro-urogenital systemRenal disease and its sequelae can have profound effects on the ability of an operational Police Constable to attend let alone be safe andfunctional in his/her occupation. Sudden incapacity from pain, hypertension and renal failure are the major complications.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesHaematuria/ ProteinureaLikely to require further information, investigation GP to investigate in the first instanceand assessment.NephritisHistory of nephritis and ongoing impairmentunlikely to be suitable. Otherwise likely to requirefurther information, investigation and assessment.Recurrent urinary tract infections Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Persistent major urethral abnormality Unlikely to be suitable. Treatment is likely to be protracted.Minor urethral abnormalityLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Urinary incontinenceLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Reassess after treatment aimed atpreventing further recurrences.Benign scrotal swellingsLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Testicular tumoursSee miscellaneous conditions.Major congenital renal abnormality Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.»»Normal renal function Likely to be suitable.Normal renal function necessary to allowregular attendance and performance.Polycystic kidney disease Unlikely to be suitable. Progression to end stage renal failure.Unilateral kidney (with remaining kidney Likely to be suitablefunctioning well)Established renal stone diseaseLikely to require further information, investigationand assessmentBecoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process35

Protecting and serving the people of KentNephro-urogenital system continuedRenal disease and its sequelae can have profound effects on the ability of an operational Police Constable to attend let alone be safe andfunctional in his/her occupation. Sudden incapacity from pain, hypertension and renal failure are the major complications.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesIrreversible renal failure Unlikely to be suitable. Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapyeffects not compatible with operationalPolice Constable role.Renal dialysis (Haemo/CAPD) Unlikely to be suitable. Associated fatigue, anaemia and therapyeffects not compatible with operationalPolice Constable role.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process36

Protecting and serving the people of KentEndocrine systemA defective endocrine system is unable to properly adjust and correlate the activities of the various body systems and is not able to makethem appropriate for the changing demands of the external and internal environment.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesInsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus(type 1 or type 2)Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitusThyroid diseasePituitary diseaseUnlikely to be suitable. However, furtherinformation, and assessment will be needed.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to be suitable – recruit must be undergoingtreatment of have undergone successfultreatment. If doubt exists, likely to require furtherinformation, investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Further information and assessment willbe needed in order to assess each caseon its merits.The complications of diabetes candegrade the functional capacity of anoperational Police Constable.Recent hypoglycaemic episode warrantsdeferral.Can be secondary to other conditions.If these other factors do not exclude arecruit then hormonal therapy treatmentcan allow individuals to return to normalfunction.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process37

Protecting and serving the people of KentSkin conditionsSkin disease can be as much if not more disabling than disease of other organ systems. Physical disability from skin disease derives fromdecreased mobility of the abnormal stratum corneum or an abnormally stiff dermis. Special concern is raised with extensive hand and footinvolvement and the resultant effect on dexterity and mobility respectively.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesExtensive skin disease with chronicdiscomfort or disruption of dermalintegrity.Widespread eczema/dermatitis.Mild eczema.Severe psoriasis.Mild psoriasis.Malignant melanoma, following excisionLikely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to be suitable.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to be suitable.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Exposure to irritants or inhospitableenvironments will result in frequentexacerbations.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process38

Protecting and serving the people of KentOrthopaedic and soft tissue conditionsDexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operationalpolice constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesGeneralAny previous injury (fracture, soft tissueinjury) or congenital deformity, causinglong term reduction in function of a jointor limb.ImplantsMajor joint replacement (total hip orknee).Assess on case by case basis.Internally fixed fractures (‘metal work’).Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Likely to be suitable.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unacceptable risk to the prosthesis fromexercise requirements. Severe implicationsof prosthetic failure in an active adult.Risk of re-fracture at site of metal workwhen returning to more energetic activities.Endoprosthetic replacements. Unlikely to be suitable. Used in osteosarcoma surgery.Unacceptable risk of prosthesis failure orfracture around prosthesis.Knee disorderMedial meniscectomy.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Lateral meniscectomy.Ligamentous injury requiring surgery orcausing instability.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Risk of early osteoarthritis with associateddisability.Risk of re-injury in operational role.Osteochondritis dissecans. Unlikely to be suitable. Risk of severe knee joint damage.Assess on case by case basis.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process39

Protecting and serving the people of KentOrthopaedic and soft tissue conditions continuedDexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operationalpolice constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesFootFoot disorders.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.AmputationsAmputations (total or partial) of upperor lower limb.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Dislocation and instability of major jointsSingle episode of dislocation with no Likely to be suitable.recurrence.Recurrent dislocation or surgicaltreatment required.Unlikely to be suitable – rarely, if excellent surgicalresults from stabilisation further information,investigation and assessment could be sought.Risk of recurrent dislocation whilst engagedin operational activities (e.g. restraining).Cervical spineResolved whiplash. Likely to be suitable. May be exacerbated by physical activitiesand driving.Cervical discectomy (+/- fusion). Unlikely to be suitable. Cervical discectomy will often not improveneck pain. Also there may be persistingneurological disability in the upper limbs.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process40

Protecting and serving the people of KentOrthopaedic and soft tissue conditions continuedDexterity, mobility and good spinal function are essential physical requirements for an individual to undertake the role of an operationalpolice constable.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesLumbar spineSingle level resolved lumbar disc disease+/- discectomy.Multiple level lumbar disease.Recurrent low back pain/persistentsciatica.Arthritis and related conditionsLikely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Low back pain +/- lower limb symptomscan be disabling. Exacerbated by driving,standing for long periods, other physicaltasks.Rheumatoid arthritis. Unlikely to be suitable. Progressive joint damage with degradingof operational capacity.Controlled gout without complications. Likely to be suitable.Ankylosing Spondylitis with chronic pain. Unlikely to be suitable. Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Mild Ankylosing Spondylitis withpreserved function.Reiter’s Diseases/reactive arthropathy.Connective tissue diseases.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Can cause diagnostic difficulties and oftenunpredictable course. Potential for severeincapacitation.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process41

Protecting and serving the people of KentHaematological disordersIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesPreviously undetected iron deficiencyanaemia.Other anaemias.G6PD deficiency.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information, investigationand assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Refer to GP initially for investigations andtreatment.Many of the underlying conditionscausing anaemia will make the applicantunsuitable.Highly variable, but an applicant may besuitable.Polycythaemia (Haematocrit>0.55). Unlikely to be suitable. Unacceptable risk of disablingcomplications.Thalassaemia major with severe chronic Unlikely to be suitable.Unable to safely perform required exertion.anaemia.Sickle cell disease. Unlikely to be suitable. Anaemia & crises.Sickle cell disease trait. Likely to be suitable. Usually asymptomatic.Mild haemophilia.»»Symptomatic. Unlikely to be suitable.»»Asymptomatic. Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Thrombocytopaenia.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Physical tasks and risk of injury mayprecipitate haemorrhage.If platelets < 25 X 109/l then the recruit isunlikely to be suitable.Anticoagulation therapy. Unlikely to be suitable. The underlying condition may also makethe applicant unsuitable.Leukaemia/lymphoma with completeremission.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Those in complete remission may besuitable following further investigation.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process42

Protecting and serving the people of KentInfectious diseaseIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesHIV infection.»»Symptomatic. Unlikely to be suitable.»»Asymptomatic. Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Resolved Hepatitis A infection.Likely to be suitable.Hepatitis B carriers.Unlikely to be suitable.Resolved Hepatitis B infection withoutcarrier status.Hepatitis C and D.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Resolved Hepatitis E infection.Glandular fever.Likely to be suitable.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process43

Protecting and serving the people of KentMiscellaneous conditionsIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesChildhood or early adult malignancy.Narcolepsy.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Body Mass Index outside normal range- 18 to 30.Malignant disease.Genetic disease.Chronic pelvic inflammatory disease(PID) with chronic pelvic pain.Incapacitating menorrhagia.Incapacitating dysmenorrhoea.Endometriosis.Fibroids and ovarian cysts.Cervical dysplasia CIN 1/2.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to be suitable.BMI should only be used to screenindividuals.Cervical dysplasia CIN 3.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process44

Protecting and serving the people of KentMiscellaneous conditionsIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesInvasive carcinoma.Polycystic ovary disease.Pregnancy.Termination of pregnancy.Unlikely to be suitable.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to be suitable after 3 months followingdelivery.Likely to be suitable after 4 weeks followingtermination providing there are nocomplications.BMI should only be used to screenindividuals.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process45

Protecting and serving the people of KentNeurological disordersIllness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesEpilepsy – single seizure.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Those in whom no abnormality is foundshould have their acceptance for entrydeferred for a period of 18 months 1 .Epilepsy – recurrent seizures. Unlikely to be suitable. Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Migraine.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Headaches/severe headaches.Likely to be suitable.Head Injuries.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Subarachnoid haemorrhageLikely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Transient Ishaemic Attacks.Hydrocephalus/insertion of shunts.Multiple sclerosis.Motor neurone disease, cerebellaataxias, progressive peripheralneuropathy and Parkinson’s disease.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Unlikely to be suitable.Consideration should be given toapplicants deferring entry for 12 months.It is recommended that applicantssuffering from MS be deferred for 12months after the date of appearance oftheir last set of symptoms.1There is a high risk of recurrence during this time. If the seizure has occurred within the past 18months it is recommended that entry to the Police service be deferred for that period. If it is clear thatthe condition is likely to be permanent, then the applicant is unlikely to be suitable.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process46

Protecting and serving the people of KentConditions affecting mental and psychiatric healthRecommended mental and psychiatric health standards.Illness/injury/disease Police applicant NotesDisorders first diagnosed in childhood oradolescence.May not be suitable but further information,investigation, assessment required.Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Cognitive and Amnestic disorders. Unlikely to be suitable. Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Substance related disorders.Schizophrenia/Schizophreniformdisorder/Schizoaffective disorder/Delusional disorder.Mood disorders/Depression/Bipolardisorders.Generalised Anxiety Disorder/PanicDisorder/Phobic Anxiety/ObsessiveCompulsive Disorder/AdjustmentDisorder/Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.Somatoform disorders/Factitiousdisorders/Dissociative disorders/ChronicFatigue Syndrome.Eating disorders.Unlikely to be compatible but furtherinformation and assessment will be needed.May not be suitable but further information,investigation, assessment required.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Likely to require further information,investigation and assessment.Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Personality disorders. Unlikely to be suitable. Assessment should be made on a case bycase basis.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process47

Protecting and serving the people of KentFrequently asked questionsHow do I contact Kent Police about my application?Everything you need to know about the recruitment process iscontained within this guide. If you still have questions then youcan email us at recruitment.businesscentre@kent.pnn.police.ukand we will try to respond to you within 48 hours.Unfortunately due to the volume of applications we will not be ableto take telephone calls during the period the online assessment isopen to applicants.I will be 18 on the date the Assessment Centresstart. Can I still apply to join Kent Police?No. To be eligible to apply, you must be age 18 years or over on6 January 2014.When does the online application process startand finish?The online application process starts on Tuesday 7 January at10am and finishes on Monday 13 January at 4pm.I have not received an email confirming if I havepassed or failed?At the end of each element of the online process you will receivean email from the Apollo system. If you have not received an emailyou should check your junk mail/filter settings in case the email/sget filtered by your spam software.How fit do I have to be to become a police officer?You must be physically fit and healthy to perform policing dutiessafely and effectively. You will need to pass a physical fitness testand a full medical examination, as part of the recruitment process.I have been travelling/living abroad for more than sixmonths. Will this affect my application?Applicants must have resided in the UK for a minimum of threeyears prior to applying. However, British citizens who have beenout of the country for more than six months must obtain a letter ofgood conduct from the country or countries they have resided in.Can I apply if I have financial issues or previouscautions or convictions?Any financial issues/problems must be declared and will be judgedon an individual basis. All previous cautions, convictions or anyinvolvement with the police (civil or military) must be declared andthe circumstances of the offence will be carefully considered.Will my medical history affect my application?For general information regarding medical issues, please referto www.policecouldyou.co.uk website. Each application will beconsidered individually by our Health Services team.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process48

Protecting and serving the people of KentFrequently asked questions continuedWhere will I be posted?The Chief Constable reserves the right to post you anywhere withinthe Kent Police area.How long is the probationary period?The probationary period for a police officer is two years.What hours will I work?Police officers work a 40 hour week. Depending on where you areposted, the shift patterns may vary. A shift pattern will consist ofearly shifts, late shifts, night shifts and bank holidays and weekendshifts. Operational demands may require your rostered shift/restdays to be cancelled and re-scheduled at short notice.Can I work part-time?The initial two year probationary period is full-time. Once yourprobation has been confirmed a request for flexible workingcan be made and any application considered taken into accountorganisational need.How much is the salary?The current starting salary is £21,210 (Point 0) rising to £22,221(Point 1) after 36 weeks initial training at which point you willhave obtained independent patrol status. Student officers withindependent patrol status as either a Special Constable or PCSOwill commence at Point 1. All officers will remain at Point 1 for12 months prior to progressing to the next pay increment. Inaddition you will receive a £2,000pa allowance which is taxablebut not pensionable.How much annual leave will I get?The annual leave entitlement is 176 hours per year (22 days) forless than two years’ service, rising to 200 hours per year (25 days)for more than two years relevant service. After that the entitlementrises in five year increments.Can I specialise?Yes. Upon completion of your two year probationary period therewill be the opportunity to apply for a specialist role subject tovacancies at the time.Becoming a Police Constable in Kent – Application process49