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faced a competency-based interview.
“We made our final selection from
the candidates in March and those
chosen were appropriately vetted,”
said Charlotte. “The cohort was made
up of three women and four men
who started in different areas of our
command in the middle of June – and
they have been paid throughout their
time here.
“They went through an induction
before they took up their placements
and they had a mid-term evaluation
halfway through.”
All of the interns were given
responsibility for their own projects
as well as taking part in the day-today
work within their teams. Justified
by their performance, they were
offered an interview, which they all
successfully passed, and were then
offered a job.
“Five have accepted – three have
already taken up positions and the
other two are starting next year
in February and July respectively,”
Charlotte added. “Obviously this is a
great return for us as an agency. Of the
other two, one has another job offer
abroad and the other is returning to
finish his studies.
“This initiative has helped us recruit
some very capable young people
as well as raising awareness of
our organisation. And, although we
selected entirely on merit, it has
been very positive from a diversity
perspective, attracting more women
to the command – including the
technical areas.”
Drawn from universities including St
Andrews, Bournemouth and Middlesex,
the interns said the experience they
had accrued during the three-month
period was invaluable.
They were impressed with the level
of responsibility they had been given,
the support of their experienced
mentors and the opportunities on
offer in the future.
“The internship appealed as a way
of getting some useful experience
and the work looked really cool,” said
Juliette. “But to be honest I did not
think I would be selected at all.
“I never really thought about law
enforcement before but I really like
what I’m doing. The atmosphere
here is very friendly and the people
very genuine.
“There is a lot of opportunity too –
including possibilities for relevant
training and upskilling.”
Martin – who is now resuming his
studies – said the experience of the
internship would stand him in good
stead for the future.
“The past 12 weeks have been
brilliant,” the undergraduate added.
“There is a positive workplace
culture and the ability to work
flexibly is a real benefit.
“Although I haven’t made my mind up
about what I want to do after studying,
I now have the benefit of seeing a
law enforcement agency and want to
continue here as a volunteer.”
The internship has paid off for all
parties – graduates have been given
the opportunity for a career after
university while NCCU has had the pick
of the best emerging talent.
With a second wave of interns set
to be recruited next year, the future
looks promising for this initiative –
particularly with the high conversion
rate from intern to officer.
“This
initiative
has helped
us recruit
some very
capable young
people as well
as raising
awareness
of our
organisation.”
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