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Has anyone been to a police assessment centre?

11 replies

Baggiebird · 25/11/2008 12:51

I have applied to join West Midlands Police and I am attending the assessment centre on Thursday.

There is a competency interview, maths test, verbal reasoning test and role plays. I am so nervous I can?t imagine getting through it.
Usually when I have interviews I try to come across very happy and friendly and build a rapport with the interviewer but I?m not sure if that is the right approach for this.

Has anyone been through it? Can anyone offer any advice?

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grumpalina · 25/11/2008 21:20

It was along time ago (20yrs but I think they'll still be looking for the same things). I don't think it's a problem with regards to taking your approach regarding being happy,friendly and building a rapport. That's what you'll need to be able to do day in day out.

It's likely one of the the role plays will be an 'angry man' scenario where you'll have to be able to take control of the situation and calm it down. Other role plays will probably just expect you to use some common sense and you need to remember to try and elicit as much information form the actor as possilbe.

With regards to the competancy based interview I assume you have a copy of the competancies that are being tested. If not these are on the West mids site

EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION
Communicates all needs, instructions and decisions clearly. Adapts the style of communication to meet the needs of the audience.

COMMUNITY AND CUSTOMER FOCUS
Sees things from the customer?s point of the view and encourages others to do the same. Builds a good understanding and relationship with the community that is served.

PROBLEM SOLVING
Gathers information from a range of sources to understand situations, making sure it is reliable and accurate. Identifies risks and considers alternative courses of action to make good decisions.

RESPECT FOR RACE AND DIVERSITY
Understands other people?s views and takes them into account. Treats people with dignity and respect at all times no matter what their background, status, circumstances or appearance.

TEAMWORKING
Works effectively as a team member and helps build relationships within it.

You need to think of a couple of examples to cover each but they are looking at you having common sense and some confidence (although they accept you will be nervous).

Good luck!!

PS your kids are gorgeous

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Baggiebird · 26/11/2008 09:56

Thank you and thank you so much for your advice!!
I am going to rewrite all my competency scenarios taking into account what you have said.
Apparently one of the role plays will involve a shopkeeper saying he saw some customers shop lifting. There is no CCTV or witnesses. The customers deny it. What would I do.

Thanks again.

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grumpalina · 26/11/2008 19:30

don't know if you want any ides re the above scenario if not stop reading now.

Bottom line is shop keeper is reporting a crime (theft). Unless there is conclusive evidence to the contrary you have to arrest and 'sort it out down the station'. I think they will expect you to get as much info as possible out of the shop keeper and keep control of the situation. I would imagine 'customers' will start getting irate etc etc. You need to remove them from the situation if you can eg move them to a separate room but if they are refusing or start attempting to leave your hand may be forced. However I would imagine shop keeper will be telling you what's happened and customers will keep objecting so you need to remain in control and keep telling customers they will get their chance. You need to avoid letting it become a free for all.

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Baggiebird · 26/11/2008 21:25

Thats brilliant, thanks so much!

I'll let you know how I get on. Dreading the 2 week wait for the results!

Thanks xx

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grumpalina · 27/11/2008 20:46

How did it go???

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Baggiebird · 27/11/2008 21:22

Hiya,

I'm not feeling too confident. Don't think I did too bad on the written, maths and logical. Don't think I did too good on the interactive, I found myself waffling!

Oh well, if its meant to be its meant to be, time will tell! I did meet some lovely people though!!

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grumpalina · 29/11/2008 18:08

Don't worry. Waffling isn't necessarily bad. You need to be able to think on your feet and keep talking. It's more about be able to keep control of a situation and using common sense than anything. I'm sure you'll be fine.

Fingers crossed!